Botox has become a popular remedy for relieving dynamic wrinkles and fine lines on the face and neck. Read on to learn more about Botox injections, how long they last, their possible side effects, and how many units are required per injection.
The skin loses collagen and elastin naturally as one ages due to rapid cell death compared to cell growth. Furthermore, external factors like smoking, pollen, and dust also worsen collagen loss. When the skin loses collagen, dynamic wrinkles and fine lines are formed. In addition, the skin loses its firmness and is susceptible to oxidation and hyperpigmentation. Fortunately, skin injections like Botox offer a viable remedy for improving skin health. Botox relieves dynamic wrinkles caused by facial movements, enhancing skin hydration and removing fine lines. Several factors determine how long it lasts and how many units are necessary per injection.
What is Botox?
Botox is an injectable medication injected to specific facial areas. It can be used cosmetically and injected into parts of the forehead, the corners of the mouth, and the area between the eyes and nose. Also, Botox has various medicinal purposes. Grenda et al. (2021) stated that Botox can treat crossed eyes, chronic migraines, and muscle spasticity. It is considered a safe medication since it is certified by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The patient must ensure that only a highly qualified cosmetic doctor performs the procedure to minimize possible long-term side effects.
How Does Botox Work?
Siddiqui et al. (2021) stated that Botox injections disrupt nerve signals and temporarily lower muscle activity. It causes the dynamic creases around the face to lessen. Additionally, Botox injections help to hydrate the skin and reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles on the face. A topical anaesthetic is used to numb the skin before the treatment procedure. The aesthetic physician gives about five injections in various locations near the brows.
Moreover, depending on the necessary injections, the treatment is barely intrusive and finished in under an hour. The cosmetic doctor frequently advises the patient not to take any blood thinners after the injections. Furthermore, the patient is advised to avoid using cosmetic products on their face.
How Long Does Botox Last?
Botox can last three months for medical conditions like treating an overactive bladder and reducing excessive perspiration. However, Botox used for cosmetic reasons typically lasts longer, up to a year. The aesthetic doctor checks the patient’s medical history and skin before the procedure. A topical anaesthetic is often applied to numb the skin and reduce any pain experienced during the procedure. Although the procedure is non-surgical and minimally invasive, it is carried out carefully. Several factors influence the durability of Botox injections. For instance, the patient’s sex, muscle mass, age, metabolism, and injection placement. In addition, the dosage required and the number of units injected determine how long the medication lasts. The following are factors that influence the longevity of the injections;
Metabolism
Since it takes longer for their bodies to break down Botox than individuals with higher metabolisms, patients with lower metabolisms are more likely to experience the longer-lasting effects of Botox.
Supplementary Injections
To ensure the effectiveness of the Botox injections, follow-up visits are required. Repeated injections given too soon may be unsuccessful because the body’s immune system is still adapting to Botox. Although the cosmetic doctor should keep one informed about the need for the injections and the ideal time to deliver them, multiple treatment sessions can be performed every four months.
Skin Tone
According to Ito et al. (2018), UV rays dry the skin, impair collagen formation, and make fine lines and wrinkles emerge. Patients with a darker skin tone are less likely to experience the harsh effects of the sun’s UV rays since they have enough melanin that filters UV radiation in the deeper skin layers.
Age
Rapid cell death and environmental contaminants like smoking and dust cause collagen and elastin to decrease as one age. Patients who are younger by nature have skin that is higher in elastin and collagen. Because elderly patients had fewer levels of elastin and collagen, younger individuals would have longer effects.
Dosage Administered
Most of the time, larger doses last longer than smaller doses. Nevertheless, the aesthetic physician must ensure they administer the correct dosage, considering the patient’s age, sex, and muscle mass.
The Injection Sites
Botox injections are frequently used on facial skin. They, therefore, last longer in parts of the face with little muscle action. The solution will last shorter if the injection is given near the eyes because there is more muscle action.
How Many Units of Botox Are Required?
Twenty units of Botox can be administered to women since their skin develops lesser wrinkles and fine lines. However, men would require about 5-10 more units of Botox since their skin has deeper wrinkles and more potent lines. Men often have stronger facial muscles and would require more units of Botox injections.
Preserving the Skin After Botox Injections
- Avoid overexposure to the sun since it may interfere with collagen and elastin formation in the inner skin layers. Ensure one uses a sunscreen with a higher SPF (Sun Protection Factor) since it is more effective in reducing the effects of UV rays on your skin.
- Avoid taking blood thinning medications since they may interfere with blood clotting.
- Do not use cosmetic products on the face for about three days after the procedure. These products may cause inflammation and worsen the pain.
- Ensure one consumes hydrating foods and fruits for proper sebum production. For example, fatty fish and avocados improve skin health and relieve wrinkles. In addition, stay hydrated to keep the skin firmer.
- Avoid flying right after the procedure since the higher air pressure may worsen the pain and inflammation experienced.
- Use hydrating moisturizers to remove dirt, oil, and bacteria that make the skin dryer. Nisbet & Stephanie (2018) stated that moisturizers enhance skin hydration and help regulate sebum production.
Frequently Asked Questions about Botox
How Much Do Botox Injections Cost?
Botox injections often cost $300-$900, depending on the patient’s location and the units required for desired results. Furthermore, people with stronger facial muscles would require more units, increasing the cost.
Is Botox Interchangeable?
The MHRA recommends that there isn’t a substitute for Botox since the manufacturing process is unique and measured in units. However, it is important to seek medical clarification from the doctor about the product administered to one’s skin.
Does Botox Make a Face Look Unnatural?
Botox alleviates the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Fortunately, it maintains a youthful appearance, ensuring the skin remains natural. It is important to have the procedure carried out by a professional cosmetic doctor to guarantee amazing results.
Conclusion
Botox is an injectable substance administered to precise facial areas. It is used cosmetically and medicinally. For example, it is used to treat excessive sweating and crossed eyes. Furthermore, it alleviates dynamic facial wrinkles and enhances skin hydration. Several factors influence the longevity of Botox, including the patient’s metabolism, age, and the intensity of the wrinkles. Men often have stronger facial muscles, so the effects of Botox are likely to wear out quickly. In addition, patients with a higher metabolism are less likely to experience the longer-lasting effects of Botox. Botox works by temporarily blocking nerve signals and impeding muscle movement. It is essential to stay hydrated, avoid overexposure to the sun, and avoid blood-thinning medications that may worsen the possible side effects.
References
Grenda, T., Grenda, A., Krawczyk, P., & Kwiatek, K. (2021). Botulinum toxin in cancer therapy—current perspectives and limitations. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 1-11.
Ito, N., Seki, S., & Ueda, F. (2018). The protective role of astaxanthin for UV-induced skin deterioration in healthy people—a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Nutrients, 10(7), 817.
Nisbet, S. J. (2018). Skin acceptability of a cosmetic moisturizer formulation in female subjects with sensitive skin. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 11, 213.
Siddiqui, M., Shah, P. V., Balani, P., Lopez, A. R., Nobleza, C. M. N., & Khan, S. (2021). Comparing the efficacy, safety, and superiority of calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies and botox in preventing and treating migraines. Cureus, 13(1).
GP
The work of a family doctor includes a wide range of clinical diversity, which requires extensive knowledge and erudition from a specialist. However, I believe that the most important thing for a family doctor is to be human because the cooperation and understanding between the doctor and the patient are crucial in ensuring successful health care. On my days off, I love being in nature. Since childhood, I have been passionate about playing chess and tennis. Whenever I have time off, I enjoy traveling around the world.
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