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How Long Does BOTOX® Cosmetic Last?

Posted February 24, 2026 in BOTOX® Cosmetic

Woman getting an injection to her crows feet

When your anti-aging or wrinkle creams have stopped being as effective at smoothing pesky forehead lines and crow’s feet, you might be considering BOTOX® Cosmetic. However, as with any cosmetic procedure, trying something new without knowing how well it will work for you can be daunting. One of the most common questions people have is how long they can expect their BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment to last. In this blog, we’ll go over what you need to know about the timing of BOTOX® Cosmetic: how long before it takes effect, how long it lasts, and what you can do to extend your results.

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Table of Contents

How Does BOTOX® Cosmetic Work?

BOTOX® Cosmetic works by temporarily relaxing targeted facial muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles. It is a neuromodulator, which means it blocks the nerve signals that tell your muscles to contract, softening lines created by dynamic expressions. Dynamic wrinkles form from the repetitive facial expressions we make hundreds of times a day, eventually creating frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead wrinkles. The muscles surrounding the treatment area will continue to function normally, allowing for natural-looking, refreshed results without causing your face to look frozen or lack expression.

How Long Does It Take for BOTOX® Cosmetic to Take Effect?

After your BOTOX® Cosmetic injections, you won’t be able to see your results instantly; however, changes begin happening beneath the surface right away. Most patients start noticing a softening of fine lines within three to five days, while your full results will typically develop around 10–14 days after your treatment. During this time, the neuromodulator gradually relaxes the facial muscles in the treatment area that are responsible for dynamic expression lines.

With that in mind, if you have a special event coming up, it’s best to schedule your BOTOX® Cosmetic appointment at least two weeks in advance to allow your results to fully develop.

How Long Are BOTOX® Cosmetic Results Supposed to Last?

For most patients, BOTOX® Cosmetic results last approximately three to four months. Some people may enjoy smoother, more youthful-looking skin for closer to five months, while others metabolize the product more quickly and notice movement returning within one to two months. As muscle activity gradually resumes, your lines and wrinkles will slowly reappear. However, with consistent BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments, many people notice that their results last longer over time, because the treated muscles become “trained” to contract less forcefully.

What Affects the Duration of My BOTOX® Cosmetic Results?

Several factors influence how long your BOTOX® Cosmetic results last. Your metabolism plays a significant role, as people who have faster metabolisms may break down the neuromodulator more quickly. The dose you received, the area treated, and the strength of your facial muscles may also affect the longevity of your results, as can lifestyle habits such as frequent intense exercise, high stress levels, or excessive sun exposure.

Additionally, receiving your BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments from an experienced injector (such as the experts at Aspire Medispa) ensures proper placement and dosing, which directly impacts the effectiveness and duration of your results.

How Can I Extend My BOTOX® Cosmetic Results?

To ensure your BOTOX® Cosmetic results last as long as possible:

  • Follow all of your injector’s post-treatment instructions carefully.
  • Avoid rubbing or massaging the treated areas immediately after your injection session.
  • Remain upright for several hours after your appointment.
  • Maintain a consistent treatment schedule instead of waiting for full muscle movement to return.
  • Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, and follow a high-quality skincare routine.
  • Stay hydrated, manage stress, and avoid smoking.
  • Schedule maintenance appointments every three to four months to keep looking refreshed year-round.

Schedule Your BOTOX® Cosmetic Treatment in Fresno Today

BOTOX® Cosmetic has been a safe and effective way to temporarily soften and eliminate wrinkles for decades, so if you’re looking for the next addition to your anti-aging regimen, it may be the solution for you. To learn more and discover the benefits of BOTOX® Cosmetic for yourself, make an appointment with one of the skilled and experienced injectors at Aspire Medispa by calling (559) 435-8477 or completing our online contact form.