BOTOX® is among the most popular facial rejuvenation procedures in the world due to its incredible ability to calm dynamic wrinkles and expression lines in the skin—all without surgery or significant downtime. Last year, over 7.5 million BOTOX® injections were administered in the United States alone to patients who wanted to look and feel years younger.
While there are millions of people getting this procedure, the number of procedures is partially explained by the nature of BOTOX®—it isn’t a permanent rejuvenation solution. Here, the expert injectors at Faces, PLLC in Jackson, MS explain why patients need repeat BOTOX® injections to keep their faces looking as youthful and natural as possible.
BOTOX® Explained
BOTOX® is derived from a toxin that causes temporary localized muscle weakness when injected. The toxin works on the nervous system, and over time, the body will break down the toxin, gradually reducing its effects. How long it takes for your body to break down the toxin depends on several factors, including body weight, physical activity, metabolism, lifestyle, and dietary habits.
How Often Should I Get Injected?
As with almost everything in the cosmetic industry, treatments and results are highly personalized—so, how often you will need BOTOX® injections is something you will need to determine with your board-certified facial plastic surgeon or certified nurse injector. However, as a general rule, BOTOX® injections generally wear off within three to four months, with results starting to wear off as early as two months for some people, depending on the factors previously mentioned.
With this in mind, most patients experience the best results from subsequent injections every three to four months, or three to four times a year.
What About Touch-Ups In-Between Times?
While all injectors strive to achieve reproducible and aesthetically pleasing results with each injection, you should know that there is variability inherent in the injection process. The medication may spread out a bit differently from one injection to the next, and so there may be some variation in the effect. If you are not seeing the result you expect or that you usually get, you may need a touch-up. Often this is a small amount extra in one location-maybe one eyebrow is a bit higher than the other with expression-but occasionally it will be more. Most injectors do charge for touch-ups, but may elect not to if there appears to have been less effect than would normally be expected.
How To Maintain Your BOTOX® Results
Once you have a reasonable idea of how long BOTOX® lasts for you, you can begin to create a plan that includes when to return to Faces PLLC for maintenance treatments.
In the meantime, the best things you can do in conjunction with BOTOX® injections to enhance your treatment results include:
- Moisturize your face. Consult with a medical aesthetician to be sure you are using the right moisturizer for your skin type.
- Apply sunscreen at least once a day, and more often for prolonged sun exposure. UV rays can break down the BOTOX® toxin at a much quicker rate.
- You should drink plenty of water and avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Alcohol dehydrates the skin, causing lines and wrinkles to show prematurely.
- Quit smoking. If you smoke, it’s highly recommended that you quit, as tobacco breaks down collagen in your skin and contributes to many other health issues.
- Eat a healthy diet. Too many oily or sugary foods can have a negative effect on skin. Try to fill your diet with foods rich in vitamins and omega fatty acids and your body and skin will thrive.
Ready To Schedule Your BOTOX® Consultation at Faces PLLC?
When it comes to the longevity and results of your BOTOX® treatment, your choice of provider matters. For the best results, only trust a board-certified plastic surgeon or certified nurse injector to conduct your injections. At Faces, our goal is always to educate and guide you along your aesthetic journey to ensure the safest, natural, and long-lasting results.
To learn more about cosmetic facial injections or to schedule a consultation, please contact us through our website or call our practice at (601) 607-3033.