Why Isn’t My Botox Lasting? Do This to Make it Last Longer.
Frustrated why my Botox is only lasting 2 months, I did some research and here is what I found…
Why isn’t my Botox lasting longer? Frustrated as to why my treatments only last about 2 months, I decided to do some research. In the process, I also learned:
- what to expect with first-time Botox results
- why does Botox wear off
- what to do to make Botox last longer
- how to get the best results from a Botox treatment
Keep reading below to find out what you can do to get better results from your injectable treatment.
Why Isn’t My Botox Lasting: And How Long Should It Last
So your Botox results are not lasting as long as you expected. But how long is Botox supposed to last?
Generally speaking, the results from botulinum toxin injections can last between 3-6 months, according to the company’s website. But, for most people, the results average around 3-4 months.
However, here are some reasons why your Botox isn’t lasting as long as you like.
1. First Time Injections – Results Shorter Than Normal
While each individual may have a unique experience, you can expect your first treatment to wear off faster, usually within 2-3 months.
Why? Because it usually takes several injections to get the muscles to respond to botulinum toxin.
The good news; the more cosmetic injections you get, over time, the longer your results will last. Meaning, the longer you suppress muscle contractions, the weaker the muscle and the better and longer your results will be.
My personal experience: The first time I had injections to reduce my frown lines, the results of Botox wore off within 2 months.
And this was despite the fact that my plastic surgeon injected the highest amount of units of Botox for that area. The typical amount of units used for glabellar lines (frown lines) ranges from 6-15 units.
But after my 3rd treatment, the Botox duration increased and now my results last between 4-6 months.
And I no longer need higher doses to smooth wrinkles. This is a good thing for my wallet!
So if this is your first time, just know that with regular treatments, you can expect results to last longer.
2. Not Enough Units
Perhaps you were under injected. The frozen look is out. The new trend is a more natural look (hence the use of Baby Botox).
As a result, some injectors are using the lowest effective dose of Botox to smooth out the appearance of fine lines, not freeze or eliminate them completely.
However, some people have stronger muscles in certain areas of the face and may require more Botox for longer-lasting effects. Talk to your injector and see if this applies to you.
3. What is Your Gender
Botox may not last as long in men, compared to women. It’s been found that men may require up to 50 percent more Botox than women.
4. You Got a Bad Batch
Botulinum toxin you received could be old, stale or diluted. Once the Botox is opened and mixed, it must be used within a specific time frame, or it loses its efficacy.
If you’re getting a super great price for your injections, but results don’t last within the normal time frame, perhaps you’re not getting the best quality Botox. Try to find a more reputable provider.
5. Static Wrinkles Too Deep
The aging process and sun damage can turn those dynamic wrinkles (fine lines) into static wrinkles (deep lines etched into the skin). So Botox alone may not reduce the wrinkles or smooth out the skin as desired.
In this case, a combination of dermal fillers and Botox would help. The hyaluronic acid in the dermal filler (like Juvederm) helps fill-in and plump up the depressed wrinkle, and the Botox can help prevent the muscle contraction that caused the deep wrinkle.
6. Smaller Muscles
Botox could be shorter acting on different parts of the face. Areas of the face with small muscles and lots of movement may require more frequent treatments.
For example, the crow’s feet and forehead area usually last much longer than the smaller muscles around the mouth – like for lip lines.
7. Poor Injection Technique
If your injector is not properly skilled, your results will be poor. Botox must be injected precisely into the muscle, not too deep and not too superficially, for best results. Again, finding a skilled provider with experience is important.
8. Botox Resistance.
Some people, less than 2 percent, may be resistant to Botox, so their results don’t last very long, or they don’t get the desired results they’re expecting.
Why this happens is not exactly known. But researches suspect that the immune system can build up a tolerance to Botox.
If this happens to you, talk to your provider about what can be done. The injector might try a higher dose, suggest frequent lower dose injections, or try another product like Dysport or Xeomin.
Why Does Botox Wear Off
As we know, Botox is not permanent. When botulinum toxin is injected into a muscle, it blocks the release and effects of acetylcholine (ACh), a neurotransmitter that allow muscles to contract. More details on how this works here at when does Botox start working.
But over time, the body makes new neurotransmitters, so the effect wears off, and the muscles can move again.
What helps Botox last longer?
So what can you do to make the effect of Botox last longer? Below are some tips to extend your Botox results, but keep in mind everyone is different, so not all my apply to you.
A – Keep Up With Regular Treatments.
It’s important to remember you need to keep up with regular treatments. As stated above, the longer you’ve been getting Botox, the longer you’ll enjoy the desired effects because muscles get weaker overtime.
If you wait until you have full movement of muscles, then it’s like you’re starting all over again. And we know that the first time Botox treatments usually last the shortest amount of time.
B – Avoid Activity.
Avoid any activity that boosts blood circulation within the first 24 hours of treatment. Why?
Because increasing circulation can cause blood vessels to dilate, which could disperse Botox faster than usual. It could also cause it to spread to unwanted areas, causing unwanted side effects like droopy eyelids.
That’s why you are told to avoid exercises, bending over, or even lying down within the first 6 hours after treatment.
You also want to avoid touching or rubbing the areas of your face near the injection sites. So be careful when washing your face or applying makeup and creams.
C – Try Zinc supplements.
Botox belongs to an enzyme group called zinc metalloproteinases. These enzymes require zinc to work. So if you have a zinc deficiency, it’s possible that Botox won’t work well for you.
A study published online in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (JDD) found that over 90 percent of participants who took 50 mgs of a zinc citrate supplement 4 days before the cosmetic procedure saw a 30 percent increase in duration and desired result.
In another study published in the Medical News Today, participants had success taking 10 mgs of Zinc Gluconate 4 days before treatment.
So which one should you take? While more studies need to be done on the topic of zinc and Botox, it’s best (when you make your Botox appointment) to check with your provider to see what they suggest.
Also, if you have high zinc levels, or you are taking any medications, it’s best to speak to your physician before taking any supplements.
How to Get the Best Results from Botox Treatment
So, after your Botox injection, what can you do to ensure you get the best results?
A – Muscle Exercises
It usually takes 7-10 days to see full results from your Botox treatment. However, you might see results faster with facial exercises.
This may sound contradictory to what is written above about avoiding activity or touching your face after injections. But we’re talking about facial contractions, not touching your face.
A study published in the Journal of the American Academy Dermatology (JAAD) found that when participants performed certain facial exercises, they saw desired results (reduction in the appearance of wrinkles in the forehead lines and frown lines) faster than the typical 7-10 day period.
Participants did the following facial contractions: 3 sets, with a 10-minute break in between each set.
- 40 forehead raises
- 40 scowls (that’s frowning)
Make sure not to rub your face. Please check with your injector to make sure this is right for you.
B – Avoid Certain Supplements
You can minimize bruising by avoiding supplements that act as mild blood thinners.
Try to avoid aspirin and blood-thinning supplements like vitamin C, E, fish oils and alcohol at least 2 weeks prior and a few days after your appointment to prevent or minimize bruising.
C – Follow your Provider’s Advice
Your provider will offer a list of suggestions to follow immediately after injections. Such as avoiding strenuous activity, lying down, bending over, or drinking alcohol. Some even suggest avoiding sunbathing for that day.
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