If you are concerned about the appearance of facial lines and are weighing up a non-surgical injectable treatment, a common question is how long any result lasts. This is difficult to answer precisely, because every individual is different and how long an effect lasts varies from person to person. Individual results vary, and there is no guaranteed duration.
The medicines used in these injectable treatments are prescription-only, so by law we cannot name specific brands or quantities in public information. These details, along with whether a treatment is appropriate for you, the potential benefits, the limitations and the risks, are discussed with you during an individual assessment.
What influences how long a result lasts
Several factors can affect how long the effect of a line-softening injectable treatment lasts, including:
- lifestyle factors
- some medications
- metabolism
- diet
- exercise
As a general guide, people with a faster metabolism, or who exercise intensively most days, may find the effect wears off sooner. Something similar can apply to people following very low-carbohydrate or low-calorie diets. These are general observations, not rules, and your own experience may differ.
How often is treatment usually considered?
For treatments of this kind, repeat treatment is commonly considered around every three to four months, but this is a general guide rather than a fixed schedule. Many clinicians prefer to allow the treated muscles to regain most of their strength before any repeat treatment, as very frequent treatment over the long term may contribute to muscle weakening. Some people find the effect lasts up to around six months; this depends on individual factors such as muscle strength, metabolism and the result a person is hoping for. Any decision about repeat treatment should be based on reassessment over time rather than a fixed timetable.
How quickly does the treatment take effect?
Onset varies. For some people the muscles begin to relax within about 48 hours; for others it can take up to two weeks. As a general guide, the effect develops gradually over about two weeks after treatment. Many practitioners like to review patients at around the two-week mark to see how the treatment has settled, discuss any adjustment, and note the response so future treatment can be planned appropriately.
The effect tends to be at its most noticeable around two to four weeks after treatment, after which it gradually declines. For many people some effect remains for around three to four months. Some people return after about two months feeling the effect has worn off; often this is because it is simply less noticeable than in the first few weeks rather than fully gone. How much movement you prefer to keep is a personal preference — some people prefer more reduction in movement, others prefer to retain a softer, more natural-looking amount of movement — and this affects how often they choose to return.
Talk to our team
It is worth being realistic: a treatment of this kind does not remove all movement for three to four months. The effect builds to its peak at around two to four weeks and then wears off gradually over the following weeks. People who prefer very little movement will generally need to repeat treatment more often than those who prefer a softer result.
The medicines used are prescription-only, and having treatment is a considered medical decision that carries risks as well as potential benefits, so it should follow an individual assessment by a qualified practitioner. The doctors and cosmetic nurses at MedAesthetics can talk through what is realistic for you, explain the benefits, limitations and risks, and help you make an informed decision. Contact us to arrange a consultation.
