What Botox and filler do
Botulinum toxin (Botox is one brand) relaxes the muscle that folds the skin into a line — the frown, the forehead, the crow's feet. Dermal filler is a hyaluronic acid gel that adds volume, in the lips, the cheek, or the hollow under the eye. They solve different problems, and this practice's toxin and filler page sets out which one a specific line or hollow needs.
How long botulinum toxin lasts
Botulinum toxin lasts 3 to 4 months. That is a published range for the treatment, not an outcome promised to any one patient — it settles sooner in some patients, later in others, and it can last longer with repeated treatment (American Society of Plastic Surgeons).
How long filler lasts, by area
Filler placed in a thin layer over a fine line breaks down in 6 to 12 months. Filler placed deeper, as in the cheek, reaches 12 months, and some of the newer, denser products reach two years (American Society of Plastic Surgeons).
The lips move constantly — talking, eating, expression — and that movement breaks the filler down faster than in a still area such as the cheek (American Society of Plastic Surgeons). Under the eye, in the tear trough, the tissue is thin and the anatomy unforgiving, which is why that area is placed with particular care rather than treated on a fixed schedule.
What affects duration
The same product does not last the same length of time in every face. The published factors are the product itself, how deep it sits, how much the treated area moves, and the individual's own metabolism (American Society of Plastic Surgeons). None of this can be estimated in advance from a photograph; it is decided at the consultation.
When results show, and the first days
Botulinum toxin begins to work by day 5. Its full result is not judged before day 10, and it is worth waiting the full two weeks before deciding it has not worked (American Society of Plastic Surgeons). Filler is visible immediately, though swelling in the first days makes it look fuller than the settled result.
Neither treatment carries planned downtime. A small bruise at an injection point is possible and is easily covered.
Why top-ups are spaced out
The FDA label for BOTOX Cosmetic sets a minimum of 12 weeks, which is 3 months, between treatments (FDA prescribing information, DailyMed). Re-treating sooner is not how the product is studied to be used, and the spacing is also what lets the muscle go on weakening with repeated treatment rather than being fought at full strength every time.
At this practice
Dr. Vincent ElKhoury, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, gives both treatments himself at his clinic in Mansourieh, Metn. The treatment plan — which product, how much, and where — is decided at the consultation, with the face moving in front of him rather than judged from a photograph. For what each treatment corrects and how the two compare with eyelid surgery for tired eyes, see Eyelid surgery or Botox for tired eyes.
Questions
FAQ
How long does Botox last?
3 to 4 months, published as a general range for the treatment. It can last longer with repeated treatment (American Society of Plastic Surgeons).
How long does filler last?
6 to 12 months for a thinner filler over a fine line, and reaching 12 months, or two years for some newer products, in a deeper placement such as the cheek. The lips move more and the filler there breaks down faster (American Society of Plastic Surgeons).
When will I see the result?
Filler is visible straight away, though swelling in the first days exaggerates it. Botulinum toxin begins to work by day 5, and its full result is not judged before day 10 (American Society of Plastic Surgeons).
Why can't I repeat Botox sooner?
The FDA label for BOTOX Cosmetic sets a minimum interval of 12 weeks between treatments (FDA prescribing information, DailyMed).