Botox is an injectable treatment that reduces fine lines and smoothens wrinkles. However, its effects wear off as the body degrades the product. This article explains how long the effect of botulinum toxin treatments should last and how one can prolong them.
You may have heard about botox’s effectiveness in dealing with signs of ageing. Botulinum toxin treatments reduce wrinkles and fine lines by temporarily relaxing muscles. The anti-wrinkle treatment is temporary, meaning one has to get touchups to maintain results. Several factors affect the longevity of botulinum toxin results, including extreme exercise. This article delves deeper into botox.
How Long Should Botox Last?
The anti-wrinkle treatment results are temporary. The results start to show within a week after the treatment. Satriyasa (2019) noted that these results last three to six months. The action of the neurotoxin wears off within time, and muscles start contracting. One then needs to go for touchups to get more botox. The anti-wrinkle treatment results vary depending on the amount of botulinum toxin used and the frequency of the injections. A cosmetic doctor will advise the patient on the proper dosage and when to get more treatment after the initial one. Subsequent treatments may cause the results to last longer.
What is Botox?
Botox is a trading name for botulinum toxin. It is a neurotoxin derived from Clostridium botulinum. Al-Al-Shaikh et al. (2015) explained that botulinum toxin blocks signals from the nerve to the intended muscle preventing it from contracting. The contraction decreases the pull on the skin, causing wrinkles.
Botulinum Toxin Treatment
The cosmetic doctor often discusses with the patient their goals and expectations. The area to be injected is then cleansed and marked. An anaesthetic practitioner might use a numbing cream to reduce the discomfort during the injection. The botulinum toxin is then injected into the targeted areas. One might feel small bumps on the injection site, which go down after a few minutes. The cosmetic doctor will inspect the treatment and give the patient instructions on what to do or not do to ensure healing.
Botulinum Toxin Onset
Botulinum toxin treatment results are not seen immediately. It takes up to three days for the toxin to start working and a week or more for the full effects to be seen. It is good to have realistic expectations and be patient to give the treatment time to take effect. If one has an upcoming event, the anti-wrinkle treatment should be done at least three weeks in advance. This will allow the treatment time to settle and get the final results to ensure they align with one’s goals.
Tips to Make Botox Effects Last Longer
Choose a Certified Cosmetic Doctor
Botulinum toxin treatments require a highly experienced aesthetic practitioner to ensure they know the correct dosage and precise injection sites for maximum effectiveness.
Avoid Vigorous Activities
Cosmetic doctors advise patients to refrain from strenuous activities and excessive heat for at least one day following the treatment. They also advise patients to avoid putting pressure on the injected area and remain upright for at least four hours after the treatment.
Avoid Sun Damage
According to Krutmannet al. (2017), excessive exposure to the sun can cause wrinkles. This can work against the botulinum treatment, mainly with underlying dynamic muscles. One should use glasses and sunscreen outside to prevent damage.
Skin Care
A good skincare routine can enhance the benefits of the botulinum toxin treatment. Moisturising and staying hydrated is one way to improve skin health.
Eating Right
There is no substitute for eating right. Improper diet can affect one’s health and the appearance of the skin. Good eating habits will help one maintain their health. Furthermore, exercise can boost one’s health and help maintain the correct body weight. This will ensure that their body and skin are in good condition.
Frequently Asked Questions about Botox
When Should One Go for Maintainance Treatments
To maintain and extend the life of the botox, one should undergo maintenance treatment. Your cosmetic doctor will schedule your maintenance treatment appointments.
Can I Get Botox While Breastfeeding?
Witmanowski&Błochowiak (2020) advised that botulinum toxin treatment is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers. The treatment is also not allowed for people with medical conditions such as myasthenia gravis and motor neuron disease. Clients should consult their aesthetic doctor if they experience a serious medical condition.
Is It Wrong to Take a Break from Botox?
Botox injections are temporary. To retain the look, one needs to get maintenance treatments. There is nothing wrong when one takes a break from botulinum toxin treatments. Once the botulinum toxin effects fade, the muscles will not be as relaxed, and the skin will return to its natural form.
Conclusion
Botox treatments use botulinum toxin injected into the muscle to inhibit movement. Botulinum toxin treatment reduces fine lines and smoothens wrinkles, leaving one with youthful-looking skin. Botulinum toxin treatment is temporary; one needs maintenance to retain results. Cosmetic botox usually lasts three to six months. A cosmetic doctor will plan with the patient when they should get more treatments. One should maintain a good eating and exercise routine to ensure skin health. A good skincare routine can enhance the effects of botulinum toxin. To get the best and most effective treatment, one should look for a certified, trained, and experienced cosmetic doctor.
References
Al-Al-Shaikh, M., Michel, F., Parratte, B., Kastler, B., Vidal, C., &Aubry, S. (2015). An MRI evaluation of changes in piriformis muscle morphology induced by botulinum toxin injections in the treatment of piriformis syndrome. Diagnostic and interventional imaging, 96(1), 37-43.Collins, A., & Nasir, A. (2010). Topical botulinum toxin. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 3(3), 35.
Krutmann, J., Bouloc, A., Sore, G., Bernard, B. A., &Passeron, T. (2017). The skin aging exposome. Journal of dermatological science, 85(3), 152-161.Nigam, P. K., & Nigam, A. (2010). Botulinum toxin. Indian journal of dermatology, 55(1), 8.
Satriyasa, B. K. (2019). Botulinum toxin (Botox) A for reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles: a literature review of clinical use and pharmacological aspect.
Witmanowski, H., &Błochowiak, K. (2020). The whole truth about botulinum toxin–a review. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology/PostępyDermatologiiiAlergologii, 37(6), 853-861.
MS, Lund University, Sweden
Nutrition plays an important role in human life. Eating habits are one of the factors that affect our health. There is often a misconception among people that nutritionists force a very restrictive diet, but that is not true. In fact, I don't ban any products, but I point out dietary mistakes and help change them by giving tips and new recipes that I've tried myself. I advise my patients not to resist change and to be purposeful. Only with willpower and determination can a good result be achieved in any area of life, including changing eating habits. When I don't work, I love to go climbing. On a Friday evening, you are most likely to find me on my couch, cuddling with my dog and watching some Netflix.
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