As most of my dermal filler, chemical peel, or BOTOX patients know, these treatments unfortunately don’t last forever. To maintain results, patients must come back in for follow-up appointments.
But how often? Though every patient is a little bit different, here’s a rough estimate of how long the results of each treatment will last.
BOTOX
BOTOX is an injectable that temporarily relaxes muscles and smooths wrinkles on the face. Wrinkles can be caused by the constant use of certain facial muscles, and by relaxing them, the wrinkles will smooth out.
BOTOX is often used to treat:
- Vertical creases between the eyebrows
- Horizontal forehead wrinkles
- Crow’s feet
- Frown lines
The entire procedure only takes a few minutes, and patients report little to no discomfort during and after.
How Long It Lasts: 3 to 4 months.
Touch-Up Schedule: 3 to 4 months, initially. Long-term BOTOX users may be able to extend the interval to every 5 or 6 months.
Fillers
Dermal fillers work a little differently than BOTOX. These injectables restore lost volume and fill in wrinkles and fine lines. Fillers like JUVÉDERM® are made of hyaluronic acid, which is a natural substance that adds volume in often subtle ways.
The procedure can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes depending on the area(s) treated. Some patients experience minor redness and swelling, but that should resolve within a few days. However, there is no downtime after treatment, and you can resume normal activities within the same day.
How Long It Lasts: Depending on the type of filler, results can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. Duration also varies somewhat by the injection site.
Touch-Up Schedule: Schedule your maintenance treatment as you start to see fullness begin to fade. Here are some general guidelines (your results may differ):
- Cheeks: 15 months to 2 years
- Lips: About 9 months to 1 year
- Smile/Laugh Lines: About 1 year
- “Liquid” Rhinoplasty: 12 to 18 months
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels enhance a patient’s skin by gently removing the surface layers, which become damaged over time. In its place, your skin generates new healthy layers for a naturally radiant glow.
There are many different peel options ranging in intensity. Recovery depends on which peel you choose.
How Long It Lasts: Light, superficial peels usually last 1 to 2 months; medium peels last 2 to 4 months; deep peels may last for years depending on your skincare habits.
Touch-Up Schedule: To maintain the effects of a light or medium chemical peel, we recommend that patients schedule treatment about every 4 to 6 weeks.
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Get Started
If you’re considering dermal fillers, BOTOX, chemical peels, or another nonsurgical treatment, feel free to contact us online or call us at (515) 277-5555 to request a consultation.
This post was originally published in March 2018 and updated in July 2023.
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