How long will Botox last and should I be worried about any longer-term side effects?

Botox injections remain the most popular aesthetic procedure since they were approved for the treatment of glabella wrinkles, also known as frown lines. They are a minimally invasive, but highly effective way to temporarily paralyse the muscles under the skin, giving the appearance of smoother, firmer, less wrinkled skin.

How long do Botox injections last?

Botox treatments usually last between three to six months. Factors such as how fast your metabolism is and where the product is placed can have an effect on how soon the effects of Botox injections wear off.

Other factors can affect it too. Regular use of sunbeds can cause the effects to be weakened, so can regular gym usage, as this causes the body to break down the components faster.

How long can I keep using Botox for?

Within sensible parameters, you can keep using Botox for as long as you wish, but bear in mind that the older you get, the less effective the treatment will be. It is suggested that the ideal age for Botox treatment is your mid- to late-thirties, up to around age 50. After that, there are more permanent surgical treatments that are usually considered more effective.

If you have been using Botox for a while then it is a good idea to have a chat to your cosmetic surgeon about what other options are available, as they will be able to guide you based on factors such as your age, skin type and your expectations.

Are there any longer-term side effects?

Repeated use of Botox can cause the facial muscles to weaken over time – which might mean you need less – but that doesn’t mean they will atrophy as only small amounts of Botox are placed in the target area.

Assuming you visit a regulated cosmetic surgeon, who adheres to professional guidelines and standards, the amount of Botox contained within each dose is considered perfectly safe for patients.