If your Botox hasn't fully worked after 2 weeks, it's usually because it takes up to 14 days to see the final results, but if there's still significant movement, it could be due to an insufficient dose, incorrect injection depth/placement, provider inexperience, product issues (storage/mixing), or the rare development of Botox resistance, requiring a follow-up with your injector for potential touch-ups or adjustments.
A delayed response is normal which is why providers may advise clients to be more patient when it comes to waiting for the results of Botox treatments. If 2 weeks have passed since your treatment and you haven't seen anything change, it's time to visit your provider and get things checked.
Most individuals start to see noticeable improvements in the appearance of their wrinkles or treated areas within three to five days. However, it can take up to two weeks for the full effects of Botox to be completely visible.
Typically when a patient becomes resistant to Botox and Dysport; Xeomin is a great option. It is a good option because on a molecular level it doesn't have the accessory protein attached, as Dysport and Botox do.
Typically, when I see a patient who has not had correction of the frown lines after Botox/Dysport treatment, the cause is one of two reasons. Either too low of a dose was used or there are ``etched in'' lines at rest which will need to be treated with fillers in addition to the Botox/Dysport.
The “11” lines, or glabellar lines, are the vertical wrinkles that form between your eyebrows. They can make you look angry, stern, or unapproachable. We find that 10-25 units of Botox is usually perfect for erasing these lines and taking years off your appearance.
Some people are discouraged by the idea of getting injections because they think the effects do not last very long. But, studies have shown that taking zinc supplements will prolong Botox results! Keep reading to learn about what Botox is and how zinc supplements can make a difference in the injection results.
Dysport (Best Botox Alternative Overall)
It spreads more quickly and offers a faster onset of results, making it a strong contender for treating fine lines and wrinkles. Dysport is also widely known for its longevity, which can make it a longer lasting Botox alternative.
Can you become resistant to Botox? The answer is yes but almost never in cosmetic patients. Antibodies to Botox are rare (1-2% kind of rare) AND it almost always is seen in those getting super high doses for things like dystonia, spasticity of muscles, and urologic conditions.
Gen Z is saying "no" or "not yet" to Botox due to a desire for natural beauty, individuality, and healthy aging, rejecting the overdone "Instagram Face," fearing irreversible damage, and prioritizing serious skincare and non-toxic alternatives over the costly, repetitive nature of injectables, despite social media pressure to do them. They're focused on "skinimalism," collagen support, and avoiding the potential for unnatural or frozen looks often seen online, opting for treatments that enhance rather than mask their natural features.
How Can You Ensure You Get the Best Results With Botox Treatments?
By the two-week mark, you can expect the treatment's final results to be evident, providing the smoother, rejuvenated look you desire.
Botox can potentially migrate up to 24 hours post-treatment, although the risk significantly diminishes after the initial few hours. To mitigate this risk, we recommend that you avoid rubbing or applying pressure to the treated area and refrain from vigorous physical activities during this 24-hour period.
Binding of the neurotoxin to a nerve can take anywhere from 1-3 weeks depending on how fast your body breaks down Botox after injection. If your body breaks down Botox quickly, you may require more frequent injections. If your body breaks down Botox slowly, you may only need injections every 4 months or longer.
Common Signs of Bad Botox Treatment
Look out for uneven spots, droopy eyes or brows, swelling, bruises, redness, or unexpectedly weak muscles. These signs might mean the Botox was misplaced or poorly done. If you're having serious issues like difficulty swallowing or breathing after Botox, seek immediate medical help.
Botox Results at Day 14
This is when you will start to see the most noticeable reduction in wrinkles and fine lines, especially in the treatment areas, such as the forehead, around the eyes, and between the brows. On Day 14, your skin should appear smoother, and the lines should look less deep and more relaxed.
If it's right for you, The Look of 3® is an opportunity to be treated in 3 areas, with 64 units, at least 3 times a year. For moderate to severe forehead lines, frown lines, and crow's feet in adults. *Treatments should be spaced 90 days apart.
The muscle in the upper forehead (frontalis muscle) that's responsible for the horizontal forehead wrinkles when raising the eyebrow, on the other hand, helps pull the eyebrow upward. If the frontalis muscle is injected with Botox while the others are not, the other muscles will remain active.
You can also consider treatments such as retinoids, chemical peels, microneedling, and more. Dermal fillers are another alternative. This injectable treatment typically works immediately and lasts longer than Botox. But it's still a temporary solution.
Retinoids, like tretinoin, stimulate collagen and improve skin tone and texture with regular use over months, making it a very popular choice. Regarding more intense treatments, fractional resurfacing lasers help reduce fine lines and improve texture, while Ultherapy uses ultrasound technology to tighten sagging skin.
The majority prefer to start in their late 20s or early 30s as a preventive measure to halt wrinkles before deep creases form. For those noticing early signs of aging or having a genetic predisposition to wrinkle early, earlier Botox would be beneficial. Early Botox keeps the skin youthful in the long term.
Below are 10 alternatives to BOTOX® that might help if you're seeking smoother or firmer skin on your face.
Stay Hydrated & Eat Well
It's essential to stay hydrated after Botox treatments, as dehydration can lead to a speedier return of fine lines. Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet is also a good rule of thumb to lengthen the time between Botox treatments.
Below are 7 common mistakes you should avoid in order to get the best results.
The "Botox 4-hour rule" means you should stay upright and avoid pressure or lying down for at least four hours after injections to prevent the neurotoxin from migrating from the treated muscles to unintended areas, which can cause side effects like drooping or uneven results. This helps the Botox settle precisely where it's needed for optimal wrinkle-smoothing effects, so avoid bending, rubbing, or strenuous activity during this critical period.