Botox injections usually last between 3- 6 months, in some cases it has been known to sometimes last as long as 4-12 months, depending on your individual facial muscles. If we use a dermal filler in conjunction with the Botox, the filler will have its own timeline for effectiveness.

Botox is a toxin called botulism that is injected into muscles. It works by relaxing the muscle by blocking transmission of the nerve signal to the muscles. Normally, when the pull of the muscles relaxes, the overlying skin flattens. Sometimes we relax the underlying muscle and the wrinkle, crease, fold or line is still visible. In that case, we use Botox to relax the muscle, and we use a dermal filler to fill in the crease.

Botox is injected into the facial muscle underlying the problem area. The Botox injectate is prepared fresh on the day of the injection. With a very tiny needle, small amounts of Botox are injected into the muscles to be paralyzed. Botox takes about a half a second to inject. The number of units needed varies depending on muscle strength and the extent of wrinkles/expression lines.

Discomfort is minimal and lasts only a few seconds. There are no recognized permanent side effects to Botox. Occasionally, the tiny needle may puncture a small blood vessel during the injection, and a small black and blue mark may develop. This can last from five to ten days and can require makeup to cover. If any Botox reaches a facial muscle not being treated, partial weakness of that muscle may last for several months.