How Long Does Botox Last?

Botox has been the mainstay of aesthetic skin treatments and anti-aging for decades.

Botox has been the mainstay of aesthetic skin treatments and anti-aging for decades. While the product itself remains remarkably similar to when it was first given FDA approval as a wrinkle treatment (1989), its use is now far wider spread. It can also be used to target many additional areas and issues.

As for how long it lasts, the effects of Botox injections are typically 3-6 months. However, many steps can be taken to enhance this longevity. The best clinicians will also use Botox in combination with other injectables and aesthetic treatments for the ultimate long-lasting effect.

Understanding How Long Does Botox Last and its Relationship with Other Treatments

Botox longevity in isolation
Botox longevity in combination with other injectables
Botox longevity in combination with other aesthetic treatments

Botox longevity in isolation

Botox injectables (one of several different products that fall under the banner of neuromodulators) typically last anywhere from 3-6 months. However, many variables can influence this, such as:

First-time users might have a stronger muscular structure, causing the results to be shorter-lived.
Conversely, as time goes by and a person has more treatments, the effects may last a little longer. This is because the muscles become used to the product, relax faster, and remain so for longer.
Where on the body it’s injected.
The skill of the clinician who carries out your treatment. Placement of the injections is extremely important and something that’s critical to both the results and how long they last.

Botox longevity in combination with other injectables

The best clinicians often use a combination approach to wrinkle and anti-aging. A common combination is that of Botox and dermal fillers. A decrease in collagen—one of the causes of wrinkles and lines—is also responsible for reduced “plumpness” and elasticity in the skin’s appearance.

Typical examples include hollowed cheeks and sunken eye sockets—something that dermal fillers target extremely effectively. In addition to a dermal filler, using a combination of neuromodulators (of which Botox is only one type) is often preferred. For instance, Dysport often has better results when used to target crow’s feet. Therefore, your injector might choose this pathway in that area and Botox for, say, forehead lines.

When injectables are used in a combination format, overall longevity is likely to increase thanks to the dynamic interactions between the products and the supported body tissues.

Botox longevity in combination with other aesthetic treatments

Your aesthetic dermatologist may well suggest complementary treatments that can also lead to longer-lasting results. For example, CoolSculpting the lower jaw in combination with Botox injections are the two options successfully used for a non-surgical jaw reduction.

Another popular option is a Botox—light chemical peel combo. Or perhaps using the neuromodulator in tandem with microdermabrasion.

Such dual product use is something that the best aesthetic providers will be experienced in suggesting and able to tailor to your specific requirements. You might also find your clinician recommends alternate use of Botox and another neuromodulator. Not only can this provide better results, but because each has slightly different physical interactions, there will also be subtle differences in the results. That way you can determine which you prefer and, over time, benefit from a truly bespoke approach to your anti-aging, skin, and facial needs.