Botox - After Treatment Timeline

The patient researched Botox injections, consulted with the injector and planned ahead for the big appointment. What comes next after that?

It's an important part of being a professional injector that you correctly frame your patients expectations and guide them through the process of what to expect after their treatment. In this article we're going to cover a few of the common questions that potential patients have (even if they forget to ask) that you should be ready to answer.

After being injected, Botox goes to work by impeding the production of a neurotransmitter that signals contraction of muscles, essentially paralyzing the muscle. This process is not instantaneous though. Begging prospective patients to ask the question: how long does it take before Botox takes effect after the treatment?

How Long Does It Take Before Botox Takes Effect After the Treatment?

Botox takes effect gradually over a period of days to weeks following the injection procedure.

How Long Does It Take Botox To Start Working?

Botox injections usually start working one to three days after treatment. However, there are some variables that can affect it, including the amount of Botox used, which facial; area was treated and the extent of physical activity after the treatment

Most of the information we see on Botox discusses its efficacy. There is rarely any documentation of the rapidity of its onset. Most patients see improvement within two to four days. The full results can be seen in as little as a week after treatment but it can vary from person to person. There are certain factors that affect the time it takes to achieve maximum results such as age, gender, number of units injected, the type of Botox used and elasticity of the skin.

Post Botox Injection Care

To allow the BOTOX ®to work optimally in the target muscle, the following tips and precautions should be suggested to patients:

• "Exercise" the injected muscles for the first 1-2 hours after the procedure is completed, practice frowning, raising your eyebrows and squinting. This can help work Botox into the muscles.
• Do not lie down for 4 hours after getting the injections. Stay upright, sit or stand, this will prevent Botox from tracking down into the orbital sockets.
• Do not rub treated areas 4 hours after the procedure, avoid touching injection sites to prevent the toxin from spreading.
• Do not engage in strenuous activities for 24 hours after treatment.
• Avoid skin treatments such as facials, massages, microdermabrasion and exfoliation procedures for a least 2 weeks right after the appointment.

How Long Does the Effect of Botox Last?

We all hope the wonderful effects last forever, but just like the saying nothing lasts forever, including Botox. Botulinum toxin gets metabolized by the body over time, the effects of the neurotoxin will wear off and the paralyzed muscles will start contracting again, lines and wrinkles begin to reappear on the skin and need to be treated again.

Typically, Botox will last from 3 to 6 months. It varies from person to person, with some it may last longer, around 5-6 months, with others it may be shorter, 3-4 months.

For first time users, the initial injections may not last as long compared to the effects of a second treatment. After a few treatments, the lines and wrinkles also often appear less severe with time because the muscles are shrinking.