It comes up in almost every consultation. How long does this last? The honest answer is: it depends. Not on a formula, but on a set of concrete factors you can understand before you even book an appointment.
A realistic timeline
Botox and botulinum toxin
Botox generally lasts three to five months. That is the range observed in practice for most patients treated in the forehead, the glabella between the brows, or crow's feet. Some people see results fade by twelve weeks. Others maintain a visible effect for six months. Both outcomes are real, and neither means the treatment failed.
Biologically, the toxin temporarily blocks the nerve signals that trigger muscle contractions. Over time, new receptors form and the effect fades. It is gradual, not sudden.
Hyaluronic acid fillers
HA fillers typically last six to eighteen months, sometimes less depending on the area. High-movement areas like the lips break down the product faster: lip fillers often last six to nine months. More static areas, like the cheekbones or temples, let the product persist longer.
Biostimulators
Products like Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid) stimulate your body's own collagen production rather than filling volume directly. Their effects often last eighteen months to two years, but they appear more gradually and usually require several initial sessions.
What actually affects longevity
Metabolism
People with faster metabolisms tend to break down injectables more quickly. It is worth factoring into maintenance planning, not a reason to skip treatment.
Area and mobility
The face moves constantly. Every muscle contraction mildly accelerates product breakdown in adjacent tissue. A lip treatment will not last as long as a cheek treatment, even with the same volume injected.
Product and dose
Not all fillers are formulated the same way. A product matched to the area and injected in adequate volume lasts longer than an underdosed one. This is one reason the physician's product selection matters as much as technique.
Lifestyle
Prolonged sun exposure, smoking, and poor hydration all accelerate hyaluronic acid breakdown.
Why results fade gradually
Patients sometimes worry about going back to zero after treatment. In practice, the fade is slow. Volume decreases gradually, lines return over weeks. That gradualness is precisely what makes well-executed injectables discreet.
It is also why regular maintenance tends to work better than single high-volume treatments.
Maintenance cadence
For Botox, most patients return two to three times a year. For fillers, annual maintenance is enough in many cases, particularly for less mobile areas; for lips, every six to nine months is more typical. The right cadence is the one that fits your anatomy, your goals, and your budget.
What to expect at La Clé
La Clé is a physician-led medical aesthetic clinic in the heart of Old Montreal, at 204 Notre-Dame Street West, founded by Dr. Hadi Krayem. Every patient goes through a medical consultation before any treatment. We explain what a product can and cannot do in your case, what realistic timelines look like for your profile, and what long-term maintenance involves.
To learn more about the Botox treatments we offer, visit our treatment page.
This article was reviewed by the La Clé clinical team.
Ready to book a consultation? Contact us here.
La Clé clinical team
Frequently asked questions
How long does Botox last the first time?
For most patients, the first treatment lasts three to four months. After several regular sessions, some notice a slightly longer effect, likely because the treated muscles gradually weaken with repeated treatments.
Do lip fillers last less time than other fillers?
Generally, yes. The lips are a high-movement area, so the product breaks down faster: typically six to nine months, compared to twelve to eighteen months for areas like the cheekbones.
What can shorten how long my fillers last?
A faster metabolism, intense physical activity, prolonged sun exposure, smoking, and poor hydration all play a role. Product choice and injected volume also matter considerably.
Do results disappear all at once?
No. The fade is gradual, over several weeks. You will not go back to your pre-treatment appearance overnight, which is part of what makes these treatments discreet over time.
How much does Botox maintenance cost in Montreal?
Pricing varies by area, the number of units, and the practitioner. At your consultation, the physician gives a precise estimate for your case.