Many people are interested in using Botox to smooth away lines and wrinkles. But how long does this neurotoxin injectable remain effective in your skin? Learn more about this treatment before you schedule your first appointment with Dr. Gregory E Rauscher, M.D. in Hackensack, NJ.
How Often Can You Get Botox?
You can usually expect the effects of Botox to last for three or four months at a time. However, various factors may influence the longevity of your treatment. For example, people who have slow metabolisms may be able to enjoy the results longer than those who exercise frequently. This is because a fast metabolism can burn off the botulinum toxin injection more quickly.
The severity of your aesthetic concerns may also impact how long your results last. For example, those who have mild wrinkles will enjoy results longer than those who have severe wrinkles because the product doesn’t have to work as hard to smooth your skin.
How Does This Neurotoxin Work?
Botulinum toxin injectables work to inhibit the communication between your brain and motor neurons that control facial muscles. Essentially, when you have this injection, it prevents your muscles from responding to commands to make facial expressions, which then removes the tension in your face that causes fine lines and wrinkles.
Will You Be Able to Move and Feel Your Face?
A common misconception about botulinum toxin injections is that people will no longer be able to move or feel their faces once the treatment is administered. However, this injectable will only inhibit the function of motor neurons, so the sensory neurons that allow you to feel your face will be safe. You will also still be able to make facial expressions once the injectable has settled into your skin.
How Soon Will You See Results?
It usually takes about seven to 10 days for neurotoxin injectables to settle into your skin, which means you may not see optimal results for about one week. You will be able to see results more quickly if you follow aftercare instructions closely. For example, you should avoid hot water, scrubbing your face, or roughly massaging your face, as these actions can disrupt the settling of the neurotoxin product.
What Can You Expect From Treatment?
For this treatment, you will need several small injections in the muscles of your face that contribute to the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Using up to 50 units of this neurotoxin injectable is common to achieve optimal results.
For best results, you will need to prepare for your treatment by discontinuing medications and supplements that cause blood thinning for at least one week. You should also avoid direct contact with the sun or skincare products that can cause skin irritation.
Where Can You Use This Treatment?
Neurotoxin injectables are primarily used on the upper face to address lines and wrinkles on the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the eyes. However, this treatment can be used on most other areas of the face, including the nose, mouth, and neck. This treatment also has medical uses, such as stopping excessive sweating under the arms and treating migraines.
Is There a Best Age for This Treatment?
Most people who use this treatment are between the age of 30 and 50. Depending on your goals, the best age to begin using a neurotoxin injectable can be in your early 30s, as early use of this treatment can slow down the aging process.
You will generally see the best results from this treatment when your skin is still firm and has moderate volume. Ultimately, this means that if you have severe skin laxity or you’re over the age of 60, your results may not be optimal.
Should You Combine This Treatment?
Combining this treatment can be an effective way to reverse all of your visible signs of aging. For example, pairing this treatment with high-quality skin care products can address superficial concerns such as dark spots, dryness, and mild skin laxity. Using consistent suncare to protect your skin from UV rays will also protect the botulinum toxin product in your skin so your results last for as long as possible.
Some people find great success when they combine neurotoxin injectables with dermal fillers. This is because dermal fillers can increase skin volume, which can smooth away wrinkles that are caused by skin laxity. Chemical peels and other facials are also ideal compliments to neurotoxin injectables
Are You a Good Candidate?
If you are over the age of 18, you’re not currently pregnant or breastfeeding, and you are not allergic to the active ingredients in the neurotoxin injectable, you’re likely a good candidate for treatment. You need to attend a consultation appointment to verify that this treatment is appropriate for your aesthetic concerns.
Smooth Away Lines and Wrinkles With Neurotoxin Injections
If you want to relax fine lines and wrinkles on the face, then you can use a botulinum toxin injectable to look younger for up to three or four months. Your lifestyle factors, skincare habits, and the severity of your skin condition can all influence how long your results will last. Get in touch with Dr. Gregory E Rauscher, M.D. in Hackensack, NJ to schedule your consultation today.
