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How Long for Botox injection to Work?

Botulinum toxin injection has become popular for removing dynamic wrinkles and frown lines, among other aging signs. This article discusses how long it takes for the anti-wrinkle injection to work, where it can be performed, and the advantages and disadvantages of botulinum toxin injection.

Botulinum toxin injection is a non-surgical treatment injected into the muscles to freeze them and moderate forehead lines, wrinkles, and facial creases that appear with age. It works by relaxing muscle movement to give a youthful appearance. The anti-wrinkle injection takes three to seven days to show full effect, depending on the treated area, injection frequency, volume, and physical activity. Botulinum toxin is the scientific name for Botox; medical experts have also approved the use of this treatment for; excessive sweating, migraines, muscular disorder, and neck spasms. 

Areas Where Botulinum Toxin Injection Can Be Performed on the Face

  • Forehead lines; these are lines that appear on the forehead between eyebrows. They are commonly known as frown lines. The lines become more visible as you age. Botulinum toxin injection is used to relax the muscles reducing wrinkle visibility.
  • Smokers’ lines; are wrinkles and lines on the upper and lower lip. You do not have to be a smoker to get the lines. The injection is used to erase the lines.
  • Neck bands; are brought by the sagging of platysma muscles. Botulinum toxin injection causes the muscle to relax, making the lines less visible. 
  • Sagging brows; Botulinum toxin injection helps lift sagging brows by relaxing the muscles and enhancing the Face.

How Botulinum toxin injection Procedure Is Done

The first step is to schedule an appointment with a medical expert s to discuss your expectations and your medical history. The medical expert should know any medications or supplements you are taking. Your skin should be examined to know your type of skin and the degree of wrinkles. The medical expert will also conduct a patch test to determine allergic reactions. During the procedure, clean your Face and avoid makeup. The botulinum toxin injection takes a few minutes and does not require numbing Ing et al. (2019). It is injected with a needle into the muscle that is supposed to be relaxed. The injection is not painful, but little discomfort can be felt. It takes between 3 to seven days to get the desired results. 

Factors That Affect How Long Botulinum Toxin Injection Lasts

The duration of a Botulinum toxin injection varies with the patient. Here are a few factors that affect longevity.

Dilution of the Dosage

Botulinum toxin injection is diluted with saline (Kwon et al., 2019). The amount varies depending on the treated area. A fairly diluted solution allows diffusion and distribution of the product to the desired part. Some clinics also over-dilute the solution, restricting the full benefit to the injection site. It is important to visit a reputable clinic for good results.

The Freshness of the Product

Botulinum toxin injection is made from a frozen powdered product. The solution is usually mixed before the procedure but should only sit for up to 24 hours so it does not lose potency. It would help if you visited a busy clinic to avoid getting products that are kept over time.

Individual Metabolism

Your body’s metabolism affects how long the effects of Botulinum toxin injection will last. If you have a high metabolism, the body will eliminate the product quickly, while those with a slower metabolism often experience the opposite. If you are physically active, chances are you will have a high metabolism, and Botulinum toxin injection is likely to dissolve more quickly.

Area Injected

The area being treated is also a determining factor. If the muscle is large, Botulinum toxin injection tends to last for a short period than in small muscles. Large muscles, such as the frontalis, stay for three months, while those around the eyes last four months. 

Dosage

It is best to start with small amounts to familiarize the body with the medication. If the dose is small, it will move quickly to the muscles. After that, patients can handle stronger and more concentrated amounts that last longer.

Age

The skin’s ability to make more collagen reduces as we grow older; this is what causes wrinkling and fine lines. The effects of Botulinum toxin injection in older patients will likely last for less time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Botulinum Toxin Injection

Can You Make Effects Last Longer?

Research from people has shown that you can extend the longevity of Botulinum toxin injection in various ways, including;

Avoid exercise after treatment; this will prevent the product from being flushed away before it settles in the injected area. Avoiding exercise or strenuous activities increases metabolism, which could hinder the product from staying in the body.

Treat regularly; regular injections make the body used to the toxin, and the results will stay longer. Most patients repeat the procedure after 3 to 4 months.

How Do I Make My Botulinum Injection Last Longer?

Botulinum toxin injection is quick and efficient, and results can be seen after a few days. According to Razmaitė&Trakinienė(2021), this allows patients to continue their daily lives. 

Botulinum toxin injection does not require surgery or complex techniques. Minimal invasion is experienced. The injections are not usually painful.

Botulinum toxin injection can also treat other medical conditions like excessive sweating and migraines. (Satriyasa 2019) It has other uses besides anti-aging treatment.

The injection is not permanent. Results last 3 to 6 months; this is ideal for patients unsatisfied with the procedure’s outcome.

What Are the Disadvantages of Botulinum Toxin Injection?

Botulinum toxin injection is not permanent and could not be ideal for those looking for a permanent solution. Side effects such as swelling and redness are experienced after the injection. The body can easily build a tolerance after many injections causing the body not to give results.

Conclusion

Botulinum toxin injection is a great way to mask wrinkles and fine lines on the Face. Before getting the cosmetic procedure, visit a cosmetic practitioner to know what it entails and what the injection may look like. Visit a reputable clinic with certified doctors to avoid complications. The procedure is considered safe, but it can also have side effects. Be aware of the risks before the process to help in making an informed decision. If you have any medical condition, are under medication, or using supplements, inform the doctor before to reduce the chances of complications. 

References

Ing, E. B., Philteos, J., Sholohov, G., Kim, D. T., Nijhawan, N., Mark, P. W., & Gilbert, J. (2019). Local anaesthesia and anxiolytic techniques for oculoplastic surgery. Clinical Ophthalmology (Auckland, NZ), 13, 153.

Kwon, K. H., Shin, K. S., Yeon, S. H., & Kwon, D. G. (2019). Application of botulinum toxin in the maxillofacial field: part I. Bruxism and square jaw. Maxillofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery, 41(1), 1-13.

Razmaitė, A., &Trakinienė, G. (2021). The effect of botulinum toxin injection  for the correction of the gummy smile: A systematic review. Stomatologija, 23(3), 63-68.

Satriyasa, B. K. (2019). Botulinum toxin (Botulinum toxin injection ) A for reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles: a literature review of clinical use and pharmacological aspect. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 12, 223.

Crystal Kadir
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