How Long Does Botox Last? What to Expect Before and After Your Treatment in the UK

29 Oct

A complete guide from Verse Medical Aesthetics, Guildford

Botox is one of the most popular non-surgical treatments in the world — and for good reason. When done correctly, it smooths expression lines, softens the face, and refreshes your overall look without changing who you are.
Yet one of the most common questions our Guildford clients ask is: how long does Botox actually last? Let’s break that down — from what Botox is, to how it works, to how you can make your results last longer.

What Is Botox and How Does It Work?

Botox is a purified protein derived from Clostridium botulinum, used medically for decades to treat muscle conditions such as migraines and excessive sweating before it ever reached aesthetic clinics.
When injected precisely into facial muscles, it blocks nerve signals that tell those muscles to contract. The result is smoother skin and fewer wrinkles caused by repeated movement — think frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet.

Despite its name, Botulinum toxin (Botox) is not dangerous when used by trained professionals. The doses are tiny, controlled, and well-researched. It’s also not the same as dermal fillers: Botox relaxes muscle activity, while fillers restore lost volume.

When Does Botox Start Working?

Most people start noticing results around 3 to 5 days after treatment, with the full effect visible after 10 to 14 days.
Initially, you might still see movement — that’s normal. The protein works gradually as the nerve endings become less active. We usually schedule a two-week review at our clinic to fine-tune any needed adjustments.

How Long Does Botox Last?

The average Botox treatment lasts three to four months. However, this varies depending on:

How expressive your facial muscles are
The number of units used and where they’re placed
Your individual metabolism
Whether it’s your first treatment or part of an ongoing plan

With consistent treatments, many clients find that results start to last longer because the targeted muscles become “trained” to stay relaxed.

How to Make Botox Last Longer

No magic supplement extends results, but small lifestyle choices can make a real difference:

Avoid intense exercise for the first 24 hours — it can cause Botox to diffuse before settling.
Stay out of saunas or steam rooms for a few days. Heat increases blood flow and may shorten the effect.
Protect your skin from UV exposure. Sun damage accelerates collagen breakdown, making lines more visible.
Keep up with a quality skincare routine — vitamin C in the morning, sunscreen daily, and vitamin A (retinoids) at night.
Maintain regular treatment intervals. Don’t wait until movement fully returns if you want smoother, more consistent results.

Botox Aftercare: What to Do and Avoid

Immediately after treatment, you can return to most normal activities — follow these golden rules for the first 24 hours:

Keep upright for at least four hours.
Avoid touching, massaging, or applying pressure to the treated area.
Skip the gym and hot baths that day.
Delay makeup for 12 hours to reduce the risk of infection.

Some mild redness or small bumps may appear at the injection sites; these usually settle within minutes to an hour.

Before and After Botox: What Results to Expect

Before treatment, most clients notice lines that linger even when the face is relaxed — especially across the forehead or between the brows.
After Botox, the skin appears smoother, the brows may lift subtly, and makeup applies more evenly. The goal is refreshed, not frozen.

You’ll still look like yourself, just more rested — the best version of your natural expression.

Who Is Botox Suitable For?

Botox is suitable for adults who want to soften dynamic wrinkles — the ones that appear from repeated muscle movement.
It’s also used preventatively in people in their late 20s or 30s who want to delay the formation of deeper lines.
We don’t treat anyone pregnant or breastfeeding, and a medical consultation is always required first.

Common Myths About Botox

“Botox will make me look fake.” Not when done correctly. At Verse Medical Aesthetics, we use precise, conservative doses to enhance natural expression.
“Botox is toxic.” It’s made from a purified protein that's been safely used in medicine for over 30 years.
“Botox is permanent.” It wears off naturally as nerve endings regenerate.
“Botox and fillers are the same.” They work differently — Botox relaxes movement, fillers restore structure.

Where to Get Botox Near You

If you’re searching “Botox near me” or “Botox Guildford”, it’s worth choosing a medical aesthetics clinic that understands both anatomy and artistry.
At Verse Medical Aesthetics, treatments are always performed by trained medical professionals using premium products.
We focus on results that look effortless — calm brows, smoother skin, and confidence you can feel.

How Much Does Botox Cost in Guildford Compared to London?

In London, three treatment areas often cost around £450–£550, depending on the clinic.
At Verse Medical Aesthetics in Guildford, the same high-quality medical-grade treatment is £250.
The difference isn’t in the expertise — it’s in location overheads. You get the same precision and product, just without central-London prices.

Final Thoughts

Botox isn’t about changing your face; it’s about helping your features rest in harmony.
When performed by qualified injectors and maintained with care, it’s a safe and effective way to refresh your appearance naturally. To book a consultation or find out more about Botox in Guildford, contact Verse Medical Aesthetics today.