Dermatologist reveals how long your Botox injections will REALLY last – and the exact time it will be ‘maximally effective’
A dermatologist exposes the truth about the real timing of a Botox injection, and how long it should really last.
The details are outlined by a board-certified dermatologist Dr. Samantha Elliswho is based in California and often uses her social media platforms to share her extensive skincare wisdom with viewers.
In the videoposted on TikTok, Dr. broke. Ellis explained the true chronology of a Botox injection and revealed how many months it should work.
Botox, also known as Botulinum toxin, is a cosmetic injection that works by blocking nerve signals to the muscles, preventing movement. It is often used to reduce wrinkles and aging.
California-based dermatologist Dr. Samantha Ellis took to TikTok to explain the exact timing of a Botox injection
In the video, Dr. Ellis explains exactly how long a Botox injection in the face should last
“If you feel like your Botox isn't lasting long enough, or is wearing off too quickly, this video is for you,” Dr. began. Ellis.
“And what I'm going to tell you and show you is something that as a cosmetic dermatologist, I discuss with my Botox patients in the clinic many times a day,” she continued.
The dermatologist then pulled out a chart with the points marked with the labels two weeks, six weeks, and three months.
She said this graph represents how people should feel about their Botox injections.
“So this time point in this graph represents two weeks after you first get a Botox injection,” Dr. explained. Ellis exclaimed, gesturing to the graph.
'Then it is most effective and you have the least movement in your face.'
She explained that this “maximum delay” would last until about six to eight weeks after you were first injected.
“This point here, about eight weeks after you get a Botox injection, is when a lot of people start to say, 'Um, my movement is coming back, my Botox shouldn't last the full three months of what I was.' promised,” said Dr. Ellis, as she pointed to the spot on the chart where the downward trend began.
Dr. Ellis showed a chart explaining the timeline of a Botox injection, marking it as two weeks, six weeks and three months
She explained that the Botox was “maximally effective” two weeks after your injection and you had little exercise
She explained that this “maximum delay” would last until about six to eight weeks after you were first injected
However, the timeline of the injection is not that simple, the expert explained.
'But the point is that when dermatologists or other injectors talk about Botox lasting three months, what we mean, and perhaps we should be clearer about this, is that Botox starts working after a few weeks, a plateau for the duration of the treatment . six weeks or so, and then slowly taper off,” she said.
“So that when you reach the three-month mark, your Botox is virtually gone.”
Dr. However, Ellis emphasized that some people – the “lucky ones” – can get four, five, or rarely six months out of their Botox injections.
“But still, what this means is that if you keep Botox on for five months, it usually starts to wear off about halfway through that five-month period and then slowly, slowly returns to the baseline of your muscle movements,” she said.
That's why Dr. Ellis explains that the next time you wonder if your Botox has worn off too quickly, ask yourself where you are in the timeline.
“Think about it: Are you six to eight weeks away from your injection point?” she asked.
“If so, a little exercise is warranted at that point,” Dr. concluded. Ellis.
Dr. Ellis said that 'if your Botox lasts for five months, it usually starts to wear off about halfway through that period'
In the comments section of Dr.'s post. Ellis, many users weighed in on their own personal experiences with their Botox injection timelines
In the comments section of her TikTok post, many users seemed to compare how long their own Botox injections lasted.
“I've been using Botox for 13 years,” one person claimed. “Whatever they do now, it doesn't last as long as it used to. Mine was 6 months, now it's 3.'
“Over time, my forehead wrinkles have actually disappeared dramatically (with) Botox. I've been very happy with it for (three months) now,” another wrote.
“Mine was gone!…absolutely gone after 6 weeks,” someone else wrote. 'Even the doctor was surprised. I was asked if I had any medical conditions. Waste of $500! '
Another echoed: “You're right. Also depends on lifestyle. Sweating a lot, smoking/vaping, squinting, alcohol are all factors that determine how long it lasts.'
In March, Beverly Hills-based plastic surgeon Dr. Sarmela Sunder that there were actually ways to change 'the duration' of your Botox injections.
She explained that taking a zinc supplement could make the effects of the injections last a little longer.
But for those who weren't happy with the way their injections looked, she also recommended ways to help the injections go away.
“If you want your Botox to go away faster, try exercising more,” she explained in the clip.
'There are indications that a higher metabolism causes your Botox to wear off faster.'
Dr. Sunder even suggested going to a sauna or steam room, as that can increase blood flow to the area.