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How Quickly Does Botox Work?

Botulinum toxin injections may take a while to work, unlike some non-surgical aesthetic procedures. This blog discusses what botulinum toxin injection is, its benefits, how long it takes to work, how it feels when it starts to work, and why Botox takes time to work.

Botox has become one of the most sought-after non-invasive cosmetictreatments.Botulinum toxin procedure is safe,works effectively and is minimally invasive.This aesthetic procedure helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles in various parts of the face, such as the forehead.The anti-wrinkle treatment can also be used on the crow’s feet.Botox results may be noticeableduring the first three to ten days. However, maximum results may take up to fourteen days.

How Quickly Does Botulinum Toxin Treatment Take to Work?

You may notice the anti-wrinkleresults three to four days after the procedure. However, most patients see the full result after ten to fourteen days. Though various factors may affect how long the effects may last, botulinum toxin results last three to four months. Factors affecting how long the results may last include the dose administered and the area treated. A lighter dose of the drug may last for six to eight weeks, whereas heavier amounts may take up to six months. However, the major disadvantage of heavier doses is; they may paralyse frown lines and other facial muscles. It is important to consult your cosmetic doctor concerning the delicate balance between your desired duration, dose and look since results vary from client to client.

Botulinum toxin injection is injected under the skin’s tissues. Each site takes a different time for the drug to work. Botulinum toxin injection on the crow’s feet and forehead line show results instantly.

What is Botox?

Botox is a drug produced from botulinum toxin.Satriyasa(2019) commented thatthis medication is administered in lower amounts to smoothen wrinkles andother medical conditions such as acne scars. Pero,Laneri & Fico(2018) noted that botulinum toxin injectionblocks nerve impulses responsible for muscle contraction that causes fine lines and wrinkles. As a result, it leaves individuals looking more youthful.

Some side effects of botulinum toxin injections include; swelling and bruising.However, these side effects subside with time. Siddiqui et al. (2021)commented that the patient couldexperience flu-like symptoms and headaches after the treatment. However, they rarely occur. Pregnant and breastfeeding patients should not get botulinum toxin treatments.

Benefits of Botox

It is a Quick Process

Botulinum toxin treatment takes a few minutes to get donewhen performed by an experienced and professional aesthetic doctor. It is typically an in-and-out procedure. After the treatment, it takes around two to three days for the patient to notice its effects. However, for optimal results, you may wait up to two weeks.

It is Affordable

Compared to other surgical options,botulinum toxin injections are less costly. However, the pricing varies depending on the clinic, geographical location, and required units.

Long-lasting Results

Botulinum toxin results may last two to three months. During this period, ageing signs such as facial lines and wrinkles will be less noticeable. Ensure you get the procedure froma professional aesthetic doctor.

Tackles Other Medical Conditions

Casabonaet al. (2021) noted that botulinum toxin injections tackle ageing signs and other health conditions such as chronic migraines, acne scars and teeth grinding.

Why Botulinum Toxin Injections Take Time to Work

Patients may notice the results of botulinum toxin injections after fourteen days. Botoxbinds with the muscles and nerves. The nerves signal the movement of muscles, and the megaphone signals them to contract. Specifically, this medication binds to SNARE, a protein in the body responsible for sending chemical communicationssignalling muscle movement. Without the release of the chemicals, muscle movements are impossible. Therefore, anti-wrinkle treatments interfere with the communication between the nerves and muscles.

Though the botulinum toxin’s binding to the SNARE protein takes place almost instantly, what takes it time is, shutting off and silencing acetylcholine. This may take multiple days.

How Botox Feels Once It Starts Working

  • If the patient notices that the wrinkles and lines have started wearing off, the toxin has begun working.
  • After the procedure, you may feel a slightly tight sensation; however, it will subside in around two weeks.
  • If you want to know if the drug has faded off, you will start noticing dynamic lines with facial motion.

Frequently Asked Questions about Botox

Can You Notice Instant Effects with Botox?

Unfortunately, Botox injections do not work instantly. However, its results are noticeable three to four days after the procedure. You may have to wait up to fourteen to thirty days for full results.

Why Isn’t My Botox Working?

Botulinum toxin treatments may not workSomepatientsmayrequire higheramounts to notice the results, while a smaller quantity works just fine for others.

Conclusion

Since botulinum toxin injection is one of the most sought-after aesthetic procedures, most patients wonder how long they would have to wait for them to reap its full effects. Since it has gained traction recently, botulinum toxin administration is normally done in a non-medical setting. Get the anti-wrinkle treatment from a professional and experienced cosmetic doctor to get long-lasting effects. Botox injections may take up to two weeks for an individual to noticeits full results.

References

Casabona, G., Alfertshofer, M. G., Kaye, K. O., Frank, K., Mercado‐Perez, A., Hargiss, J. B., … &Cotofana, S. (2021). Safety and efficacy of microneedling technology in the treatment of acne scars. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology20(11), 3482-3491.

Pero, R., Laneri, S., & Fico, G. (2018). Botulinum toxin adverse events. In Botulinum Toxin. IntechOpen.

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 dermatology12, 223.

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. Cureus13(1).

Marie Salbuvik
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