BOTOX® is arguably one of the most popular aesthetic treatments available. But there are still many questions about the treatment. These questions include how BOTOX® works, when its results become visible, how long they last, what to expect after treatment, and more.
This post will provide answers to these fundamental questions.
BOTOX® – The Most Popular Neurotoxin
BOTOX® is the most popular brand of botulinum toxin A, a neurotoxin derived from the bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. This neurotoxin is naturally dangerous and potentially lethal, but medical technology harnessed it to safely treat various medical and aesthetic conditions.
Under controlled conditions and with professional injectors, the use of BOTOX® is safe and profitable.
How Does BOTOX® Work?
Neurotoxins inhibit the targeted muscle from contracting by obstructing the nerve impulse that causes it. It is possible to reduce the pull on the skin and the development of wrinkles by stopping the contraction of these particular muscles.
The most typical areas for Botox treatment are frown lines, crow’s feet (lines around the eyes), and forehead wrinkles. Gravity- or sun-induced wrinkles cannot be treated with Botox.
How Does the BOTOX® Procedure Go?
The BOTOX® injections will not begin without any consultation with our staff. During the consultation, the injector will ask you about the results you envision. After thoroughly examining your skin, we can determine whether BOTOX® is the best treatment to help you achieve those results.
The treatment begins with a thorough cleaning of your skin, and we will mark the injection sites. We may apply a numbing cream, or you may receive cold packs to ease discomfort from the injections. We will inject BOTOX® into the desired muscles when you’re ready.
At the actual injection location, you might have a few little bumps on your skin; however, by the time you leave the office, these will be gone. You may also experience minor bruising, which will go away in 24 to 48 hours.
Is BOTOX® Only for Treating Wrinkles?
Medical professionals most frequently use Botox to minimize facial wrinkles. But receiving a Botox injection can also assist with the following conditions:
- Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
- Cervical dystonia – a neurological condition that produces excruciating neck and shoulder muscle spasms
- Incessant and uncontrollable blinking (blepharospasm)
- Eyes oriented in different directions (strabismus)
- Chronic migraine
- Overactive bladder (incontinent)
The Results of BOTOX®
BOTOX® usually starts to work after 3-5 days, but it typically takes 7–10 days to see all the effects. Because the neurotoxin needs time to shut down the nerve impulses to the muscles, it takes a while to work its magic. The manifestation of results takes time.
If you are unsatisfied with the results right after the injections, wait for a couple of weeks. If you are still unsatisfied by then, we can make adjustments.
How Long Do BOTOX® Results Last?
Do BOTOX® results last for life? They don’t, which can be both fortunate and unfortunate.
The neurotoxin’s effects will eventually wear off, and the nerves will once more be able to communicate with the muscles to tell them to begin working or contracting. Botox typically lasts 3 to 4 months.
As muscular activity gradually increases, lines and wrinkles start resurfacing and require further treatment. Because the muscles get smaller with a lack of use over time, the lines and wrinkles frequently become less noticeable.
There will undoubtedly be some patients in whom it lasts longer, between 4-6 months, or shorter, between 2 months. First-timers frequently observe that it may not stay as long at first but may persist longer during the second treatment. Results may differ because everyone has a different experience.
As soon as you feel your wrinkles or fine lines returning, you should get treatment to keep your youthful appearance and stop further aging symptoms. Once more, this occurs around every 3-6 months.
How to Make BOTOX® Last Longer?
Fortunately, you can take active steps to make the effects of BOTOX® last as long as possible. Disclaimer: the primary factor that affects the longevity of BOTOX® is how fast your body absorbs the neurotoxin. These simple actions will NOT make your BOTOX® results last for years.
- Avoid sun damage – sun damage affects the skin at the cellular level, which can break down BOTOX® faster.
- Stick to low-intensity workouts – high-intensity exercise increases metabolism, which can lead to a faster breakdown of BOTOX® in your system.
- Reduce stress levels – stress keeps the muscles tense, making BOTOX® wear off faster.
- Moisturize your skin regularly – moisturizers often contain collagen and hyaluronic acid, which keep the skin plump and youthful.
- Avoid nicotine – smoking or vaping breaks down collagen, the protein that makes the skin smooth and structured.
- Take zinc supplements – studies show that zinc supplements after BOTOX® injections increased the longevity of results by around 30%.
BOTOX® Risks and Side Effects
Following a Botox injection, you can experience a few short-term side effects. These might consist of the following:
- Bruising. The most frequent adverse effect, which will pass, is this.
- Headaches. These are often infrequent and pass in 24 to 48 hours.
- Eyelid sagging Only a tiny fraction of people experience this, which generally goes away in three weeks. Don’t rub the area that has received Botox because that usually causes it to move around and affect more than the targeted area.
- Drooling or a crooked smile
- Dry eyes or a lot of crying
- Little discomfort or edema near the injection site
- Flu-like symptoms or a generalized feeling of ill health
- Upset stomach
- Numbness
- Muscle weakness in the area
You can avoid or reduce the intensity of these common side effects by strictly following simple guidelines.
Avoiding alcohol at least one week before the surgery is highly advisable. To reduce the risk of bruising, you should cease taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs two weeks before treatment.
For 24 hours, refrain from scratching the injection site to prevent spreading the Botox to other areas. In addition, your doctor could advise that you take a day off from exercise and remain upright for 4 hours after the doses.
The best way to avoid the more extreme side effects of BOTOX® is to work with highly skilled professionals. Get access to the best injector in the business by reaching out to Veronica Injects.
