How quickly does Botox kick in? The short answer is – within 3 days.
If it is your first time getting Botox, you might be forgiven for thinking that the effect is immediate. But unfortunately, many people mistakenly believe that every Botox injection is the same and that the injector’s skill plays little role in its longevity. On the contrary, when a skilled and experienced clinician performs a Botox injection, the results can be gorgeous and natural-looking. More specifically, when injected correctly and at the correct depth, Botox takes effect within 24-48 hours and lasts much longer.
Some people think that their Botox kicks in immediately. However, this is just an illusion caused by the swelling effect of the injection.
Our cosmetic doctor, Dr Kieren Bong, is widely known as one of the best Botox injectors in Scotland. The first ‘real’ results are generally noticeable within 24 hours when you see a mild wrinkle softening.
Why does Botox need a couple of days to start working?
Botox freezes your facial muscles by stopping the release of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger or neurotransmitter that plays a vital role in the central and peripheral nervous system. Physiologically, it takes a few days for your body to use the acetylcholine already circulating within the injected area. After this period, the magic of Botox becomes apparent.
This is also why men with thicker skin and stronger muscles may take an extra few days to see the first results. As mentioned above, the accuracy of injection depth is an essential factor in determining both the onset and duration of the effect of Botox. In addition, the skill and experience of the injector are key to success.
Shallow wrinkles, like the ones typically seen on the forehead, are usually the first to exhibit the effects of Botox. Many of our patients say they feel a sensation of tightness in the forehead, with visibly reduced wrinkles.
While most of our patients see excellent results by day 10 following their treatment, that is just a short-term effect. Most patients see medium to long-term benefits in the hands of an experienced injector like Dr Bong. Long-term results can occur months after your treatment. After a few months of not creasing your skin, your skin starts to repair itself, i.e., your wrinkles begin to soften as skin creases smoothen over time.
Botox treatment should be carried out by a medical professional such as a cosmetic doctor, at a clinic equipped explicitly for this procedure. Avoid Botox injectors who are not medically trained or injectors who offer to come to your home for a ‘quick fix. Many injectors dabble in Botox and only inject a small handful of patients per month. As a result, they lack the necessary experience.
