It’s likely that you’re wondering when Botox kicks in if you’re thinking about getting it done. The response varies depending on the area being treated and the dosage. You might notice effects as early as three days for places like frown lines and crow’s feet, but it might take up to a week to observe any change for forehead wrinkles. The metabolism of your body is another crucial aspect that affects how well Botox works.
In this blog, we’ll dive into how long Botox takes to work, where it works best, why Botox takes so long to work, and how you can maximise your results.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox is a popular cosmetic treatment that reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by temporarily relaxing the muscles in the face. It prevents some muscles from tensing up by blocking nerve signals to those muscles. This preserves your skin’s natural expressions while making it appear smoother and younger.
How Long Does Botox Take to Work?
Botox treatment time varies according to the area being treated. While some areas see improvements in a matter of days, others take longer due to variations in muscle size, strength, and how quickly the neurotoxin attaches to nerve endings. Here’s a breakdown of Botox’s onset time for each area:
1. Crow’s Feet
When does Botox kick in: 2 to 4 days
Reason: Because the muscles surrounding the eyes are tiny and thin, Botox immediately gets absorbed and starts acting.
2. Frown Lines
When does Botox kick in: 3 to 5 days
Reason: Botox takes more time to relax the muscles in this area since they are stronger.
3. Forehead Wrinkles
When does Botox kick in: 5 to 7 days
Reason: Botox takes longer to work on the forehead since the muscles here are larger and more actively involved.
4. Bunny Lines
When does Botox kick in: 3 to 5 days
Reason: Even though the muscles on the nose are smaller, it still takes Botox a few days to smoothen the wrinkles.
5. Jawline Slimming
When does Botox kick in?: 1 to 2 weeks
Reason: Because the masseter muscles are thick, they take longer to relax and slim down.
6. Lip Flip
When does Botox kick in?: 3 to 5 days
Reason: The muscles around the lips are fragile, and Botox requires time to adapt the movement gradually.
7. Neck Bands
When does Botox kick in?: 7 to 10 days
Reason: The platysma is a bigger muscle, therefore Botox requires more time to completely relax its movement.
8. Excessive Sweating
When does Botox kick in?: 2 to 4 days
Reason: Reaching the sweat glands and blocking them takes time, leading to more time to treat excessive sweating through Botox.
9. Nose Botox
When does Botox kick in?: 10 to 14 days
Reason: Muscles are larger and more active.
Why Does Botox Take So Long to Work?
Botox works by gradually inhibiting nerve signals to the muscles, unlike fillers, which produce instant volume. Several factors impact how long it takes Botox to work, including:
1. Injection Area
Botox is absorbed faster by smaller muscles, such as those around the eyes resulting in faster results. It takes longer for larger muscles to relax, such as those in the forehead.
2. Dosage
Higher doses may take longer to attach to nerve terminals, but the effects are longer-lasting. Lighter doses work faster, but they tend to wear off quicker.
3. Individual Metabolism
Your body’s ability to break down Botox influences how soon it works and how long it lasts. If you have a rapid metabolism, you may require more regular touch-ups, whilst a slower metabolism can maintain results for as long as six months.
Tips to Maximise Your Results After Botox Treatment
Although genetics affect how long Botox treatment lasts, there are a few things you can do to prolong its effectiveness and maintain a youthful look.
1. Keep Your Skin Safe from the Sun
The lifespan of Botox may be shortened by UV exposure, which degrades collagen and can lead to inflammation. It’s imperative to apply sunscreen every day.
2. Control Your Stress Levels
Tension in the muscles and elevated cortisol levels brought on by stress can accelerate ageing and accelerate the breakdown of Botox. Reduce stress and prolong outcomes by engaging in deep breathing, yoga, or meditation.
3. High-Intensity Exercises
Because high-intensity exercises increase metabolism, Botox may not last as long. To help you sustain your results, use moderately intense workouts.
4. Make Use of High-Quality Skincare
The effects of Botox are improved by a hydrated and well-maintained skin surface. To keep your skin looking young and smooth, look for creams that contain hyaluronic acid and other anti-ageing chemicals.
5. Stay Hydrated
Keep yourself hydrated, as dehydration can lead to the return of fine lines.
6. Steer Clear of Nicotine and Smoking
Nicotine shortens the duration of Botox by damaging collagen and speeding up the creation of wrinkles. Steer clear of vaping and smoking to maintain your results.
7. Choose a Skilled Botox Practitioner
Choose a qualified doctor and check testimonials and before & after pictures.
Final Thoughts
A reliable, non-invasive method for minimising wrinkles and getting a more youthful appearance is Botox. Even if outcomes differ depending on variables like metabolism, injection site, and lifestyle decisions, there are strategies to extend its lifespan, from stress management and skin protection to selecting a skilled practitioner.
Frequently Asked Questions
The results depend on the area and dosage, but it usually takes 3 to 5 days for a person to notice changes after Botox treatment but can take up to 14 days.
There’re a few things that you can keep in mind to extend the lifespan of your Botox, like avoiding sunlight, reducing stress, doing high-intensity exercises, and avoiding smoking.
The needles used for Botox are quite small, and most people experience little to no pain during the treatment.
Botox is an FDA-approved and non-surgical treatment, so it’s completely safe for you to get Botox done.
