SHORT ANSWER
Botox usually lasts around three to four months. The effect appears gradually over several days and fades as muscle activity returns. How long it lasts varies with the area treated, the dose and the individual, so repeat treatments are timed according to how the effect wears off.
When do the effects appear?
Botox (botulinum toxin type A) works by temporarily relaxing the treated muscles. The effect usually starts within a few days and is typically at its full strength after about two weeks.
What affects how long it lasts?
Duration depends on the area treated, the dose used, the strength of the muscles involved and individual factors. For that reason the same treatment can last for different lengths of time in different people.
What happens when it wears off?
As the effect fades, muscle movement gradually returns to how it was before treatment. Repeat treatments are usually planned according to how the previous one has worn off.
What are the possible side effects?
Common, short-lived effects include bruising, redness and headache. Less often, the treatment can affect a nearby muscle, for example causing a drooping eyelid or brow, which is temporary. The practitioner should explain the risks before treatment.
Botox in Turkey and Istanbul
Botox is a prescription-only medicine in many countries. If you are considering treatment while travelling in Turkey, including Istanbul, check that it is given by a qualified medical practitioner and ask which product is used. Because the effect wears off after a few months, it is also worth planning how repeat treatments would be arranged after you return home.
Questions worth asking before having Botox in Istanbul or elsewhere in Turkey:
- Which Botox product is used, and who will inject it?
- How long should I wait before travelling home after the treatment?
- What happens if the effect is uneven once I am back from Istanbul?
- How will repeat treatments be arranged, in Turkey or at home?
When to consult a doctor
Seek medical advice promptly if you notice drooping of the eyelid or brow, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or widespread muscle weakness after treatment.