Many individuals become interested in cosmetic improvements before special occasions like weddings, family get-togethers, or school reunions. One of the most popular cosmetic options for these events is BOTOX® Cosmetic—an injectable treatment that lessens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. While BOTOX® is the most well-known neurotoxin formula, it is not the only treatment of this nature available.
Dysport®, for example, is a similar neurotoxin that restores more youthful contours. There are currently four neurotoxin products on the US market: Botox, Jeuveau, Dysport, and Xeomin. These injectables, performed by medical professionals, relax muscles to reduce unwanted wrinkles and facial expressions and can even decrease sweating in areas like the armpits.
Timing Your Neurotoxin Treatment: How Long Do Results Last and When Should You Schedule?
Neurotoxins like BOTOX Cosmetic and DAXXIFY are FDA-approved and derived from naturally-occurring, highly-purified protein from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. By administering these injections, the appearance of facial wrinkles and lines can be significantly reduced, providing a smoother and more youthful appearance.
However, even though these are non-surgical treatment options, they should not be undergone just hours before a special occasion, as optimal results take time to manifest.
So, when is the best time to undergo an injectable neurotoxin treatment if you have something special coming up? And how long do these treatments last?
Neurotoxins, such as BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport®, bind to nerve receptors to decrease muscle contractions, effectively reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The full effect of BOTOX Cosmetic becomes evident over 5 to 7 days post-treatment, while DAXXIFY can show results within 1 to 2 days. The achieved muscle relaxation generally lasts between 3 to 6 months, with many patients noticing their effects start to fade around the 4-month mark.
To maintain results, most patients undergo repeated injections every four to six months. Notably, studies suggest that with consistent use over time, the duration of the effects may extend, potentially leading to longer intervals between treatments.
Why Do I Have to Wait to See My Results?
Despite being injected directly into the muscles, neurotoxins do not provide immediate results. The delay in visible effects can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the muscles need time to absorb the toxin and activate the receptors, a process that does not occur instantly. Secondly, the injections might cause minor bruising and swelling, which can temporarily obscure the final outcome. It usually takes between two days to two weeks for the swelling and redness to fully subside, revealing the true results.
Are There Any Alternative Treatments to Neurotoxins?
Neurotoxins are highly effective at reducing signs of aging in the upper third of the face, especially in areas impacted by repeated muscle movements and contractions. Their popularity stems from their non-surgical nature and their ability to provide noticeable improvements.
However, some patients seek longer-lasting or more extensive results. For these individuals, facial enhancement surgeries, such as facelifts or eyelid surgeries (blepharoplasty), may be more suitable. These surgical options offer the most comprehensive facial rejuvenation but come with a more extended recovery period.
Understanding the timing and longevity of neurotoxin treatments is crucial for planning cosmetic enhancements around special occasions. This knowledge ensures that you can enjoy optimal results precisely when you need them most.
Choosing The Right Aesthetics Medical
Typically, the effects of Botox can begin to appear as soon as 3 to 4 days after the injection. According to Dr. Oscar Trujillo, a facial plastic surgeon at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, most patients will notice results within 10 to 14 days. However, he advises waiting the full 14 days to observe the maximum effects.
Even though neurotoxin injectables are non-surgical treatments, it is still essential that they are administered by a trained and skilled provider. At NuMi Aesthetics, we are proud to have our board-certified experts on board to help our patients with their injectable needs.
With over years of experience, NuMi Aesthetics understands the nuances of these treatments, which helps provide its patients with the results they want.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long do neurotoxins take to work?
The complete effects of BOTOX Cosmetic become visible within 5 to 7 days post-treatment, while DAXXIFY can show results as early as 1 to 2 days. The resulting muscle relaxation typically lasts between 3 to 6 months, with many patients noticing a decline in effectiveness around the 4-month mark.
What causes Botox to wear off?
The duration of Botox effects is influenced by your metabolism, as your body chemistry processes it at its own pace, usually lasting 3-4 months. Additionally, the size and depth of your wrinkles play a role; individuals with fine lines may retain the effects of Botox for a longer duration compared to those with deeper wrinkles and thicker muscle tissue.
