What Causes Botox To Wear Off?

The longevity of Botox lasts anywhere from 2-6 months. The average longevity lasts about 3-4 months. So, why does Botox eventually stop working? Your body makes new neurotransmitters all the time, so the “blocking” effect of Botox gradually wears off naturally. Therefore, the muscles are no longer inhibited. 

If you are a first-time Botox user, it’s important to be mindful that your first experience is not likely to result in optimal, long-lasting results. Initially, it can taking multiple Botox treatments before your muscles become adequately conditioned and respond to the botulinum toxin. Results last longer after several sessions, as the skin has more time to regenerate the collagen it needs to fill in those fine lines and wrinkles. When injected for cosmetic reasons, Botox lasts four to six months on average, but you can expect the effects of your first treatment to wear off faster. You’ll likely need to schedule your second appointment for two or three months following your first treatment. 

So, What Causes Botox to Wear off?

• Your metabolism – Your body chemistry will process Botox on its own timeframe, typically the effect lasts 3-4 months.
• The size and depth of your wrinkles – People with fine lines may enjoy their Botox longer than those with more prolonged wrinkles and bulkier muscle tissue.
• Your physical activity level – Proteins needs time to get into the muscles after they are injected. The facial expressions made while working out could make your muscles contract much faster and cause the Botox to wear off.
• The quality of the Botox – Botox is sensitive to temperature and time. Supplies must be kept refrigerated
• The area being treated – Results in the forehead and between the eyebrows typically last the longest.
• Your facial expressions – Some patients are more fortunate and “forget” to use their facial muscles even after the effects of Botox wear off. Their results will last longer than those who are extremely animated with their facial expressions.
• The skill and accuracy of the injector – Botox works right where its injected. The best injectors target your muscles with accuracy and place injections perfectly for maximum benefit.
• The amount of Botox injected – There is no one-size fits all standard recipe for Botox. Your treatment should be tailored to your muscles’ specific level of activity strength and bulk. Larger muscles require more Botox.
•  How often you have Botox treatments – The more frequently you have Botox injections, the longer the effect will last between visits. Some Doctors have reported repeat clients who can go up to a year between injections.
• Other potential factors – Some patients will experience a shorter longevity of Botox if they are ill or stressed.

Can I Make my Botox Last Longer?

There are also other long term and short term techniques to increase the longevity of your Botox treatments.

Short term methods

Zinc supplements have recently been discovered to help extend the efficacy of your Botox treatment. In a 2012 study, Houston-based oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Charles Sopokar reported that 44 patients who took a zinc and phytase supplement, called Zytase, four days before their Botox injections experienced better and longer-lasting results. This is because the botulinum toxin belongs to a group of enzymes that are zinc dependent.

Retin-A wrinkle treatments can also assist in extending the effects of Botox. The combination of Botox with a topical retinoid cream can decrease the need for additional Botox units per visit, and potentially prolong the time between treatments. Retinoids can also be applied to parts of the face not typically treated by Botox.

Long term methods

In general, regular treatments yield optimal longer-lasting results. A recent study revealed that administering Botox to a specific area on the face at regular four month intervals for two years causes the muscles to take an increasingly long time to recover, meaning that the effects of Botox lasted longer.

When you receive your first Botox treatment, your muscles are at their strongest. This means you require more units and more frequent visits when you first start using Botox.

The most effective way to prolong the effects of your Botox treatments is to remain a regular at your injector’s office. In addition, it is helpful to receive injections before your previous treatment has entirely worn off. This will maintain the muscles at a halt and state and keep wrinkles at ease.

Learn More about How Long Does Botox Last?