How To Make Botox Last Longer

Botox is best known for its ability to diminish fine lines and wrinkles. However, there’s one question we often get from patients: How can I make my Botox last longer? 

The average Botox treatment lasts about 3 months. That’s enough time to enjoy some maintenance-free benefits, but before you know it, it’s time to book your next appointment. We understand that regular Botox treatments are a luxury that takes both time and money to keep up. So, for those looking to get more out of each visit, we have compiled the best strategies to prolong your results, while also improving your skin’s overall appearance. 

“Botox is an investment in your confidence. By understanding how to maximize its effects, you can extend your results and get the most value for your money.”
— Adrienne Yanich, RN

$460 Per Year: The Average Potential Savings By Extending Botox Results 

While no strategy can make Botox permanent, these tips can help you get more wrinkle-free days out of each treatment. These strategies also improve skin health and make results stand out even stronger. A patient could expect a potential 23% (or $460) in annual savings on treatments.

To determine this accurate estimation, we reviewed the average amount of extra time our patients could go between treatments (21 days) and calculated the mean cost per maintenance treatment at our practice ($500). 

*Note: This average is just for Botox treatments, not any other neuromodulator treatment.

1) Focus on Skin Health From The Inside Out 

Healthy skin with more elasticity and collagen helps Botox to work more effectively and last longer. Ample hydration, routine exercise and a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and protein keep your skin looking great and functioning properly.  

2) Introduce Medical-Grade Skincare To Your Regimen 

To bolster your skin health and better support your treatments, our providers and medical aestheticians recommend a routine that uses the following products: Toner, eye gel, moisturizer and a mineral-grade SPF. Our preferred brands include Environ, skinbetter and SkinMedica. 

3) Intermittent Skin Treatments To Supplement Your Efforts 

Professional skin treatments can play a pivotal role in prolonging the duration of Botox results. These treatments offer a targeted approach to skincare, addressing concerns like fine lines, wrinkles and uneven texture that can detract from the smoothness and longevity of Botox injections. These treatments often include:  

• Chemical Peels: Exfoliate the skin’s outer layer, promoting cellular turnover and enhancing Botox’s effects.  
• Microneedling: Stimulates collagen production, further smoothing out lines and wrinkles.  
• Laser Skin Resurfacing: Targets deeper imperfections, while dermaplaning removes dead skin cells and fine vellus hair, allowing Botox to penetrate more effectively. 

4) The More Consistent  You Are, The Better  

Regular Botox treatments every 3-4 months can gradually relax your facial muscles. This allows the effects of your treatments to last longer each time you come back, potentially making your treatments less frequent and more cost-effective. We recommend booking your initial four appointments for every three months. After a year, you can evaluate whether you can go longer between appointments.  

5) Follow Your Post-Treatment Instructions 

The first week after your Botox injection is crucial. Your body’s natural defenses are working hard to break down the product before it can settle in. To maximize its effectiveness, follow your post-treatment instructions carefully. This means avoiding strenuous exercise, direct sunlight and anything else that might raise your body’s temperature or activate your immune system response. Incorporating a post-injection serum into your at-home regimen will also help to suppress any injection-site immune response.   

6) Limit Your Exposure To The Outdoors 

Unfortunately, sun damage doesn’t stop just because wrinkles have temporarily faded. UV rays increase the number of free radicals in your skin, breaking down collagen and shortening the lifespan of Botox. Protect your investment and your skin by limiting your exposure to the outdoors and wearing SPF 50 sunscreen daily. 

7) Develop A Long-Term Relationship With Your Injector 

Just like having a trusted hairstylist, finding the right Botox provider is key. They’ll understand your unique facial anatomy and muscle movements, allowing them to tailor the injection pattern and dosage for optimal results. Keeping consistent with the same injector can also lead to longer-lasting effects over time as they become familiar with your individual response to the treatment. They can also help you develop a personalized, at-home maintenance plan. 

How to choose an injector:  

It’s important to find an injector you enjoy and has the qualifications to back it up. Look for someone with experience in facial aesthetics and read online reviews to get a sense of their style and experience. 

8) Request a Minor Touch-Up 

Don’t worry if you’re not seeing results right away. Botox results typically take two weeks to settle in completely. If you feel you need a small adjustment after that time to achieve your desired look, some injectors offer complimentary touch-ups within a certain time frame after your initial injection, which can also help to extend the results of your treatment. Your injector will assess your results and determine if a touch-up is necessary.  

9)  Try A Botox Alternative 

Many patients don’t realize that Botox isn’t the only wrinkle relaxer option! There are other injectable neuromodulators like Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau and Daxxify that are all popular and effective alternatives to the Botox brand. Each product has slightly different properties and formulations that may last a bit longer for some patients.  

Learn More About Daxxify

Why Does Botox Wear Off So Quickly?

Botox is a neuromodulator made of essential branch-chain amino acids. It works by affixing itself to your neural receptors, which blocks the signal from your nervous system that tells your muscles to move. However, this is temporary because your body naturally breaks down these proteins over time. This causes the effects of Botox to gradually fade. 

“We say that the best and worst thing about Botox is that it’s only temporary.”

—Adrienne Yanich, RN

The Average 90-Day Timeline Of A Botox Treatment

A Qualified Injector Will Help You Find the Right Solution 

Remember: Botox’s duration depends on factors like dosage, muscle strength and your metabolism. Tell your injector if your treatments are not lasting as long as you would like. They can help you find a proper solution and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.  

About The Author

Adrienne Yanich, RN is a qualified Botox provider in Columbus, Ohio. She specializes in a variety of injectable treatments, including filler, Kybella, Botox for muscle modulation and other neuromodulator solutions, including Daxxify and Dysport. When she isn’t helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals, Adrienne is researching the latest injection techniques and exploring new ways to amplify and preserve Botox results.