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Cosmetic facial treatments have never been more popular. Dermal fillers and BOTOX^® can add plumpness to your face and help smooth wrinkles. These procedures can give you a fresher, younger-looking complexion with almost no downtime.

But how long should BOTOX last? Does lip filler go away? And are there any permanent effects from getting these treatments for years?

Here’s what you need to know about how long cosmetic treatments last and how they affect you.

What Is BOTOX?

BOTOX, like Dysport^®, is a brand name for botulinum type A injections. Doctors inject small doses of this substance into the skin to reduce facial wrinkles. The treatment temporarily paralyzes the muscles where they inject it, reducing the appearance of frown lines and wrinkles.

The most common areas for treatment are the forehead, the space between the eyebrows, and around the eyes. Many people feel it gives them a refreshed, younger look without undergoing more invasive procedures like cosmetic surgery.

Common Questions About BOTOX

If you’re considering cosmetic injections, you probably have a few questions about getting BOTOX, such as:

• When does BOTOX start to work? Although it starts to work right away, you probably won’t see any results for one to three days. And you won’t see the full effects of a BOTOX treatment for several weeks.
• How long does BOTOX last? The effects of one treatment usually last three to four months, although they might last as long as six months. The amount of BOTOX you receive may determine how long the effects last.
• Does BOTOX dissolve in my skin? Over time, your body breaks down the proteins in BOTOX. These proteins become amino acids, which the kidneys excrete as waste.
• Is BOTOX safe? Cosmetic dermatologists have been treating thousands of people with BOTOX for years. Repeated injections are medically safe and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Does BOTOX Ever Go Away?

Yes and no. You will need repeated BOTOX injections to maintain the results. However, the wrinkle-smoothing effects will fade with time if you stop getting treatments.

However, some people now start BOTOX treatments at a younger age to stave off wrinkles before they begin to show. Getting BOTOX injections for 10 or 20 years may trigger permanent changes in your facial expression.

That’s because the facial muscles treated with BOTOX don’t work as hard as usual. They may gradually start to atrophy or weaken. Even if you stop BOTOX treatments, your face may appear somewhat expressionless or even mask-like.

What Are Fillers?

Fillers are gel-like substances that get injected under the skin. They add fullness to areas of your face that may have changed with age, smoothing out wrinkles and plumping lips. Many people feel they add to a more youthful look.

Some fillers are manufactured, while others consist of substances like collagen or hyaluronic acid, which occur naturally in the body. Sometimes, doctors can inject fat from one body part into another area, such as the face.

Like BOTOX, fillers are less invasive than other cosmetic treatments such as surgery.

Do Lip Fillers Go Away?

Depending on what type of substance your doctor uses, the results from lip filler can last from a few months to a few years. Your metabolism and overall health may also affect how long lip fillers last.

The body gradually absorbs the lip filler’s hyaluronic acid and other substances, eventually restoring the lips to their original size and shape.

However, you have options if you’re unhappy with how your filler makes your lips look. Dissolving lip filler is possible if you dislike how it makes your lips look. Your doctor can inject enzymes to dissolve fillers made from hyaluronic acid, restoring your lips to their original shape and size.

Do I Need to See a Doctor for BOTOX and Fillers?

BOTOX and fillers are both injectable dermatology procedures.  To avoid a bad BOTOX or filler experience, you should always see a cosmetic dermatologist for these treatments. You should never get BOTOX or fillers from a nonmedical spa, a salon, or a party at someone’s home.

Cosmetic dermatologists are medical doctors with years of training. They have specialized knowledge about the skin and underlying nerves, muscles, and blood vessels. In addition, cosmetic dermatologists stay up to date on the latest and safest cosmetic treatments.

Another reason to visit a cosmetic dermatologist is that they can diagnose and treat any medical issues with the skin. They can tell the difference between a harmless blemish and early forms of skin cancer. Only a doctor can treat skin cancer and other diseases of the skin.

When You See Your Doctor

A realistic understanding of what cosmetic treatments will and won’t do for you is important. Your doctor isn’t necessarily going to give you the same lips as a celebrity or banish all signs of aging.

Your doctor will ask you:

• If you’re pregnant.
• If you’ve had other surgeries or cosmetic treatments.
• What medicines you currently take.
• Whether you take any herbal remedies or vitamins.
• Your expectations of cosmetic treatment.
• Your medical history.

A cosmetic dermatologist can answer specific questions about injectable treatments based on your overall health, medical history, and expectations.

Take a list of questions with you to your appointment. They might include:

• Are complications or side effects possible? What are they?
• How long will my results last? When will I need to come back for another procedure?
• How many of these procedures have you done?
• What results can I realistically expect?
• What will it cost? (Insurance typically doesn’t cover most cosmetic procedures.)