After a treatment with botox, you naturally want to know how long you can enjoy the result. Whether you have been treated for the first time or already have experience, many people wonder when the effect is at its strongest and when the moment comes to return to the clinic.
In this blog you read what you can expect after a botox treatment, how long the effect lasts on average and which factors influence it.
When does botox start to work?
Botox does not work immediately. After the treatment it usually takes three to five days before you begin to notice that the muscles in the treated area relax. You may notice, for example, that you frown less or that the forehead feels calmer.
The full result is usually visible around day ten to fourteen. The skin looks smoother and wrinkles such as crow’s feet, frown lines or forehead wrinkles are visibly softened. The result looks fresh, without you losing your natural facial expression.
New botox treatment
Since 2025 there is a new botulinum toxin on the market. This botulinum toxin works faster and longer. At Kliniek het Bolwerk we can also offer this treatment with Relfydess. If you would like to know more about this, please make an appointment for a consultation.
How long does the effect remain visible?
On average, the result of standard botox remains visible three to four months. There is also a longer-working variant of the botulinum toxin available with us, with which some people notice an effect for up to 6 months. During that period the treated muscles are relaxed and the wrinkles remain reduced or gone.
In some people botox works for a shorter time, for example two to three months. In others the effect remains visible longer, sometimes four to five months or even longer. This differs per person and is related to factors such as lifestyle, metabolism and muscle activity.
The effect of botox diminishes slowly. Muscles gradually become more active again and wrinkles return in a subtle way. This does not happen overnight but proceeds gradually, which keeps the transition natural.
Why does the duration of the effect differ per person?
No body is the same and botox therefore works slightly differently for everyone. The following factors play a role in the duration of the effect:
Muscle activity
If you use a lot of strong facial expression, the treated muscles will be more inclined to become active again sooner. This can shorten the effect of botox a little.
Metabolism and lifestyle
A fast metabolism, for example due to a lot of exercise, sport or an active body, can cause botox to be broken down faster. Factors such as stress, smoking, alcohol use or insufficient sleep can also have an influence.
Area and dosage
Certain muscle groups are naturally more active than others. In smaller areas such as the forehead or the frown, the effect often remains visible longer than with larger muscle groups. The dosage also plays a role. With a first treatment we often start with a modest amount to see how your body reacts.
Repeated treatments
With clients who use botox regularly, the effect often lasts longer. The muscles get used to the relaxation, which means they come back less powerfully. This makes the effect more stable over time.
What if the effect diminishes sooner than expected?
It sometimes happens that the effect of botox disappears sooner than average. This does not mean that the treatment has not succeeded, but that your body may break down the product faster. During a follow-up check we can evaluate this together.
At Kliniek het Bolwerk we schedule a check-up appointment as standard, about two weeks after your first treatment. During this consultation we assess the result and discuss whether any adjustment needs to be made. Should it turn out that your body needs a little more or responds better to a different product, then we carefully adjust that at a subsequent treatment.
When do you schedule a new treatment?
Many people choose to come back every three to four months for a repeat treatment. This keeps the result stable and prevents wrinkles from returning completely.
Other clients prefer to let the effect wear off completely first and only schedule a new appointment when the wrinkles visibly return. Both choices are possible. The most important thing is that it suits your wishes and appearance. During a consultation we think along with you and tailor the treatment plan personally.
Do wrinkles get worse if you stop with botox?
No, wrinkles do not get worse if you stop with botox. As soon as you stop treating, the muscle activity gradually increases again. The wrinkles then return step by step in the form they were in before the treatment.
Sometimes the difference seems bigger because you have become used to a fresher and smoother appearance. That effect falls away when the botox has worn off, but the skin has not deteriorated. So there is no accelerated ageing or extra deep wrinkles.
How can you support the effect of botox?
Although the body always breaks down botox eventually, you can help to make optimal use of the effect:
- Use a good (sun)cream daily
- Sleep enough and ensure rest
- Avoid smoking, alcohol and excessive stress
- Keep your skin hydrated with the right care
- Exercise regularly, but avoid extreme exertion right after your treatment
Some people choose to use zinc supplements. There are indications that this can support the effect of botox, but this is not standard advice. Feel free to ask about the possibilities during your consultation.
Finally
Botox is an effective way to temporarily soften wrinkles and give your face a relaxed appearance. The effect usually begins a few days after the treatment, is optimal after two weeks and remains visible on average three to four months.
The duration of the result depends on your body, your lifestyle and your treatment history. At Kliniek het Bolwerk we look together with you at what suits best. We do not treat as standard, but always tailor-made. Only if it suits your face and your wishes do we proceed to treatment.
Are you curious whether botox is suitable for you? Or do you want to know when a follow-up treatment is worthwhile? Then feel free to schedule a no-obligation consultation. We take the time to listen to you and give honest advice based on your wishes and natural appearance.
