“How often should I get Botox®?” As often as we get this question, there is no hard and fast timeline for Botox®. Unfortunately, it’s not like a smartphone or laptop that alerts you when your battery is low and you need to recharge.
How Long Does Botox® Last?
Botox® results typically last 3 to 4 months, but those results also depend on the number of units injected and how quickly a person metabolizes the product. The great thing about Botox® is that it is completely customizable based on preference of movement[81].
For patients who like a little movement in the forehead we use a smaller dose of Botox®, and they should expect the results to last maybe only 3 months. Patients that use more units may notice the effects last 4+ months. Many patients that have used Botox for years say they feel like their Botox lasts longer each time, but that could be because they come in for their next Botox® treatment before their previous Botox® injections completely wear off.
Dosage/Number of Units
The more units of Botox® injected, the longer it will last. While this is true, remember that the more units injected, the more “frozen” the injected area will be as well.
Many people don’t want the area to be completely frozen to allow for a more natural look and feel. Their goal is simply to have less movement. Botox® in the forehead area can feel especially “heavy” the more units injected, so be aware of what effect more units will have.
When deciding how many units to get, consider how long it will last but also consider how it will look and feel. The Botox® provider will be able to help patients make that determination as well.
Rate of Metabolization
How each individual’s body metabolizes the product is also a factor in how long Botox® will last.
For example, some very physically active patients seem to think their Botox® doesn’t last as long. This has nothing to do with the fact that they are active but just that their bodies metabolize the product more quickly.
So, for these individuals, Botox® may only last 3 to 4 months. Again, this varies from person to person.
Treatment Frequency
Some people speculate the longer they use Botox® the longer it lasts.
For example, for a patient who began using Botox® at the age of 28 who has continued to get Botox® regularly (every 3 to 4 months), they might find that they don’t need to get it as frequently because the muscles have atrophied.
Budgeting for Botox®
In most cases, Botox® should last at least 3 months.
Patients will notice that once they get Botox®, though, they’ll love the results so much that they’ll want to keep up treatments. So, consider budgeting for Botox® treatments.
Allergan has made it easy to save each time a person comes in for Botox® with their Brilliant Distinctions program.
This program allows patients to earn points each time they come in for Botox®, fillers, or when they purchase any Allergan cosmetic product like Latisse or SkinMedica skin care.
The points earned using Brilliant Distinctions can then be redeemed for coupons that your Botox® provider will apply as part of payment.
It’s a great way to save on Botox®, no matter how long it lasts.
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Of course, the best way to find out how often to get Botox® and how long it will last for each unique case is to give it a try. Patients start to learn how their body responds to the treatment and can plan visits accordingly. Schedule an appointment to get started.
