If you’ve been thinking about getting Botox injections but are not too sure how long the results will last… We’ve got news for you. Botox is not a one-and-done anti-aging treatment. For most clients, whether it’s their first time or they’re regulars, it’s always important to understand how Botox works, how many units are included, and how long the results will last. By doing so, this can help them unlock the fountain of youth and learn how to maintain it.
This means no more hours and effort spent scouring the internet to get those “anti-aging skincare hacks.” No knives and cuts involved. No harsh chemicals, just effective, non-surgical solutions.
Here’s a short primer on how to make it happen.
What Is Botox and How Does It Work?
Botox (short for botulinum toxin) is a purified protein that temporarily relaxes the muscles that cause wrinkles. It works by blocking nerve signals to targeted muscles, preventing them from contracting. Less muscle movement means fewer dynamic wrinkles—those lines formed by repeated facial expressions like frowning or squinting.
Common Areas Treated with Botox:
- Forehead lines
- Frown lines (the 11s between the brows)
- Crow’s feet around the eyes
- Bunny lines on the nose
Botox isn’t just for aesthetics. It is also FDA-approved for treating chronic migraines, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), and jaw tension caused by teeth grinding.
How Long Does Botox Take to Work?
Botox doesn’t deliver instant results. Here’s a timeline of what to expect:
- 3 to 5 Days: Subtle improvements begin to show. You may notice reduced muscle movement and a softening of fine lines at least 3 days after your Botox injections.
- 10 to 14 Days: Maximum results become visible, with smoother skin and fewer wrinkles.
If you want to keep your skin smooth for a longer period of time, getting Botox regularly is the way to go, as it helps extend the lifespan of the treatment results. And just a friendly reminder: if you have any big events coming up, book your Botox appointment at least two weeks ahead of time. This gives the Botox some time to fully take effect.
How Long Does Botox Last?
Generally, Botox may keep the skin wrinkle-free for about three to four months. But, here’s the thing, the results aren’t the same for everyone. How long it lasts can depend on a few factors.
First, how much Botox you get matters. If you’re getting a bigger dose, let’s say 40 units for a larger area like the forehead or jawline, it might stick around for closer to four or even five months on average. That’s because more Botox means more muscle relaxation, which takes longer to wear off. Also, if you’ve got strong facial muscles, like in your forehead or jaw, those muscles might fight the Botox a bit, and it could wear off sooner, sometimes even in just two to three months. And, just like with anything, your body’s speed at processing things plays a role. If your body has a high metabolism, it might break down the Botox quicker, shaving off a week or two from the average duration.
Finally, if you’re a regular Botox user, getting consistent treatments every three to four months, your muscles start to get a bit lazy over time. This consistent weakening can actually make the results last longer, sometimes even extending to five or six months in some cases. So, it’s a mix of dose, your muscles, your body’s speed, and how often you get it that decides how long you’ll enjoy those smooth results.
Botox 3 Days After: What to Expect
Three days after your Botox treatment, you may be anxiously checking the mirror for changes. While it’s still too early for dramatic results, here’s what you might find, and which are normal:
- Mild Tightness or Tenderness: Some experience a slight tightness or sensitivity in the treated area.
- Minimal Redness or Swelling: Any redness or swelling typically resolves within a few hours.
- Subtle Softening of Lines: While the full effect takes longer, you may notice a slight reduction in fine lines.
Important: Avoid rubbing or touching the treated areas for at least 24 hours to prevent the Botox from migrating to unintended areas.
How Many Units of Botox Do You Really Need?
The number of Botox units required depends on the treatment area and your aesthetic goals. This is how it might look like:
- Forehead Lines: 10 to 20 units
- Frown Lines (Glabellar Lines): 15 to 20 units
- Crow’s Feet: 12 to 24 units (6 to 12 units per eye)
- Jawline (Masseter): 25 to 40 units per side for jaw slimming
If you’re treating multiple areas, Botox of 40 units or more may be recommended for optimal results. A Botox clinic like Canada MedLaser will assess your facial muscles first and customize the dosage based on your needs. This helps fine-tune the treatment to your facial features and avoid looking ‘frozen’.
Does Botox Last Longer with Consistent Treatments?
Yes. Mainly because consistent Botox treatments can make those smooth results last longer over time. Here’s the scoop: similar to muscle, regular Botox makes muscles get used to not contracting as much, almost like they develop a ‘lazy’ memory, so they stay relaxed for longer.
Plus, there’s a cumulative effect—the more you get Botox, the less your muscles move overall, which means the results tend to stick around longer. The best part of this is that those who’ve been getting Botox for a while find they don’t need as much, or they can go longer between treatments. So, sticking with it can mean less maintenance and longer-lasting smoothness.
What Happens If You Stop Getting Botox?
If you decide to take a break from Botox, don’t worry—your wrinkles won’t come back worse.
When Botox wears off, your facial muscles gradually return to their normal movement, and wrinkles will reappear. But since Botox helps prevent deeper lines over time, your skin may still look better than if you had never started Botox.
Think of it as hitting the pause button. When you stop, the aging process resumes, but you’re not starting from scratch.
Will Wrinkles Return Stronger?
No. A common myth suggests that stopping Botox makes wrinkles return deeper or more pronounced, but this isn’t true.
In fact, regular Botox treatments train your facial muscles to stay relaxed, which means that even if you stop, your muscles may not contract as aggressively as they did before. Many long-term Botox users find that they can extend the time between treatments because their muscles naturally stay more relaxed.
How to Make Botox Last Longer: Expert-Approved Tips
If you want to extend the life of your Botox results, follow these expert-approved tips:
- Stay Hydrated: Hydrated skin maintains elasticity and enhances Botox’s effectiveness.
- Use Sunscreen Daily: UV exposure accelerates aging and breaks down collagen, reducing Botox’s longevity.
- Avoid Intense Workouts for 24–48 Hours: Strenuous exercise can increase blood flow, which may reduce Botox’s effectiveness.
- Minimize Facial Movements Post-Treatment: Avoid excessive facial expressions in the first 24 hours to allow the product to settle properly.
Is Botox Worth It?
The short answer: Absolutely.
Botox is more than just smoothing out lines—it’s about feeling confident in your own skin. Whether you’re preparing for summer, a big event, or simply want to maintain a youthful glow, Botox delivers results that make the investment worthwhile.
Ready to Experience Smoother Skin?
If you’re ready to enjoy smoother, younger-looking skin, Canada MedLaser Clinics offers expert Botox treatments tailored to your cosmetic goals.
Book a consultation today and let’s create a treatment plan to help keep your skin looking fresh and youthful all year long.
