Okay, so how long does Toxin (aka our anti ageing treatment) usually last? If only it lasted forever!
This is one of the many questions patients come to us with, how long will my botox last? Truthfully everyone is different, we use a guideline of how long it roughly lasts but that's what is ultimately is, a guideline. Managing patient expectations is a major aspect when it comes to this treatment and its about being realistic with the outcome.
This Graph by @cosmedocs gives a brilliant demonstration on the longevity of toxin and yet the expectation varies a huge amount. Education is what is needed to better understand how this treatment works.
Toxin Usually takes effect in 3-5 days but your full and final results won't be seen for 7-10 days. Personally we find it sensible to wait a full 2 weeks after their initial treatment and at that point if on review you need a touch up, we will take care of it.
It takes this long because it takes time for the toxin to block off those nerve impulses to the muscles. It is not immediate. Touch ups are often needed with your first ever treatment or appointment with a new practitioner as it's about getting the dose right depending on the individual factors.
This is exactly why we advise not to chop and change practitioners, instead give your practitioner feedback on your next appointment (we won't be offended). Safe practitioners always record the areas of injection, type of toxin and dosage following your treatment which means adjustments can be made until perfected, which should then provide you with reliable results with future treatments.
On average results last 3-4 months. there will be some lucky patients in which it lasts longer between 4-6 months, however for some the effectiveness may be shorter and within the 2 month range. It is also common for first-timers to notice that it may not last as long initially but may last longer after the second treatment. Everyone has a different experience and results vary.
As you can see on the graph the maximum effect of Toxin is between 2-4 weeks which then slowly starts to decline from week 4. It's not unusual to feel like your Toxin has worn off after 2 months but in fact what you are seeing is the muscles slowly beginning to regain strength. It hasn't completely worn off it's just a little more noticeable than the period of maximum effectiveness.
The reality is it's unrealistic to expect to have absolutely no movement for the full 3-4 months as this isn't how Toxin works. AS the action of the Toxin begins to wear off the nerves will again be able to send those signals to the muscles to start working or contracting resulting in a steady gradual decline over several weeks.
So now you sort of know "how long my botox will last", when should you have your next anti-ageing treatment?
We always recommend at least 3 months in between appointments, ideally 4. Again this is different for everyone and depends on the strength of your muscle movement.
Trust your practitioner, we are not diluting doses, using cheap products or injecting the wrong areas, this is just how Toxin works. We wish the effects could last forever too!
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