Lines, volume or loose skin: name the problem before you pick a treatment
Three different problems that get mixed up constantly: expression lines, lost volume, and skin that has slackened. The right move depends on which one you have.
You have a work dinner, a wedding or a New Year's Eve on the calendar, and you're wondering when to book. With us the rule is simple: plan at least 2 weeks between the injection and the event.
It's not that nothing happens before then. The first changes show earlier. But the effect keeps settling afterward, and we'd rather you be comfortable with your face before the big night, not the evening before.
A neuromodulator isn't a last-minute fix: plan at least two weeks before the event.
What the studies measure, and what they don't say
A systematic review of 42 studies (Nestor et al., 2020) looked at when a neuromodulator's effect appears. Most often it's between 2 and 3 days, and in two studies as early as 24 hours. The effect then lasts 3 to 6 months across studies. That review was funded by a manufacturer, and we say so up front. It sets no rule for your face, only an order of magnitude.
What that means for your calendar:
- onset is quick, but it varies from person to person;
- the effect keeps settling after the first few days;
- no timing fits everyone, or every area.
The countdown calendar for December
Here is the last booking date if we apply our 2-week minimum. The dates are worked out for three common occasions. They're last days, not targets.
| Your event | Date | Last appointment (2-week minimum) |
|---|---|---|
| Office dinner | Saturday, December 12 | Saturday, November 28 |
| Christmas Eve | Thursday, December 24 | Thursday, December 10 |
| New Year's Eve | Thursday, December 31 | Thursday, December 17 |
Earlier is possible, and often more comfortable. The exact plan is confirmed with the nurse at your assessment, based on your face and what you want to soften.
If you have less than two weeks
It happens, and it's not a reason to stay away. Here is what we do:
- We assess your face and look at what's realistic.
- We tell you plainly what you'll see, and what you may not see yet by the date.
- We discuss next steps at the assessment, including a touch-up if it's indicated.
What we don't do: promise you the full effect for a date that's too close. And injecting the day before the event isn't something we recommend.
What a neuromodulator doesn't do
It relaxes the muscle under a movement line. It doesn't restore volume or firm skin that's loosening. If that's what bothers you, this article helps you see clearly before choosing a treatment.
| What bothers you | What answers it |
|---|---|
| A line that deepens when you move your face | The neuromodulator |
| A hollow, lost volume | Another treatment, seen at the assessment |
| Skin that's loosening | Another care, seen at the assessment |
To learn more, see the neuromodulator page or our page on wrinkles.
Who assesses, who injects
We start with an assessment. The injection is done by a nurse, never by an esthetician, and Health Canada notes that injectables should be given by a qualified health care provider. The plan is set on site, not online.
What we tell you up front: results vary from person to person, and nothing is guaranteed. The nurse gives you the aftercare instructions. Pregnancy, medications, history: that's checked at the assessment. If you'd like to see your face first, the 3D analysis is optional and at no charge.
Frequently asked questions
How long before a wedding?
At least 2 weeks, by our rule. If your wedding is sooner, come in anyway for an assessment and we'll look at what's realistic.
Will I see an effect after 24 hours?
Sometimes, according to some studies. Most often the first changes come between 2 and 3 days. It varies from person to person.
What if I see nothing after 5 days?
That's not unusual, since the effect keeps settling. If you have doubts, write to us or come back in rather than guessing.
How long does it last?
3 to 6 months across studies, fading gradually. For you, it's pinned down at the assessment.
Can it be done the day before the event?
We don't recommend it. Our minimum is 2 weeks.
Sources
- Nestor M. et al., systematic review on the onset and duration of a neuromodulator's effect in the upper face, J Clin Aesthet Dermatol, 2020, 13(12): E56-E83 (manufacturer-funded). PubMed
- Health Canada, "Cosmetic injections." Official page
