How Often Should You Get Botox? Maintenance Tips from Raya

One of the first things people ask after their initial Botox appointment is: "So when do I come back?"

It's a great question, and the answer isn't one-size-fits-all. Your ideal Botox schedule depends on a bunch of factors — your metabolism, the areas treated, how your body responds to the product, and your personal goals.

But after treating hundreds of clients at Aesthetic Touch by Raya here in Plano, I've noticed some pretty consistent patterns. Here's what I tell my clients about Botox maintenance and timing.

The General Rule: Every 3 to 4 Months

For most people, Botox lasts somewhere between 3 and 4 months. That's the standard window where results look their best. Around the 3-month mark, you might start to notice a little movement creeping back in. By month 4, most people are ready for their next appointment.

But here's the thing — you don't have to stick to a rigid schedule. Botox isn't like a subscription service where you have to show up on the exact same day every time. Your body will tell you when it's time.

How to Know When You're Due

Forget counting calendar days. Here are the actual signs that it's time to book your next appointment:

Your wrinkles are starting to come back at rest. If you're seeing lines when your face is completely relaxed (not just when you make expressions), it's time.

You're making full expressions again. When you first get Botox, raising your eyebrows or squinting takes more effort because the muscles are relaxed. When that resistance fades and movement feels totally normal again, the Botox is wearing off.

People start asking if you're tired. This one's a classic. If you've been getting compliments about looking refreshed and then suddenly someone asks if you're getting enough sleep — yeah, it might be time to come back.

Why Timing Matters

Here's something a lot of people don't realize: staying on a consistent Botox schedule actually makes each treatment work better over time.

When you treat the muscles before they fully regain their strength, each session builds on the last. The muscles gradually get weaker and smaller because they're not being used as aggressively. Over time, this means:

• You may need less product per session

• Your results may last longer between appointments

• Your wrinkles may become less deep overall, even when the Botox wears off

On the flip side, if you wait too long between appointments and let the muscles fully bounce back every time, you're essentially starting from scratch each session. It still works, but you miss out on that cumulative benefit.

My Recommended Schedule by Treatment Area

Different areas of the face can have slightly different timelines:

Forehead lines: Every 3 to 4 months. The frontalis muscle (the big one across your forehead) is used constantly, so Botox here tends to wear off at a pretty standard rate.

Frown lines (11 lines): Every 3 to 5 months. These muscles are smaller, and many clients find that frown line Botox lasts a bit longer than forehead Botox.

Crow's feet: Every 3 to 4 months. The skin around the eyes is thin and these muscles get a lot of use from smiling, squinting, and screen time.

Brow lift: Every 3 to 4 months, usually timed with your forehead treatment since the areas work together.

Factors That Affect How Often You'll Need Botox

Everyone's body is different, and these factors play a role in your personal schedule:

Your metabolism. People who are very active, exercise frequently, or have naturally fast metabolisms tend to process Botox more quickly. If you're a marathon runner or a gym regular, you might find yourself closer to the 3-month end of the spectrum.

Your age. Younger clients who are using Botox preventatively often need less product and may find their results last a bit longer. Clients with deeper, more established lines may need more frequent maintenance initially.

The dose used. This seems obvious, but it matters. Under-dosing to save money often means the results don't last as long — which means more frequent appointments and potentially more money spent in the long run. Getting the right dose from the start is actually more cost-effective.

How expressive you are. If you're someone who talks with their face — big eyebrow raises, lots of squinting, animated expressions — your muscles work harder and may process the Botox faster than someone with more subtle expressions.

Sun exposure. This is an underrated factor. UV damage breaks down skin and can make wrinkles more prominent. Wearing SPF daily doesn't just protect your skin — it helps your Botox results look better for longer.

Tips to Make Your Botox Last Longer

You can't completely control how long Botox lasts, but you can tip the odds in your favor:

Wear sunscreen every single day. SPF 30 minimum. Rain or shine. This is the single best thing you can do for your skin and your Botox results.

Stay hydrated. Good hydration supports overall skin health and helps maintain that plump, smooth look between appointments.

Don't skip your skincare. A basic routine with retinol, vitamin C, or hyaluronic acid can help your skin look its best between Botox sessions. You don't need 12 steps — just the basics done consistently.

Avoid excessive heat after treatment. For the first 48 hours, skip the sauna, hot yoga, and long hot showers. Heat increases blood flow and can affect how the Botox settles.

Don't rub your face right after treatment. For the first 24 hours, leave the treated area alone. No massaging, no pressing, no picking. Let the Botox stay where it was placed.

Can I Take a Break From Botox?

Absolutely. Botox isn't something you're committed to forever. If you want to take a break — for financial reasons, pregnancy, or just because — your face will simply return to how it looked before treatment. Your wrinkles won't get worse from stopping. You'll just go back to your baseline.

Some of my clients do Botox consistently for a few years, take a break, and then come back when they feel like it. There's no penalty for pausing.

What About "Preventative" Botox?

If you're in your mid-20s to early 30s and don't have deep wrinkles yet, you might have heard about preventative Botox. The idea is simple: by relaxing the muscles before deep wrinkles form, you can prevent those lines from ever getting established.

It works. I've seen it work. But it's not necessary for everyone. If you're starting to notice faint lines when your face is at rest, or if deep wrinkles run in your family and you want to get ahead of them, preventative Botox is worth considering. We can talk about whether it makes sense for you during a consultation.

The Bottom Line

There's no magic number for how often you should get Botox. It depends on your body, your goals, and your lifestyle. But most people settle into a rhythm of every 3 to 4 months once they find their groove.

The best thing you can do? Pay attention to your face, stay consistent with your schedule, and work with an injector who knows your history and goals.

If you're in Plano, TX or the surrounding DFW area — Frisco, Allen, McKinney, Richardson — I'd love to help you figure out the right maintenance plan. Book a consultation at Aesthetic Touch by Raya and let's find your rhythm.

Your future self will thank you.