BHRC BLOG
How Long Does Botox Last? Timeline, Cost and How to Make It Last
Neurotoxins · How long it lasts
Botox lasts about three to four months. Here is what happens week by week, why some results fade early, and what a treatment costs at each BHRC clinic.
How long Botox lasts: the label answer
The prescribing information for BOTOX Cosmetic puts the duration of effect for frown lines at approximately 3 to 4 months. That is the number from the clinical trials, and it is the right expectation for a first treatment. After that, the muscle gradually regains movement and the lines return to where they were. They do not come back worse than before.
The same label also says that treating more often than every 3 months has not been studied for safety and effectiveness. That is why reputable injectors book follow-ups at roughly three-month intervals or later, not sooner, even when a patient asks for an early top-up.
The Botox timeline, week by week
| When | What you notice |
|---|---|
| Day 0 | Small injection bumps that settle within about 20 minutes. You can go back to work. |
| Days 1–2 | The label describes the muscle-relaxing effect starting one to two days after injection. Most people notice nothing yet. |
| Days 3–7 | Movement softens and keeps increasing through the first week. |
| Day 14 | Close to full effect. This is when a follow-up check makes sense if something looks uneven. |
| Months 2–3 | Peak smoothness. Lines etched into the skin at rest keep softening because the skin is no longer creased daily. |
| Months 3–4 | Movement gradually returns. Most patients book their next appointment here. |
Why it wears off faster for some people
Three to four months is an average, and averages hide a range. In our experience the factors that move it most are:
- Dose. Too few units for the strength of the muscle is the most common reason a result fades at 6 to 8 weeks. Price-per-area deals often under-dose to hit the price.
- Muscle strength. Strong frown muscles, which are common in men, break through sooner and usually need more units. See our guide on how many units of Botox each area needs.
- The area treated. Areas with constant movement, such as the lines around the mouth, tend to fade faster than the frown lines.
- Your first few treatments. Many patients find later treatments hold a little longer once the muscle has been out of its habit for a while. Don’t rely on that for the first visit.
- Metabolism and exercise. Very active people often say their results fade sooner. The evidence on this is mixed, so treat it as a possibility rather than a rule.
Signs your Botox is wearing off
It fades gradually, not overnight. The first sign is usually that you can frown or raise your brows a little more than you could at week two. Next, faint lines show when you make an expression, and finally lines are visible at rest again. Many regular patients book their next appointment at the first stage. Treating before movement fully returns keeps the result more consistent from one treatment to the next.
First-time patients vs. regular patients
Your first treatment tells your injector how your muscles respond. That’s why a two-week check is useful: if one brow sits higher or a line is still moving, a small adjustment fixes it, and the dose is recorded for next time. After two or three treatments, most patients have a dose that reliably gives them their usual three to four months. That consistency is a good reason to stay with the same clinic and injector rather than switching for a one-off deal.
Botox vs. Dysport vs. Xeomin: does one last longer?
All three are botulinum toxin type A and all three are FDA-approved for frown lines. For most people the duration is similar, roughly three to four months. Some patients feel Dysport kicks in a day or two faster. The bigger practical difference is dosing: Dysport units are not interchangeable with Botox units, so a Dysport treatment uses more units at a lower price per unit. Compare the total treatment cost, not the unit price.
What a Botox treatment costs at each BHRC clinic
Neurotoxin is priced per unit in California and Arizona. In Nevada it is dispensed as a full 50-unit vial. The table uses the FDA label doses: 20 units for frown lines and 24 units for crow’s feet.
| Clinic | Botox price | Frown lines (20 units) | Crow’s feet (24 units) |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Hollywood | $14 per unit | $280 | $336 |
| West Los Angeles | $14 per unit | $280 | $336 |
| Paradise Valley | $14 per unit | $280 | $336 |
| Westlake Village | $13 per unit | $260 | $312 |
| Valencia | $13 per unit | $260 | $312 |
| Summerlin | $600 per 50-unit vial | $600 (one vial) | $600 (one vial) |
| Henderson | Quoted at consultation | — | — |
List prices, October 2026, before any promotion. Your dose is set at consultation and may be higher or lower than the label dose.
How to make Botox last longer
- Get the right dose the first time rather than the cheapest one.
- Stay upright and avoid rubbing or massaging the area for the rest of the day, and skip hard workouts until the next day. Your injector will give you exact aftercare.
- Use daily sunscreen and a retinoid if your skin tolerates one. Botox stops the creasing, and good skin care handles the texture.
- Book your next appointment when movement first starts to return, not after the lines are fully back.
Where to get Botox at BHRC
Every BHRC clinic offers Botox, Dysport and Xeomin with a free consultation. Choose your clinic to see its injectors, hours and booking:
Frequently asked questions
How long does Botox last the first time?
Plan on about 3 to 4 months, which is the duration in the FDA label. Some first-time patients notice it fading a little sooner, especially in strong muscles.
How long does Botox last in the forehead?
Forehead lines follow the same 3 to 4 month pattern. The label treats the forehead together with the frown lines, 20 units for each, because treating the forehead alone can drop the brows.
How long after Botox can I lie down?
Most injectors ask you to stay upright for about four hours after treatment and to avoid pressing on or massaging the area. Follow the instructions your clinic gives you.
Does Botox hurt?
Most people describe a quick pinch. The needles are very fine, and a treatment of the frown lines takes a few minutes. Ice or a vibration device can make it more comfortable.
Can you get Botox while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Botox has not been studied in pregnancy or breastfeeding, so we don’t treat patients who are pregnant or nursing.
Is it bad to stop getting Botox?
No. When it wears off, the muscle returns to normal and your lines return to where they would have been. Stopping does not make lines worse.
References
- AbbVie / Allergan. BOTOX Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) full prescribing information: recommended doses by area, onset and duration of effect, boxed warning. rxabbvie.com
- Allergan Aesthetics. BOTOX Cosmetic treatment areas: forehead lines, frown lines and crow’s feet. botoxcosmetic.com
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Botulinum toxin: procedure overview. plasticsurgery.org
Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center. This content is general education and does not create a provider-patient relationship or constitute medical advice. Candidacy, dosing, results and pricing vary by person and by clinic and are confirmed at your consultation. Prices shown are standard list prices as of October 2026 and exclude promotions. Written and reviewed by the BHRC clinical team.
