It all Starts here
How long will botulinum toxin (ie: BOTOX®) last?
Posted by Laurence Weider on January 9, 2020
Botox® Cosmetic is the brand name for Onobotulinumtoxin A, which is a neurotoxin derived from Clostridium botulinum. There are four different FDA-approved versions of botulinum toxin including Botox® Cosmetic, Xeomin, Dysport and now Jeuveau.
These neurotoxins, which are also called neuromodulators, work by blocking signals from the nerves to selected muscles that prevent them from contracting. This results in less pull on the overlying skin and a decrease in the formation of adjacent wrinkles. Although these four products have essentially the same results, they differ in their time of onset, and duration of action.
If you are a new patient who has never received these treatments, Dr. Weider can help you choose. Although these products have the same mechanism of action, some patients may have experience with certain products and may personally favor one or another. Keep in mind that all of these neuromodulators are approved by the FDA and are generally safe and effective when administered by a Board-Certified plastic surgeon.
What to expect from the injection?
Dr. Weider will discuss your goals with you at the time of your consultation and examination. If you are a good candidate and your goals can be achieved, the injections can be performed at the time of your consultation. The three most common areas of treatment are the brow, the forehead and the “crow’s feet” adjacent to the corner of the eyes.
Initially your face will be cleansed in the areas that are receiving injections. The wrinkles to be addressed will be carefully marked for injection. At this point the injections will be administered in in the predetermined areas to target the desired muscles.
Small bumps around the areas of the injection site may be visible but generally disappear by the time you leave the office. Mild bruising is possible as well and typically resolves in 24-48 hours. Dr. Weider will let you know what he suggests in terms of any activity restrictions for the remainder of the day.
How long until I see results from botulinum toxins such as Botox®?
You will generally begin to see results in 3-5 days, but full results typically take 7-10 days. The results vary from patient to patient, and the injected neurotoxins may take longer in some individuals than in others to initially block the nerve impulses to the treated facial muscles.
How long do the results last?
Injection results do not last forever. Once the neurotoxins wear off the nerves will start to send signals to the previously injected muscles, and the wrinkles will begin to return. In general botulinum toxin injections lasts approximately 3-4 months, but individual results may vary. Patients who are receiving neuromodulator injections for the first time may notice that they may not last as long initially but after the second treatment see longer lasting results.
Dr. Weider is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in Dallas, TX and has many years of experience successfully administering neuromodulators such as Botox® Cosmetic and other injectables. To schedule a consultation today give us a call at (972) 566-8444.
Dr. Weider, a native of Southern California, is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon who has maintained a private practice in Dallas, TX since 1999. After attending Stanford University, he obtained his medical degree (M.D.) from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He then completed a one year surgical internship in Los Angeles at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, followed by a four year general surgery residency in Dallas at Methodist Medical Center, and a two year plastic surgery fellowship in Cleveland at Case Western Reserve University.
