How Long Does Botox Last? We Asked Derms to Give Us an Exact Answer

Celia Shatzman
·3 min read

And it might surprise you.

Medically reviewed by Julia A. Siegel, MD

Since debuting as a cosmetic injectable more than 20 years ago, Botox has arguably become the most well-known anti-aging treatment of them all. The neuromodulator can lift brows, alleviate jaw pain, and smooth out necks—along with, of course, halting facial wrinkles in their tracks (or preventing them from forming in the first place).

But how long can you expect those stellar results to last? To get a definitive answer, we went straight to the sources: Board-certified dermatologists Terrence Keaney, MD, and Howard Sobel, MD. Read on to find out exactly how long Botox (usually) lasts.



Meet Our Expert

  • Terrence Keaney, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of SkinDC in Arlington, Virginia.

  • Howard Sobel, MD, is a clinical attending dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital.



How Does Botox Work?

"Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) is a neuromodulator that lessens the appearance of moderate wrinkles and fine lines by temporarily blocking nerve signals and softening [and/or] preventing muscle movement," explains Sobel. It's used to treat fine lines and wrinkles on the face, particularly in areas subject to expression and repetitive movement; think "around the eyes, forehead, brows, and mouth." Keaney adds that Botox is currently the only product FDA-approved to treat forehead lines, glabellar lines, and crow's feet.

Sobel also uses Botox to treat other areas, like the neck, bridge of the nose, and chin, and for medical conditions like TMJ (to alleviate jaw pain from the masseter muscle,) profuse sweating, migraines, and, more recently, neck and shoulder pain (AKA "TrapTox").

How Long Does Botox Last?

A typical Botox treatment lasts three to four months. "My patients usually see me three to four times a year," Keaney says. "[They] used to schedule appointments around life milestones like an engagement, wedding, or birthdays, but it is increasingly become more of a routine for them, the same way you would get a haircut or facial."

What Affects the Duration of Botox?

Many factors can affect how long Botox lasts, including dosage, the area being treated, sex, muscle size, lifestyle, and age. "What worked in your 30s might not perform the same at 40 or 50," Sobel says.

Keaney says that Botox, like any other drug, affects different people in different ways. That said, "A few years ago, Allergan Aesthetics conducted a study on the effects of Botox Cosmetic at different concentrations and found that the dose can affect the duration. Additionally, good skincare—[consisting] of sunscreen, retinol or retinoids as tolerated and prescribed, [and] moisturizer—and good habits can definitely help."

How to Make Your Botox Last Longer

Sobel recommends patients avoid alcohol the night before and the day of Botox injections. "Avoid all exercise for 24 hours (both high- and low-impact) and do not lay down for at least four to six hours after receiving Botox, as this can cause the toxin to migrate to other areas and diffuse potency and effectiveness," he cautions.

Keaney believes increasing the dose is the best way to increase duration, especially when treating the glabellar or "11" lines. "It is also important to maintain the results" by not waiting too long between appointments. "The best results are maintained with regular treatment—just like you wouldn't wait until your gas tank is completely empty to refill," he says. "Also, I've found that good habits with skincare, sun care, and even posture can contribute to healthier-looking skin."

How Often Can You Get Botox?

It's safe to get Botox every three months, according to both Keaney and Sobel.

The Final Takeaway

Like most other neurotoxins on the market, Botox lasts three to four months, but you can make the most of it by taking good care of your skin. "The world is a better place because we have Botox," Sobel says. "In addition to helping with fine lines and wrinkles, there are other dermatological uses it fits so well with—laser resurfacing, lasers for tightening, and fillers—where it really enhances the results and skin benefits."

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