How long does Botox last? How often do I need to get a Botox treatment?
Botox injections can last up to 4 months, depending on the location of the injection. Although Botox is typically reserved for the upper 1/3 of the face (and fillers for the lower 2/3 of the face), Botox can also be injected in small amounts around the mouth and chin as well as the neck region. Most patients do see a full 4 months of effect in the forehead and frown line/glabellar regions, but the delicate crows’ feet may only last 3 months before the tiny thin muscles in that area metabolize the substance out of the body.
This is the same for areas such as the chin and the perioral region–usually Botox will last 2-3 months in these areas because they are areas of constant muscle movement which cause faster metabolism of the protein out of the body. With talking, eating, and laughing, the muscles get much more of a workout than their counterparts in the upper face.
Once a patient has been injecting consistently for 1-2 years, it is not uncommon for the patient to see their Botox injections lasting longer–perhaps up to 6 months in duration. This is because the rested muscles atrophy slightly and do remember how to contract as well even when the Botox metabolizes at the normal rate. This is great thing! Botox becomes more cost effective with time.