There are trade-offs to almost everything in life. When it comes to cosmetic medicine, patients need to be realistic and understand the pros and cons of different treatments, whether surgical or non-invasive. No treatment is perfect, but some come pretty close, like injectables.

Injectables like Botox and dermal fillers are very popular for a number of different reasons. They’re safe, nearly painless, quick, and require no downtime, while still producing excellent results. The downside of these treatments, however, is that they don’t last forever.

If you’re interested in injectable treatments, it’s important to realize that your results will be temporary and may only last a few months. You won’t have any downtime to worry about and injectable treatments are safer than surgery, but you will need to commit to maintenance appointments if you want to continue enjoying your results.

But when should you schedule your touch-up treatments? What happens when injectables wear off? Here’s what you need to know.

Why Do Injectables Wear Off?

Before we jump into what happens after your injectables wear off, you might want to know why they fade in the first place.

There are two major groups of injectable treatments: neuromodulators and soft tissue fillers. Both groups of products wear off eventually, but for different reasons.

Fillers

Biocompatible soft tissue fillers like Juvéderm and Restylane are usually made from hyaluronic acid (HA), which is produced naturally by the body. Immediately after injection, the molecules of HA provide volume and hydration in the treatment area for a full, youthful, contoured appearance. Over time, however, the body metabolizes the substance, causing it to disappear.

Fillers might last anywhere from three months to two years, depending on the formula. Individual factors play a role, too: people who have a fast metabolism might see their results disappear faster. High-movement areas like the lips usually need re-injection more often as well.

Neuromodulators

Neuromodulators like Botox work very differently from fillers. Made from botulinum toxin, these injectables work by blocking nerve signals that cause muscle contractions, easing dynamic facial wrinkles for 3-4 months at a time.

These injectables can only limit muscle movement for so long. Eventually, the body creates new nerve endings that are not affected by the most recent dose of Botox. At that point, re-injection is needed to maintain results.

What Happens When Fillers Wear Off

Lots of people worry that their skin will look worse than it did initially after their fillers or Botox treatments wear off. Good news—this is a myth! Rest assured that your skin won’t develop new wrinkles as a result of the treatment wearing off.

What you might notice, though, is that you’re more aware of your skin imperfections than you were before your treatment. This is because you will be used to enjoying fewer wrinkles and a fuller, more youthful appearance.

It can be disappointing to see your skin revert back to its natural state as your injectable wears off. Because of this, you might think that your wrinkles have gotten worse when they really haven’t.  That’s why so many people choose to continue with injectable treatments indefinitely, setting up a maintenance schedule to ensure lasting results.

How to Tell When Your Injectables Are Wearing Off

It’s pretty easy to tell when your injectables are starting to wear off. You’ll begin to notice lines and wrinkles once again and facial hollows will gradually reappear.

You should be able to predict when this will happen, based on the average lifespan of the product. Injectables like Botox and classic Juvéderm might only last for around 4 months, while specialized formulas like Juvéderm Voluma XC (for the cheek area) might last up to two years.

When you choose your injectable treatment, your provider should tell you how long it’s expected to last. Be sure to ask for clarification if you have any questions, and keep in mind that individual results will vary. Fillers might last 4 months for some people and 6 or more for others!

Creating a Maintenance Schedule

If you’re interested in continuing with injectables after your first treatment (and most patients are!) then you and your provider will work out a maintenance schedule that works for you. Some people like to refresh their look before the results start to wear off, while others don’t mind letting it go a little longer between visits.

Injectable treatments are highly customizable. You need to decide on what’s best for you based on your goals, budget, and lifestyle. An injectables expert can help you determine the best treatment plan for your needs, whether that means you’ll be coming in every few months or only once every year.

Choose the Right Provider

If you decide to continue with injectables for the foreseeable future, then it’s important to realize that you’ll be getting to know the staff at your local med spa or plastic surgeon’s office pretty well. You should choose a compassionate, friendly provider who is experienced in administering injectables and will give you consistently great results. It’s important to feel comfortable with the person who will be in charge of your treatment plan!

In Houston, Texas, Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique is staffed by aestheticians and nurses with years of experience. The state-of-the-art facility is run by renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Paul Vitenas and offers a range of filler options. To schedule a consultation, call (281) 810-9083 today or book online!