Why Your Botox isn't Lasting

In a perfect world, our Botox treatments would last a year and we could be wrinkle-free forever! Unfortunately, this isn’t the case and this isn’t a perfect world (boo, I know). We like to say that your Botox treatments will last about 3 months and Dysport treatments will last anywhere from 4 to 6 months. This, of course, will vary from person to person and there are so many factors to consider when trying to gauge the longevity of your neurotoxin treatments.

We get calls on the daily, “Why didn’t my Botox treatment last the full 3 months?” Again, so many possible answers! Here are 4  most common answers that may solve that question. These possibilities aren’t the answers for everyone, but know that you are not the only one! I personally only go about 3 months in between my treatments.

1. You didn’t receive enough product

This is usually the BIGGEST culprit. Often times, it comes down to your budget and full correction can be expensive for most patients. Typically, an average full correction for your Botox treatment is anywhere from 40 to 80 units, and Dysport can range from 90 units to 160 units. Some patients may need more, some may need less. Your injector will tell you the recommended dose for you personally.

Here’s a tidbit if you’re balling on a budget like myself, and a little annoyed that your Botox isn’t lasting: rather than doing “sprinkles” of units everywhere, focus your dosage on the areas that bother you most. If you’re only doing half the recommended amount in every area, your toxin is only going to last about half the time it should.

2. You have a high metabolism

We see less longevity in patients who work out habitually. If you have a higher metabolic rate, you’re much more likely to burn through any injection faster than others.

3. You may have developed a product resistance

It is rare, but it can happen! Some patients have been so loyal to their toxins they start to build up a tolerance to them. It’s much more likely to happen with Botox compared to Dysport, but is possible all the same. Sometimes it’s nice to switch up your choice of toxin to avoid the possibility of tolerance build up.

4. You still want some movement for a natural look

If you still want some movement, or you are doing treatments for preventive purposes, we have to inject less. This brings me back to the first point, that injecting less than the recommended amount will result in short term results.

Realistically, you should start to regain movement around the 3 to 4 month mark. Just like the product gradually kicks in, it will gradually start to wear off. When planning a budget for your Botox or Dysport treatment, we recommend planning on $200 to $250 per area. Areas would include the forehead, in between the brows, crows feet, etc.