Botox injections have filled a human need to look younger and more desirable. Read on to learn more about Botox injections, how long they last, their benefits, and frequently asked questions about them.
Many people have prioritized skin health in recent years. Progressive scientific research has led to the development of modern medicines and cutting-edge technology that improves collagen production and removes wrinkles. For example, dermal filler injections and microneedling are skin care processes involving minimally invasive skin injections. In addition, Botox is an injectable treatment that can be used to deliver vital nutrients and medication directly to the bloodstream. It alleviates dynamic wrinkles and reduces muscle spasms, besides enhancing skin hydration. Several factors influence the longevity of the Botox injection, although it remains effective if the procedure is carried out precisely.
What is Botox?
Botox, or Botulinum toxin, is an injectable medication often administered to the facial skin. It is used to alleviate muscle spasticity and relieve extreme eye blinking. Furthermore, Botox can be used for several cosmetic purposes. Shaterian et al. (2022) stated that it reduces dynamic wrinkles and improves skin hydration. The procedure is non-surgical and minimally invasive. It can be performed in under an hour in a cosmetic doctor’s office. However, a licensed, highly qualified aesthetic doctor must carry out the procedure carefully. Indiscriminate injections and injections performed imprecisely might have disastrous effects. Fortunately, accurate Botox injections have a low complication rate. Moreover, the possible side effects subside within a few days.
How Long Does Botox Last?
When Botox is used for medical purposes, like relieving excessive sweating and treating an overactive bladder, it can last for three months. However, Botox used for cosmetic purposes, usually lasts longer. Various factors influence the longevity of Botox injections. For example, the patient’s age, muscle mass, sex, and the positioning of the injection. Furthermore, the Botox solution’s volume and the injection’s technique also determine the injection’s longevity. Before the procedure, the aesthetic doctor examines the skin and the patient’s medical history. Certain health conditions often affect the procedure’s outcome, including cancer treatments, eczema, and blood thinning medications. Botox injections often last up to a year. The following are factors that determine how long it lasts;
Age
Younger patients naturally have more elastin and collagen in their skin. Therefore, younger patients would observe a longer duration of results than older patients, who have lower amounts of elastin and collagen. Edgar et al. (2018) stated that collagen and elastin reduce as one ages due to rapid cell death and various environmental pollutants like smoke and dust.
The Positioning of the Injection
Botox injections are often administered on the facial skin. Therefore, they last longer in facial areas with minimal muscle movement. If the injection is administered in areas around the eyes, the solution will last for a shorter duration due to increased muscle activity around the eyes.
Repeat Injections
Touch-up sessions are necessary to guarantee the efficacy of the Botox injections. Multiple treatment sessions can be performed every four months, although the cosmetic doctor should update one on the necessity of the injections and the appropriate period it should be administered. Repeating injections performed too soon may be ineffective due to the body’s developing immune response to Botox.
Dosage
Larger doses often last longer than smaller doses. However, the aesthetic doctor must ensure they inject the right dosage, depending on the person’s age, sex, and muscle mass.
Metabolism
Patients with a lower metabolism are likely to experience longer-lasting effects of Botox compared to patients with a higher metabolism since their bodies take longer to break down Botox.
Skin Type
Patients with a darker skin tone are likely to experience longer-lasting effects of Botox since their skin is less likely to form wrinkles and fine lines over time. Furthermore, they have more melanin in their skin that filters UV rays. UV rays affect collagen production, dehydrate the skin and cause the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox injections temporarily reduce muscle activity and inhibit nerve signals. It leads to the reduction of dynamic wrinkles around the face. In addition, Botox injections alleviate the formation of fine lines on the face and improve skin hydration. Before the procedure, a topical anaesthetic is applied to numb the skin. The aesthetic doctor administers about five injections on specific areas around the eyebrows. Moreover, the procedure is minimally invasive and takes less than an hour to complete depending on the number of injections required. After the injections, the cosmetic doctor often recommends that the patient not use any blood thinners.
Possible Risks of Botox Injections
Satriyasa & Bagus Komang (2019) stated that Botox might cause neck pains, inflammation, bruising, and fatigue. Fortunately, these side effects subside within a few days since the complication rate of the procedure is relatively low. However, consult the aesthetic doctor if one experiences these side effects for more than a week.
How to Preserve Your Skin After a Botox Procedure
Ensure you stay hydrated and consume nutritious, hydrating fruits and vegetables. Patel et al. (2020) stated that skin hydration is necessary for sebum regulation, collagen formation, and enhancing skin firmness. Avoid flying immediately after the procedure. Furthermore, avoid exercising or strenuous activities that may affect blood pressure.
Use sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. It is important to limit your sun exposure since the UV rays might affect collagen production and the efficacy of Botox. One should use gentle exfoliators that effectively remove dirt and bacteria from the skin while maintaining skin hydration. Also, avoid consuming alcohol since it may dehydrate the skin. Furthermore, avoid smoking since the chemicals in nicotine might damage collagen in the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions about Botox
How Much Do Botox Injections Cost?
Botox injections usually cost $300-$900. However, the cost of Botox injections is not static. It depends on the injection technique, location, and the number of Botox units injected. For example, patients in suburban areas would pay less than those in larger cities. Furthermore, a higher number of Botox units would cost more than a lower number of Botox units.
Does Botox Alleviate Static Wrinkles?
Static wrinkles are formed due to collagen loss in the skin; for example, wrinkles around the mouth, arms, and cheeks. Botox does not entirely relieve static wrinkles, although it may slightly reduce their appearance. On the other hand, Botox alleviates dynamic wrinkles formed from repetitive facial muscle movement, such as crow’s feet.
Is Botox Treatment Safe?
Botox is an FDA-approved drug that can relieve several health conditions and enhance its cosmetic appeal. However, the procedure must be carried out precisely to minimize possible side effects.
Is Botox Legal for Children?
Customers below 18 years should not receive Botox injections. The doctor must ensure the patient is above 18 years.
Conclusion
Botox injections have become more popular in recent years. It is an injectable medication that relieves muscle spasticity and can be used for cosmetic purposes to relieve dynamic wrinkles. Botox injections can last up to a year, although they often last for 4-6 months. The patient’s age, skin tone, and muscle mass play a part in the injection’s longevity. Moreover, the frequency of the injections also determines how long they last. The procedure is minimally invasive and takes less than an hour to complete, depending on the number of injections. After the procedure, the patient must avoid smoking, excessive sun exposure, and blood thinning medications.
References
Shaterian, N., Shaterian, N., Ghanaatpisheh, A., Abbasi, F., Daniali, S., Jahromi, M. J., … & Abdoli, A. (2022). Botox (OnabotulinumtoxinA) for Treatment of Migraine Symptoms: A Systematic Review. Pain Research and Management, 2022.
Edgar, S., Hopley, B., Genovese, L., Sibilla, S., Laight, D., & Shute, J. (2018). Effects of collagen-derived bioactive peptides and natural antioxidant compounds on proliferation and matrix protein synthesis by cultured normal human dermal fibroblasts. Scientific Reports, 8(1), 1-13.
Satriyasa, B. K. (2019). Botulinum toxin (Botox) A for reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles: a literature review of clinical use and pharmacological aspect. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 12, 223.
Patel, N. B., Tailor, V., Rabadi, M., Jain, A., & Kalasariya, H. (2020). Role of marine macroalgae in Skin hydration and photoprotection benefits: A review. Int. J. Bot. Stud, 5, 201-206.
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