Botox usually smooths lines for 3 to 4 months before movement slowly returns. The dose, the area treated and your own body all change how long it lasts.
Peak result. Your injector can top up here if needed.
Months 3–4
Wearing off
Movement slowly returns and lines come back gradually.
Next treatment
Repeat
Most people re-treat every 3–4 months.
What to know before you book
The short answer
Botox usually lasts 3 to 4 months, with a typical range of about 2 to 6 months. It starts working in 3 to 5 days and reaches full effect at about 2 weeks. Small areas around the eyes and mouth tend to wear off sooner. Most people re-treat every 3 to 4 months.
When it starts working and when it fades
Botox doesn't work on the day you're injected. Lines begin to soften in 3 to 5 days as the muscles relax. You see the full effect at about 2 weeks. That's a good time for your injector to check the result and top up if needed. The effect then holds for most of the next few months. Around month 3, your nerves start reconnecting to the muscle and movement slowly comes back. First-time patients sometimes notice it fading a little sooner than people who have regular treatments.
Forehead and frown lines
Your forehead muscle lifts your brows and creates horizontal lines. Results here usually last 3 to 4 months. Your injector has to balance smoothing with keeping your brows at a natural height. Too much product can make the forehead feel heavy. A very light dose keeps more movement but may soften sooner. The frown muscles between your brows (the "11s") work together with the forehead. That's why many people treat both at once for a more even result.
Eyes and mouth: why they wear off sooner
Crow's feet form when you smile, squint and laugh. These muscles work all day, and the skin around your eyes is thin, so injectors use smaller doses. That's why results around the eyes often fade sooner than in the forehead. The mouth is similar. A lip flip uses a small dose in the upper lip. You use your lips constantly to talk and eat, so a lip flip tends to wear off sooner than forehead treatment.
Why results vary from person to person
Several things change how long your results last. Dose matters most. A lighter dose gives a softer look but usually wears off faster. Stronger muscles need more product and may fade sooner if underdosed. Your metabolism plays a part, and some people who exercise hard say their results fade faster. Regular treatment can help: over several cycles, treated muscles may weaken slightly, so results can last a bit longer. The product, your injector's technique and the area treated matter too.
How to tell it's wearing off
Botox doesn't stop working overnight. Movement returns gradually, usually from around month 3. At first you'll see faint lines only when you make a big expression. Over the next few weeks, they return to how they looked before treatment. That's the best time to book your next visit. Most people re-treat every 3 to 4 months, and in the US each area usually costs $200 to $400 per visit. If you stop, your lines simply come back. Stopping doesn't make you age faster.
See a likely result before you book
It helps to know what you want before your consultation. Do you want a soft, natural look or stronger smoothing? A lighter dose keeps more expression but may not last as long. You can upload your own photo to the AestheView preview to see a realistic, typical simulated result. It isn't a promise of your outcome. Use it to show your injector what you like. A licensed injector will decide the dose and timing that suit you.
How much does Botox cost?
Usually priced per area or per unit.
Where
Typical price
Notes
United States
$200–$400
Per area
Typical all-in US prices, based on ASPS surgeon-fee averages and RealSelf patient-reported costs.
See how Botox could look on you
Upload a photo to see a realistic, typical simulated result. Then talk it through with a licensed injector.
Usually 3 to 4 months, the same as later treatments. Some first-timers notice it fading a little sooner, especially with a light starting dose. Your injector can adjust the dose at your next visit based on how long it lasted.
Does Botox last longer in some areas of the face?
Yes, a little. Forehead and frown lines usually hold for 3 to 4 months. Areas around the eyes and mouth get smaller doses and move constantly, so results there tend to fade sooner.
How can I make Botox last longer?
Follow your injector's aftercare advice, wear sunscreen daily and stick to a regular schedule. Re-treating as movement starts to return, rather than after lines are fully back, can help. Ask your injector whether your dose suits your muscle strength.
Does Dysport last longer than Botox?
Not really. Dysport and Botox last about the same, usually 3 to 4 months. Some people feel one kicks in faster or suits them better, but neither reliably outlasts the other. Your injector can help you choose.
How long does bruising last after Botox?
Bruising is usually mild and fades within a few days. Not everyone bruises. Ask your injector before treatment about anything you take that could thin the blood, and book well ahead of big events. Makeup can usually cover small marks.
What happens when Botox wears off?
Your nerves gradually rebuild their connection to the muscle, so normal movement returns. Your body breaks down the product itself. Lines don't suddenly rebound or get worse. They slowly return to how they looked before treatment.
Which lasts longer, Botox or fillers?
Fillers usually last longer, depending on the product and area. They also work differently. Botox relaxes the muscles behind expression lines, while fillers add volume, for example in the lips. See lip filler before and after to compare.
Will I age faster if I stop Botox or fillers?
No. When Botox wears off, your muscles move as before and lines return to their usual depth. Fillers break down naturally over time. Neither speeds up ageing. While your muscles were relaxed, they creased less, so you haven't lost ground.
What are the downsides of Botox?
It's temporary, so you need repeat treatments every 3 to 4 months, and the cost adds up. Side effects can include bruising, headache or, rarely, a heavy brow or eyelid. Too much product can look frozen. A licensed injector can explain your risks.
What does Botox look like after years of treatment?
With moderate, well-placed doses, many people find their lines stay softer over time because the muscles crease less. Treated muscles may weaken slightly, so some people need less product. Overdoing it for years can look unnatural, so conservative dosing matters.
Is anything better than Botox for sun-damage wrinkles?
Often, yes. Botox only softens lines caused by movement. It can't fix thin, crepey or sun-damaged skin. Lasers, chemical peels and microneedling target skin texture instead. Daily sunscreen helps too. A licensed provider can tell you what suits your skin.
What do people in Korea use instead of Botox for glowing skin?
Popular options include "skin Botox", where tiny doses go into the skin rather than the muscle, and skin boosters such as polynucleotides. They aim to improve texture and glow rather than stop movement, so your expressions stay natural.
Can deep wrinkles be reversed without surgery?
Not completely, but they can often be softened. Providers may combine Botox for movement lines, lasers or microneedling for skin quality, and fillers for lost volume. Very loose skin may need surgery to lift. A licensed provider can set realistic expectations.
Preview your result before you book
Upload a front-facing photo to see a typical simulated result for forehead lines, frown lines and crow's feet.
