Also known as Botox Cosmetic, this prescription drug is used to temporarily paralyze facial muscles and help make forehead lines, crow’s feet, and frown lines less noticeable.
Considered a comparatively safe and straightforward procedure, consistent with a reliable source from a 2016 study, you’ll generally expect to ascertain and feel the complete effects of Botox within10 to 14 days of the procedure.
We spoke with some experts to find out how long Botox takes to work and how long you can expect to see and feel results.
When Botox takes effect
In general, you can see the effects of Botox as soon as 3-4 days after the injection. Dr. Kevin, a facial plastic surgeon at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, says that most patients will see results within 10 to 14 days, but should wait the full 14 days to see maximum results.
While results vary supported factors like the world treated and therefore the frequency of the injection, that results generally last 3 months.
In addition to the area treated and the injection frequency, the efficacy timeline is also affected by the Botox dose. According to Dr. Kaplan, a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, it appears that the higher the dose delivered to an area, the longer the effect on the muscles.
“Therefore, a lighter dose that seems more ‘natural’ can last only 6 to eight weeks, while a stronger dose (more units) could last quite 6 months but ‘paralyze’ the appearance of the muscles, like the frown lines,” he said.
Because of the difference in results, Palm says this delicate balance between dosage, desired look, and duration are some belongings you need to ask your healthcare provider before treatment to appropriate expectations.
Timeline for forehead, crow’s feet, and between the eyebrows
The most common areas of the face for Botox include the forehead, around the eyes (crow’s feet), and between the eyebrows. generally, the finer the lines, the faster the results.
“For example, patients will generally see results more quickly in areas a bit like the corners of the eyes (crow’s feet) and fine lines on the forehead,” he said.
Additionally, Palm says that it is not that Botox injected into different areas takes different amounts of time to see results. It is actually the concentration of the injected product and how it is injected into the muscle.
That said, “it’s possible that larger muscles receiving fewer units (think forehead) appear to fireside more slowly. A smaller muscle (a weaker frown) receiving more units,” he explained
Why does it take time to work?
While some results are noticeable after 3-4 days, it may take a few weeks to see maximum results. Why this delay? Botox binds at a connection point between muscles and nerves called the motor endplate. When this happens, Palm says the nerves “bark and command” the muscle to move, and the nerve’s endplate, which is the megaphone, yells at the nerve to contract.
“Botox binds to a specific protein called SNARE on the motor endplate that sends chemical messages.
Botox silences this phone game, and without the release of the chemical acetylcholine, Palm says the muscle won’t move.
Although Botox binds quickly, Palm says turning off SNARE and silencing acetylcholine takes several days. This explains why the appearance of Botox before and after is not immediate but takes several days. Botox is giving an injection under the skin. It is absorbing nerve cells in tune with the muscle.
Basically, it takes time for Botox to require effect within the muscle and stop or weaken the contraction that causes lines.
“Once those muscles stop contracting, the lines or wrinkles are releasing, resulting in a much better appearance of the skin,” he added.
How it feels when it starts to work
It works when your lines start to fade.” The treated area will look smoother and fresher,” said Dr.Kevin.
After her first treatment, Palep says she may feel a feeling of tightness or heaviness. Which will go away in 1 to 2 weeks. Usually, she can notice that the Botox is starting to wear off. She can see dynamic lines again with movement.
Where to find a provider
When it involves finding a provider to administer Botox, the primary criteria is to ascertain a board-certified physician. Typically, people will seek treatment from a board-certified dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon
