How long does Botox last?

Results last 3 to 6 months for most people. The forehead often holds shorter (3-4 months) because it works constantly, while crow's feet and lower-movement areas can hold 4-6 months. Repeated treatments can extend the effect over time.

Are Botox and botulinum toxin the same?

Botox is the brand name from Allergan. Botulinum toxin is the generic substance. Other brands with the same active ingredient include Dysport (Galderma), Bocouture/Xeomin (Merz), and Letybo (Hugel). They share the mechanism but differ in diffusion and dosing units.

When do botulinum toxin results show?

Effect starts within 2 to 5 days and peaks at day 14. Never judge the result before two weeks. Any touch-up is done at a follow-up after 2 to 3 weeks.

Can I get Botox during pregnancy?

No. Botulinum toxin is not approved during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Even though the risk from a localised injection is very low, there is not enough documentation to confirm safety, and all manufacturers advise against it.

What is the difference between Bocouture, Dysport, and Botox?

All contain botulinum toxin type A. Bocouture/Xeomin is 'naked' without complexing proteins, lowering the risk of antibody development with long-term use. Dysport diffuses slightly more. Botox is the original established brand. Clinical effect is comparable.

How does Botox wear off?

The effect fades gradually from month 3 or 4. You'll notice movement returning bit by bit. There is no sudden snap-back, just a soft transition over 4 to 6 weeks.

Botulinum Toxin: glossary | Dibélle

Also known as: Botox, BoNT-A, botulinum toxin type A, Dysport, Bocouture, Xeomin, Letybo, Azzalure

What is botulinum toxin?

Botulinum toxin is a purified protein from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In medical use it is called a neuromodulator. It has been used clinically since the 1980s, first against eye-muscle disorders, then for migraine prophylaxis, excessive sweating, and aesthetically against expression lines. Aesthetic doses sit at a fraction of the clinically toxic threshold.

How it works in treatment

Botulinum toxin blocks the SNAP-25 protein in muscle nerve endings and stops the release of acetylcholine, the signalling molecule that triggers muscle contraction. The injected muscle relaxes. Effect starts within 2 to 5 days, peaks at day 14, and lasts 3 to 6 months. Nerve endings regenerate gradually and muscle activity returns.

Where it is used

At Dibélle, botulinum toxin is used for forehead lines, glabella (between the brows), crow's feet, gummy smile, lip lines (lip flip), masseter reduction, neck-trap tension, downturned mouth corners, chin dimpling, shoulders (traptox), underarm sweating, and the Nefertiti lift along the jawline. Different products (Bocouture, Dysport, Letybo) share the same active substance but differ in diffusion and dosing units.

Results and safety

Effect lasts 3 to 6 months. Repeated injections can extend the effect over time as the muscle adapts to working less. Common side effects are bruising, mild headache the first day, and forehead heaviness. Rare side effects include eyelid ptosis (drooping lid) which resolves as the effect fades. Botulinum toxin is not approved during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Common questions about Botulinum Toxin

How long does Botox last?: Results last 3 to 6 months for most people. The forehead often holds shorter (3-4 months) because it works constantly, while crow's feet and lower-movement areas can hold 4-6 months. Repeated treatments can extend the effect over time.
Are Botox and botulinum toxin the same?: Botox is the brand name from Allergan. Botulinum toxin is the generic substance. Other brands with the same active ingredient include Dysport (Galderma), Bocouture/Xeomin (Merz), and Letybo (Hugel). They share the mechanism but differ in diffusion and dosing units.
When do botulinum toxin results show?: Effect starts within 2 to 5 days and peaks at day 14. Never judge the result before two weeks. Any touch-up is done at a follow-up after 2 to 3 weeks.
Can I get Botox during pregnancy?: No. Botulinum toxin is not approved during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Even though the risk from a localised injection is very low, there is not enough documentation to confirm safety, and all manufacturers advise against it.
What is the difference between Bocouture, Dysport, and Botox?: All contain botulinum toxin type A. Bocouture/Xeomin is 'naked' without complexing proteins, lowering the risk of antibody development with long-term use. Dysport diffuses slightly more. Botox is the original established brand. Clinical effect is comparable.
How does Botox wear off?: The effect fades gradually from month 3 or 4. You'll notice movement returning bit by bit. There is no sudden snap-back, just a soft transition over 4 to 6 weeks.

Botulinum Toxin