How Long Does Botox Last?
In the world surrounding plastic surgery, there are a multitude of options ready for you to improve the way you both look and feel. Between Botox, dermal fillers, and other facial treatments, how do we determine what works best for us? While finding the answer to this question may seem overwhelming, we’re going to dive into the benefits of Botox and how long this treatment lasts to help you decide if Botox is the right path for your aesthetic needs.
What factors influence how long your Botox injection lasts?
Believe it or not, the longevity of Botulinum toxin (Botox) is not a simple linear time frame. In fact, there are a few factors that contribute to how quickly Botox breaks down within the body. Being aware of these factors can assist you in understanding if Botox is a good fit for your lifestyle or not. On average, Botox treatments last between 3 to 6 months before breaking down.
The area being treated and the size and depth of your wrinkles
One of the primary factors that contributes to how long your Botox injections last is the area being treated. For example, how large is that area? How deep are the wrinkles? Is it an area where facial muscles are constantly being used? All of these can contribute to the Botox solution breaking down over time.
Your activity level, metabolism, and facial expressions
Did you know that metabolism is one of the primary factors that influence how long your Botox injections last? Individuals with fast metabolisms break down the solution quicker than those with slow metabolism. Additionally, activity level and facial expressions play a large role when referencing how long your treatment will last. If the Botox solution is placed in a large facial muscle that provides the movement behind most of your facial expressions, the Botox injection is most likely going to diminish quicker than if used in areas with smaller, less frequently used muscles.
The quality of the Botox and the skill level of the injector
The final contributing factor we will be discussing today is the quality and dilution of your filler. In most cases, the botulinum toxin is diluted with anywhere between 1 to 4 ccs of saline solution. How long your treatment remains effective is also based on the strength of the solution, as well as the skill level of your physician or nurse practitioner. Although there’s not a lot of room for error, there are skilful ways to place the solution for best results.
The best ways to prolong your Botox treatment
Although there may be a few influencing factors to how long your Botox solution lasts, there are also a few ways to protect and prolong your treatment. If you’re considering Botox, keep these simple suggestions in mind to get the most out of your filler and avoid any potential Botox side effects.
Protect your skin from harmful UV rays and reduce your stress levels
Like most skin treatments, you’re going to want to avoid as much exposure to UV rays as possible. Excessive exposure to UV rays will not only harm your skin by damaging skin cells, it will also begin to break down any collagen that is present, creating fine lines and wrinkles that cannot be remedied by Botox. In order to protect the integrity of your skin, avoid excessive sun exposure and take the right precautions to protect your skin with a daily SPF!
Skip out on nicotine and consider adding a zinc supplement to your routine
While cutting nicotine out of your daily routine may be difficult, it is strongly recommended when reviewing ways to prolong your Botox treatment. Nicotine has a range of negative effects on the body, but it can equally impact your Botox results – especially in the lip area. Botox works by limiting the signals your muscles get from your brain. If you use those muscles when puckering your lips to draw smoke from a cigarette, you break down the solution faster and further add to the creation of lines and wrinkles.
Low-intensity workouts are worth a shot
When it comes to exercise, limiting any and all strenuous activity for at least 24 hours is critical for the success of your treatment. During the first 24 hours, the Botox solution is still settling within your skin. Working out or doing labor-intensive activities could result in negative side effects where the solution shifts and, therefore, doesn’t provide the intended results.
Following your first 24 hours, try to keep a regular workout schedule, but opt for lower intensity training to avoid excessive sweating, blood flow, and strain to the treated area.
Get high-quality Botox from the experts at Skinsations Aesthetics
Here at Skinsations Aesthetics, we strive to provide premium, luxury services to anyone looking to improve the look and feel of their skin. From hair removal services, to Botox and filler services, you can count on leaving your appointment feeling confident and refreshed. For a full list of offerings and more about our services, visit our website or give us a call!
