Botox and Dermal Filler: How Long Do They Last

Injectable neurotoxins (Botox and Dysport) and dermal filler products (Restylane and Versa) are popular ways to remove signs of aging. However, all injectables are naturally removed by the body over a period of time and are therefore not permanent. This article will help you know what to expect and ways you can increase the longevity of your injectables.

Depending on the injectable product, your results can last between 6 months (Botox) and 2+ years (Radiesse or Sculptra). Understanding the expected duration of each product will help you and your provider make the best decision for you.

Let’s talk about some ways you can make your Botox or Dermal Filler last as long as possible:

Why do botox and dermal fillers fade over time?

Botox is made from the botulinum toxin and works by sticking to nerve receptors thereby blocking the signals from getting to the muscle. Because the nerve signal is blocked, the muscle cannot move and therefore cannot make a wrinkle on the skin above it. However, your body is clever and will eventually regenerate the nerve receptor. The regeneration of nerve receptors, and the eventual return of muscle movement, is why Botox will “Fade” over time.

Dermal fillers fade in a different way. Since hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the body, we have enzymes called Hyaluronidase which “eat” away hyaluronic acid (think of Pacman chewing on a string). This means that all dermal filler will eventually be broken down over the course of many months to years.

Let’s review some factors that can influence how long the injection lasts:

Location of the Injection

Both toxin and filler wear off quicker in areas that are more active. Toxin placed in a high-active muscle like the glabella or around the lips will wear off quicker than the forehead or Crow’s feet because we naturally move these areas more. This happens because the body keeps wanting to move that muscle, but can’t, so it regenerates nerve receptors quicker.

Similarly, filler placed around highly active areas like the mouth or lips will break down quicker, but for a different reasons; the high muscle movement works to mechanically break down the filler. However, when the filler is placed deep in your cheeks or in the tear troughs, this typically lasts longer because it is away from constant muscle movement.

Dosage of the Injection 

We go by a simple rule: Dose = Duration

Simply put, the more toxin or dermal filler that is injected, the longer that treatment will last.

The Type of Neurotoxin or Filler

All fillers have slightly different properties which make them good for different areas of the face. The rate at which filler is broken down depends on the type, however, a general rule is that the more firm a filler is, the longer it lasts.

All neurotoxins are composed of the same molecule and differ by the type of protein that encases this molecule. For unknown reasons, some people respond well to one brand of toxin, but not to another. For this reason, it may be helpful to try a couple of different kinds, or alternate every so often to see which one works best for you.

Your Environment

Your environment can play a role in how long filler or toxin last. Excessive UV radiation exposure results in free radicals in the skin. If you sleep on one side of your face this can also cause a shift in products.

Your Unique Body

Everybody is different, and how your body responds to injectables will be different than how others respond. Some people are lucky and break down injectables slowly, and others, such as athletic people, will metabolize both toxins and filler more quickly.

How to make BOTOX AND FILLER LAST LONGER

We all wish the results from injectables could last forever, but until that time here are some tips to make then last longer—

Immediately after Botox

On your ride home, practice gentle facial movements. The muscle movements will cause the nerves to fire and the receptors to take up the neurotoxin. This results in more of the toxin being absorbed and thus lasting longer (remember Dose = Duration). It will also help it to kick in quicker!

First 24hrs After Injectables

With either toxin or fillers, avoid putting pressure or excessive touching. Too much rubbing can cause the product to migrate away from the intended treatment site. Most people can avoid touching, but often will accidentally sleep on that part of the face resulting in extended pressure. Because of this, it is best to practice sleeping on your back and be able to do this for 1-2 days after your injection. Lastly, vigorous exercise is not recommended during this time.

1. Stay Hydrated

Hydration from both what you drink and the products you put on your skin helps maintain you injectables. All hyaluronic dermal fillers absorb, so by drinking enough you will maximize the amount absorbed. Also, by using a high-quality moisturizer, water is locked into the skin ensuring it remains plump and resistant to wrinkles.  

2. Practice Good Skin Care

The benefits of injectables are enhanced by high-quality skin care. Protecting the skin with broad-spectrum sunscreen is critical. After all, you can have great injectable results, but have them negated with a sunburn or pre-mature sun damage!

In addition to sunscreen, you can protect against free radicals by choosing skin care products that contain Vitamin-C and other antioxidants. One of our favorites is SkinBetter Science Alto Defense which contains a whopping 19 antioxidants (including Vitamin C).

Lastly, look for collagen-stimulating ingredients like retinol or collagen peptides. Enhancing collagen production is a sure way to maximize injectable results.

3. Avoid UV Exposure

When skin is overexposed to UVA and UVB rays, either a sunburn occurs, or for darker toned people, deeper areas of the skin are damaged not necessarily resulting in a burn. When this happens, inflammation is drawn to the skin. This is actually what a sunburn is-inflammation coming to the skin to heal broken down proteins caused by sun exposure!

Inflammation not only will break down Botox and fillers, it leads to complications later in life. Your skin is too valuable to NOT protect with sunscreen!

Choose a skilled injector

The goal of all cosmetic injectables is to have the right product, injected at the right place, at the right time. By choosing a skilled injector, you can ensure your treatments will last and maintenance appointments will become less frequent.

MAINTENANCE appointments

The best way to help your injectable results last is through regular maintenance sessions. By touching up Botox before the effect Maintenance appointments are recommended to help your injectables last longer. The best way to extend the life of your Botox or filler results is to regularly undergo “maintenance” treatments before your results wear off. Recurrent treatments are especially useful for Botox as they may actually train targeted muscles to respond to the neurotoxin for longer periods of time.

A touch-up session is a quick, less-expensive appointment in which your doctor re-injects a smaller amount of toxin or filler. This is often not recommended for neurotoxins but can be useful for filler at times. Make sure to discuss a maintenance plan with your injector prior to undergoing treatment.

Schedule a consultation with us today to learn more about Uneven Skin Texture, you can also contact us or visit our website for more information.