How Long Does It Take For BOTOX To Work?
Dr. Roberto Garcia | 03/26/2020
When patients are considering facial injectables like BOTOX®, they generally want to know when they will start seeing results. Because results vary by person, there is a delicate balance between the desired look, dosage, frequency, and how a patient prepares their skin for their upcoming BOTOX treatment. Dr. Roberto Garcia is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and founder of Contoura Facial Plastic Surgery in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. His private practice offers an array of surgical and nonsurgical options, including BOTOX, to patients in the greater Jacksonville area.
For individuals considering this wrinkle-relaxing treatment, here is a general overview of what it can cosmetically help and when patients can expect to start seeing the results.
What does BOTOX treat?
BOTOX is one of the most requested cosmetic treatments available today. Since its FDA approval, it has become an anti-aging solution for women and men. With repetitive facial expressions, like laughing, squinting, or smiling, specific muscle contractions can create wrinkles or creases in the skin. As we age, our bodies start to produce less collagen, which is the active protein that allows our skin to bounce back. When that starts to happen, fine lines and wrinkles get left behind. BOTOX is a neurotoxin that temporarily blocks the nerve endings to limit those muscle movements. Once injected, it allows the facial skin to relax, therefore reducing those wrinkle-producing contractions. The result gives patients a smoother, more youthful appearance. The most common areas for BOTOX injections are:
- Forehead wrinkles or deep creases
- Crow's feet around the eyes
- Vertical "11" lines between the eyebrows
- Vertical "bunny" lines around the nose
How long does BOTOX take to see results?
With limited facial movement, fine lines and wrinkles will begin to be less noticeable over the next few days after treatment. While it varies by patient, most individuals start to see the effects of their BOTOX injections as early as 3 – 4 days after treatment. The full results take about 10 – 14 days after the procedure. The longevity of each treatment varies by person, but overall, BOTOX typically lasts about 3 – 4 months. In some cases, patients can even experience the anti-aging effects of up to 5 - 6 months. When done correctly, BOTOX can give patients fantastic results with no downtime or surgery needed.
Can I move my face after BOTOX injections?
The simple answer is yes. When patients are first considering this cosmetic injectable, they typically want to know when they will start seeing results and if they will be able to express themselves, even after BOTOX. When done correctly and with a qualified, experienced injector like the ones at Contoura Facial Plastic Surgery, BOTOX will smooth out those target areas by temporarily limiting muscle contractions. A skilled injector understands the facial anatomy and underlying muscle structure when administering each dose to get the right results. During an initial consultation, Dr. Garcia will ask patients to make certain facial expressions, like squinting or frowning, to target the right BOTOX injection sites to give each patient optimal results.
What are BOTOX side effects?
BOTOX sessions generally last 20 – 30 minutes after the initial consultation. Some patients even do it over their lunch hour. The effect of BOTOX remains localized to the area it is injected. It doesn't roam throughout a patient's body. However, patients should refrain from touching their faces for the first 24 – 48 hours, as it increases the risk of the injection shifting or dispersing to a different, unintended muscle. Patients must also refrain from facial massages or spa treatments for the first week. Common side effects associated with BOTOX injections are:
- Slight swelling or redness at the injection sites
- Small bumps or lumps can appear at the injection point
- Muscle tightness or numbness
Most side effects begin to dissipate after a few hours, if not in a 2 -3 days. If symptoms persist or get worse, patients should contact their BOTOX injector or practice.
BOTOX is an anti-aging solution to help individuals look and feel younger. Men and women in their 20s or 30s can use BOTOX as a preventive measure to eliminate the formation of dynamic wrinkles and fine lines. In comparison, individuals in their late 30s, 40s, and 50s can use this wrinkle relaxer to restore a more youthful appearance and make wrinkles less noticeable. It is an excellent cosmetic tool for Jacksonville women and men to feel better about how they look for an overall facial rejuvenation experience.
BOTOX is one of many nonsurgical options at Contoura Facial Plastic Surgery in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. Dr. Roberto Garcia is highly regarded in the Jacksonville area and has helped countless patients with the myriad of cosmetic options his private practice provides. If you are considering facial injectables, we invite you to call Contoura Facial Plastic Surgery and schedule your consultation with Dr. Garcia today.