How Long Does Botox® Last? Understanding the Timeline and Aftercare Tips

​Botox® is a popular procedure in New Zealand and the world, helping patients restore their appearance by smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. If you’re considering this trusted treatment, it’s vital that you first understand what it is, how quickly results appear, how long results last and what you should do to care for your face after you get the treatment.

What Is Botox®?

This substance is a protein muscle-relaxant that is injected into the desired areas to smooth lines and wrinkles. It’s a straightforward, quick and non-surgical cosmetic enhancement procedure. This treatment is most often used for lines around the eyes, brows and forehead. The muscle relaxant blocks nerve impulses to the muscles, which reduces activity that causes wrinkles to form. 

Due to the quick and non-invasive nature of Botox®, it’s most suitable for patients who do not want surgical methods and who wish to avoid extensive aftercare and downtime. These procedures are quick, have noticeable results, do not require anesthesia and are only minimally uncomfortable. Numbing cream may be used to improve comfort and reduce potential pain.

The Average Botox® Timeline

This common procedure is simple, quick and unlikely to cause adverse reactions, so your timeline should follow these steps:
Consultation. At Face Doctors, we take great care to tailor our services to our patients. You will undergo a total face consultation so we can understand what your goals are while planning how we can achieve your desired results. We will also give you the information you need and answer any questions you have for us. 
Preparation. Although Botox® treatments are very straightforward, it’s still important that we prepare. We will inform you of anything you should do before your treatment, such as avoiding wearing excessive makeup and certain medications. 
Injection. Your injections will be done with fine needles and by trained professionals. The entire procedure will only take about 5-10 minutes. 
Some side effects, like redness, bruising and slight bleeding, are possible. However, these will subside soon as your skin heals and accommodates the Botox®.
Results. The effects of your treatment typically occur within one week. Results may appear sooner for finer lines, while deeper lines may take slightly longer to smooth out..
How long your results last will depend on your situation, and we will discuss how long yours will potentially last with you. However, in general, Botox® lasts around 3-4 months.

​Aftercare: What You Should And Shouldn’t Do After Your Treatment

Aftercare is relatively simple due to how non-invasive this procedure is. Still, you should take care to follow the instructions given by our team to protect yourself and ensure optimal results.
On The Day Of Your Treatment:

• Gently exercise your face.
• Relax.
• Don’t rub or touch your injection sites.

For The Next Few Days Following Your Procedure: 

• Return to your regular life soon. You won’t have to take much time off. Resume your normal activities after a day or so of rest. Please avoid exercising for at least 24 hours. 
• Don’t use makeup. Avoid putting on a face of makeup for at least 24 hours. 
• Sit or stand. Stay upright for at least 4 hours after your procedure. Lying down could spread the Botox® and cause bruising.
• Avoid certain medications. We will let you know what medications you should avoid and when you can start taking them again.

What To Avoid:

• Don’t drink alcohol. Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before and after your procedure, because it can increase bruising. 
• Don’t get other skin treatments. Botox® needs time to work. Don’t get facials, facial massages or other treatments for 24 hours. 
• Don’t sleep on your treated areas. Sleep on your back, don’t let your injection sites rest against your bedding. 
• Avoid the sun and heat. Heat can increase your blood pressure, potentially causing more bruising. Avoid the sun and any activities involving heat (saunas, tanning beds) for 24-48 hours.​

​Restoring Your Youth And Confidence With Botox®

If you’d like to learn more about this trusted procedure, please visit our website. Or, you can reach out to our medical professionals directly online or on 09 524 5665.

​Enjoy safe, effective procedures with Face Doctors.

Botox® is a Prescription Medicine containing 100 units of clostridium botulinum Type A toxin complex for injection. It is used for the treatment of frown lines, crows feet and horizontal forehead lines. It should be administered only by trained medical professionals. Cautions: people with defective neuro-muscular transmission disorders, presence of infection at site of injection, glaucoma, pregnancy and lactation. Possible side effects include headaches, pain, burning or redness at injection site, local muscle weakness including drooping eye lids, lack of feeling & nausea. Talk to your specialist about the benefits/risks of this procedure or if you have concerns or side effects. Allergan Pharmaceuticals, Auckland.