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How Often for Botox?

Botulinum toxin injection results are temporary.Patients often need maintenance treatment to maintain their looks. This article explains botox, including how often one can get botulinum toxin treatments and the determinants of when one can go for touch-ups.

Botulinum toxin treatments mainly help in reducing wrinkles and fine lines. Botox treatment remains to be one of the most sought-after anti-ageing treatments. It is a great choice because it is non-surgical and minimally invasive. The procedure uses small injections into the tissue muscle. To ensure continuous results, one may need the treatment after a while. However, the top-up depends on the individual and the amount of botulinum used. This article answers how often or soon one can go for a botox treatment.

How Often Can One Get Botox?

During your consultation before the treatment, the cosmetic doctor will explain to the patient how the procedure works and how long it can last. Patients may notice the re-appearance of fine lines and wrinkles 3-6 months after the botulinum toxin injection. The cosmetic doctor will schedule a treatment plan either between three and six months or after that will ensure the patient enjoys the results longer and fuller. When the toxin settles, and one sees the final results, an appointment can be scheduled to review the results and check if any adjustments can be made. Witmanowski&Błochowiak (2020)warned that overuse of the injections could weaken the muscles. Hence, one must wait until the toxin has worn off before injecting more toxins.

Botox and How it Works

The facial muscles contract when one smiles,cries or raises an eyebrow. As people age, the facial musclescontract, leading to wrinkles. Botulinum toxin treatment is used to deal with the wrinkles and lines caused by the muscles. The medical term for botox is botulinum toxin. Awan (2017) explained that botulinum toxin treatment could help with different medical conditions like headache, excessive sweating, drooling, cervical dystonia, and blepharospasm, characterized by excessive blinking and uncontrollable eye twitching. Satriyasa (2019) stated that botulinum toxin injection is done to relax muscles. The botulinum toxin treatment is also done for cosmetic purposes to deal with ageing signs, such as wrinkles. Botulinum toxin is effectively and widely used to reduce facial lines and smoothen wrinkles. The anti-wrinkle treatment is commonly done on facial areas associated with repetitive muscle movements and facial expressions. These areas include forehead creases, laugh lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet.

Botulinum Treatment and How Long it Lasts

Botulinum toxin treatment is quick, and insertions are done depending on the area that needs to be addressed. Before the procedure, a cosmetic doctor takes time to talk to the client to assess their needs and goals. They will also inspect the patient’s face and areas they want the treatment to come up with the best treatment tailored for them. Results of the treatment are not seen immediately, and it can take up to three days for the botulinum to start working. One can see full results a week or more after the treatment. Botulinum treatment result is temporary and can last three to six months. However, the duration varies depending on how much medicine was used and the severity of the original problem. Maintenance treatments are needed to maintain the look.

Tips to Maintain Results

Besides getting maintenance appointments that come after every few months, there are things one can do in between to ensure the product lasts and serves one well. Ensuring one’s face and body are protected from the sun benefits the skin. Using sunscreen can also help prevent signs of ageing from showing up. One can also ensure their diet is rich in nutrients that maintain skin health. Having a healthy lifestyle also includes regular exercise. One can top up by using skin care products that have anti-ageing properties and are good for the skin.

Frequently Asked Questions About Botox

Why Botox Takes Time To Work

Hallett (2015) explained that when botulinum is injected into the muscle, it remains in the extracellular space waiting to be taken by the nerve terminals. It takes time to reach the cellular level of the muscle to block the neurotransmitters in the nerve, causing the paralysis effect area. It is important to get the treatment done by a professional with extensive knowledge of muscles and how botox works.

Are There Side Effects of Botulinum Toxin Injections?

Due to the injection involved, it is common for patients to experience redness, bruising and pain. These side effects usually go away with time. Satriyasa (2019)pointed out that other side effects that can occur after botulinum treatment include headaches, flu-like symptoms and nausea, which lasts not more than a day after the treatment. Muscle stiffness and weakness in the nearby muscles can also occur after the treatment but wears off as the botulinum settles and takes effect. One needs to get the treatment done by a certified cosmetic doctor experienced in botox injections to avoid the risk of getting serious complications.

What is the Dosage for Botox?

Botulinum toxin treatments are done in the muscle. A cosmetic doctor will inspect a patient and devise a dosage amount and treatment plan tailored to their needs and goals. The dosage depends on the symptom or condition being addressed. This is why one should discuss their goals and expectations with their cosmetic doctor before the treatment.

Conclusion

Botulinum toxin treatment results are temporary. The result can last three to six months. To maintain the treatment results, one needs follow-up treatment. A cosmetic doctor will work with the patient to devise a customized treatment plan. This will ensure that the treatment is suited for them since lasting periods can be different in individuals. Clients should follow guidelines given by the cosmetic doctor to ensure the product’s longevity. Botulinum injections offer a youthful glow and look that will serve for a longer period.

References

Awan, K. H. (2017). The therapeutic usage of botulinum toxin (Botox) in non-cosmetic head and neck conditions–An evidence based review. Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal, 25(1), 18-24.

Hallett, M. (2015). Explanation of timing of botulinum neurotoxin effects, onset and duration, and clinical ways of influencing them. Toxicon, 107, 64-67.

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.

Witmanowski, H., &Błochowiak, K. (2020). The whole truth about botulinum toxin–a review. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology/PostępyDermatologiiiAlergologii, 37(6), 853-861.

Elena Ognivtseva
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