How Long Does It Take for Neuromodulators to Work?

Plenty of people ask our team questions about how soon their treatments will begin working, such as, “Does Dysport^® kick in faster than BOTOX^®?” Our Naples-based injectors at Skin Wellness Physicians understand that patients are eager to see their results from neuromodulators and will want to know as much as possible.

BOTOX^® and Dysport^® are two of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatments available today. Both of these injectables are injected to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and they work the same way: by relaxing the muscles that cause these lines to form.
If you’re considering either of these wrinkle injections, you’re not alone in questioning how quickly these treatments work.

The effects of BOTOX^® and Dysport^® are not immediate. It usually takes around three to five days to start seeing results for BOTOX^®, while Dysport^® results show up sooner—usually within just 24 hours. However, it can take up to two weeks to see the full effects from all neuromodulators. The reason why it takes some time to see the results is because the treatment works by relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkles and fine lines, which takes time to occur.

Neuromodulators work by blocking the neurotransmitter that signals the muscle to contract, effectively relaxing the muscle long-term and smoothing out the wrinkles caused by repeated muscle movements. In order to work properly, the medication needs to be absorbed by the muscle fibers and start blocking the neurotransmitter. The amount of time it takes for the product to take effect varies from person to person and depends on factors like an individual’s metabolism and the depth and severity of the wrinkles being treated.

While most people want visible results right away, it’s important to give the neuromodulator time to take effect. Trying to rush the process by seeking additional treatments too soon could potentially lead to over-treatment and increased risk of side effects.

We will give you specific instructions to follow after your treatment to help minimize the risk of complications and maximize the effectiveness of the medication. These instructions may include avoiding certain activities (such as exercise or consuming alcohol) for a certain amount of time after the treatment.

Our team at Skin Wellness Physicians can provide more information about the onset of neuromodulator effects, as well as other treatments. Call us at (239) 732-0044 or submit an online contact form to request a consultation if you’re curious about how injectables can soften expression wrinkles.