When you look at your skin and see the frown or smile lines, wrinkles, and saggy skin, you may consider a few things to slow down or reverse the effects.
Sometimes the facials, creams, massages, or fancy at-home kits don’t do the trick. In that case, it’s time to consider procedures.
Sixteen million minimally invasive cosmetic procedures are performed every year, with botox being number one. Millions decide to get botox because the results are apparent, but how long does botox last?
If you’re curious about the length of the effect, keep reading to learn the answer.
What Changes Happen During the Procedure
Botox is a quick procedure with little to no downtime. It only takes minutes for the doctor to finish injecting a type of neurotoxin to enter your muscle.
The muscle paralysis helps make the wrinkles less noticeable and prevents any additional formation. Doctors can also achieve paralysis through the blockage of certain nerves.
After injections are complete, you’ll notice little bumps on your skin. However, this is a transient side effect. The bumps and mild bruising (should you develop it) aren’t concerning, and these side effects resolve on their own within a day or two.
When Will You See Results?
The neurotoxins from Botox take some time to activate, so you will not see the final results on the same day of the treatment.
It takes an average of 3-5 days to see the marked improvement in your skin. Final results are visible within 7-10 days. These times do vary, so it’s best to wait up to two weeks to gauge what you like and what you don’t like.
Waiting is needed to allow the toxin time to lack nerve impulses that are normally transmitted to the muscles. The good thing with Botox is that it’s modifiable, so if you require a touch-up, your doctor can do it.
Now, no matter how many “fake smiles” or expressions you make, you can rest assured knowing that your skin will stay smooth.
How Long Does Botox Last After Treatment?
It would be nice if Botox treatment could last forever, but it doesn’t. However, this can be a blessing in disguise for many people who are unhappy with their results or decide Botox isn’t for them.
Since Botox isn’t permanent, you can expect the neurotoxin to wear off and cause the muscles to start moving again. This will happen after 3-4 months.
There are some cases in which effects last shorter (two-month range) or longer (six-month range). If it’s your first time getting Botox, you may notice initial results for the first treatment are shorter compared to the second treatment, should you do it. This isn’t definite, and everyone will go through their own unique experience post-treatment.
There’s also a timeline of how long Botox will last you depending on the location of the injection. You’re more likely to have lasting effects in areas that have fewer wrinkles or fine wrinkles as well as areas you tend to express less.
How to Make Botox Last Longer
Is there anything you can do to make Botox last longer? There actually isn’t much you can do on your end to extend the treatment. One controllable factor is going to the right professional.
You should always visit a board-certified clinic with competent staff to achieve the best Botox treatment. Other than this, there are 4 main factors that determine the efficacy of Botox aside from the area of injection.
Your Age
Your age does play a role in the overall effects of botox. The younger you are, the more likely Botox will last you on the upper end of the spectrum. If you’re older, you may have the opposite effect and have a shorter period of results.
The Elasticity of Your Skin
Age may not matter as much as the elasticity of your skin. You could be young with poor elasticity or mature and have elastic skin. People who have firm, plump skin regardless of fine lines and wrinkles may have extended results with treatment.
If you decide to do Botox long-term and get several treatments, it is wise to create a routine to maintain elastic skin. Adding collagen and anti-aging serums such as retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid can be helpful.
The Intensity and Depth of Your Wrinkles
Common areas for Botox treatment include the forehead, between the forehead, and around the eyes. The finer the lines, the quicker the results, and the longer the effects will last. Deeper wrinkles may not last as long because of enhanced memory in the skin.
Body Metabolism
The neurotoxin that is delivered to the body doesn’t last for eternity because the body eventually metabolizes it. Everyone has their own metabolic rate. One person’s body may metabolize the toxin at a faster rate than another, and this isn’t controllable.
Being Realistic on the Outcomes of Botox
There are several factors you must take into consideration when you want to find out things like “how long does botox last?” or “what can be done to ensure lasting effects?” There are some things you can control, such as where you choose to get Botox or upping your skincare routine to keep your skin firm.
Still, it is the nonmodifiable factors that matter most when it comes to determining how long the effects last. If you want to boost the effects or slow down the physical effects time has on your skin, it may also be a good option to combine treatments.
You may choose to do other non-invasive methods, or opt for surgical options. It’s important that you have realistic expectations of both the outcomes and lasting effects.
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