If you have wrinkles and fine lines, you may be thinking of a remedy. You may have spoken to a friend or partner who suggested you go for Botox. If you’ve seen the results on a friend or next-door neighbor, you may have decided to go for it.
But now you’re faced with a dilemma- how long Botox lasts? You want to know if it’s worth your money and if it’ll require you to visit the aesthetic clinic frequently.
Read on to know more about Botox, how long they last and how you can make yours last longer.
What is Botox?
Botox is the brand name for Onobotulinumtoxin A, a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium, Clostridium botulinum.
Cosmetic Botox has different uses. It is often used as an injectible medication to eliminate facial wrinkles. It is also used in small doses to treat other health issues like chronic migraines, neck spasms, over-sweating in the underarms, and an overactive bladder. When used for medical purposes, they tend to last for a shorter period, from two to three months.
All four types of cosmetic Botox are FDA-approved to smoothen facial wrinkles. They include Botox, Xeomin, Dysport, and recently, Jeuveau. The dermatologist or aesthetician will determine the exact product based on several factors.
If someone had used one type before and didn’t produce the best result, they may alternate to another.
Botox injection is advantageous for giving people a younger look as it removes the need for surgery.
It takes about 15 minutes to administer Botox, and after administration, you can expect to start seeing results within 24-48 hours.
If you have an upcoming event you want to look ready for, you should get Botox 2-3 weeks in advance to view the final result and see if there’s any need for touchups.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox works by weakening or paralyzing certain muscles or blocking signals from the nerve to specific muscle preventing it from contracting.
So by preventing the contraction of specific facial muscles, there is less pull on the skin and a reduction of wrinkles. For example, when a person smiles, laughs, or frowns, the facial muscles beneath the skin contract, causing lines and wrinkles to form on the skin’s surface.
So when you receive Botox injections on certain areas of your face, it relaxes your muscles so that no matter how much you smile or laugh, your skin will always remain smooth.
How Long Does Botox Last?
Plastic surgery is the only permanent solution to solving facial wrinkles. So, Botox is only temporary. As the effects of the injection begin to wear off, muscle action on an injected area will return, and lines and wrinkles will reappear.
So that begs the question, “how long does Botox last?”
Botox injections for facial aesthetics typically last from four to six months. However, you can expect it to wear off from the third or fourth month after treatment.
For non-cosmetic uses, their effect lasts less than two to three months.
First-time Botox users may experience a shorter result the first time and, after retreatment, may experience a longer result. On the other hand, regular Botox users may notice that the results of their Botox treatment last longer, and they may not require regular visits for a refill. This is because the muscles are shrinking over time.
Factors That Affect How Long Botox Lasts
When you go for a Botox treatment, the site that is injected and the amount of Botox injected affect how long it lasts. However, other factors affect how long it lasts:
● Age and elasticity of your skin: Older patients with less elastic skin may need Botox injections more regularly because the results may wear off from three to four months after treatment.
● The depth of your wrinkles: people with fine lines will enjoy the effects of Botox longer than those with deep wrinkles, thick scowls, and bulky muscles. If you have deep wrinkles and are using Botox to reduce them, they may not disappear completely, and the effects may wear off more quickly.
● Physical activity: If you move your spot-on injection frequently, it may not last up to six months. Most people who visit the gym more than five times a week may experience quick wearing off of their Botox.
● The spot of treatment: Results in spots like the forehead and the space between your eyebrows typically last longest than other areas of the face
● Your regular facial expression: If you don’t use your facial muscles so much, your results will last longer than those who wear animated expressions.
● The skill of the injector: Botox lasts longer and meets your muscles better when injected properly in the right spot. A good injector will accurately target your muscles and inject you properly for the best results. A good injector knows how much Botox to inject and your facial anatomy, and they also know how to space your injections for maximum results. Main D’or Clinic has skilled dermatologists and injectors who are good at what they do.
● Amount of Botox injected: There’s no one standard amount to be injected in all patients. The amount of Botox injected into your muscles will depend on your muscle strength, activity level, and bulk. Larger muscles usually require more Botox, and the amount served will also determine how long the results last.
How Often Should You Get Botox?
Since we’ve mentioned that you may start experiencing movements around the four-month mark, does that mean you must get Botox every four months?
The answer to that question depends on your face, age, and the severity of your condition. Take note of where the injection was administered, and immediately you start to notice fine lines or wrinkles reappearing; you should return to the clinic for a new treatment. This happens every three to six months on average though most may experience theirs during the fourth month, especially if they’re first-timers.
How To Make Your Botox Last Longer/ How To Prevent New Wrinkles
To maintain your Botox and to prevent new wrinkles from forming on your face, do the following:
1. Visit a skilled aesthetician/dermatologist for your Botox.
The skill of the person administering the Botox injection or giving you lip fillers goes a long way to determining how the final results would look and how long they would last.
2. Apply sunscreen
Sunscreen is your friend, and of course, you should always use sunscreen whether you have Botox injections or not. However, sunscreen makes your Botox lasts longer.
UV rays from the sun penetrate your skin and tamper with the longevity of your Botox treatment. So, always apply a broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen daily, especially on your face.
Also, avoid long exposure to the sun and invest in shades, so you don’t squint always. Squinting can create new lines or even make your treatment wear off faster. Also, wear hats on sunny days.
3. Invest in antioxidant serums
Free radicals can also pass through the skin barrier and impact your Botox treatment. An antioxidant serum neutralizes free radicals and protects your skin from pollutants and toxins.
4. Use moisturizers and products with collagen
Keep your skin hydrated by using a hydrating moisturizer. Your dermatologist will recommend one for you. This will assist the Botox and make it last longer. Also, invest in products with peptides and collagen to aid skin cell proliferation.
5. Stop smoking
If you’re a heavy smoker, now may be the time to stop the habit. Smoking increases wrinkles and causes you to age prematurely. Smoking, even after getting Botox treatment, may cause new lines to form in your skin.
6. Drink water always
Stay hydrated by drinking enough water daily. It yields healthy skin. Regular water intake aids digestion and circulation and promotes the normal functioning of cells.
7. Eat healthily
As the saying goes, “you are what you eat.” What you eat affects your skin. To get started, ask your nutritionist or doctor for help with healthy diet recommendations.
8. Use gentle facial cleansers
A good cleanser removes dirt and dead skin cells from the skin. There are lots of facial cleansers on the market. Some are harsh, while others are mild and good for any skin type. Invest in a gentle facial cleanser with hyaluronic acid to help with hydration. This will help make your skin look plump and make your Botox treatment last even longer.
For effective results, immediately after getting Botox treatment, avoid rubbing your face for the next 24-48hours. Also, avoid strenuous exercise and exposure to heat for the next 24 hours.
Do You Need Botox Or Any Form Of Dermal Filler?
Main D’or handles a lot of treatments, from Botox injections to hyaluronic acid injections. Botox injections usually last from three to six months. As you get regular Botox treatments, the results will last longer. To schedule an appointment for Botox treatment or to make more inquiries, contact us today.