How Long Does Botox Last The First Time?
What Are Botox Injections?
Botox injections are a well-known non-surgical cosmetic procedure that smoothes out facial wrinkles and fine lines. The name Botox comes from Botulinum toxin, a protein produced by Clostridium botulinum.
Currently, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four variants of Botox for treating facial wrinkles. These include Dysport, Botox, Xeomin, and Jeuveau.
All four variants of the drug function similarly by obstructing the nerve signal to the targeted muscle to keep it from contracting. This reduces the pull on the skin and decreases the development of wrinkles.
However, though these products provide the same results, they vary slightly in how quickly they work and how long they last. Below is the analysis for Botox injections.
How Long Will Botox Last?
One question that people frequently ask is, "How long will Botox last?"
Well, for your first time use of Botox, the effects will continue for up to six months. However, you should start moving again during the third or fourth month.
You will generally feel the numbing effect of the drug for up to four months following your initial treatment. This is because it takes longer for the toxins to stop blocking nerve impulses to the muscle in first-time users.
For some people, the first time use of Botox does not provide the desired result. But this is quite normal, and such persons are advised to revisit their doctor to decide if further treatment is required.
How Do Botox Injections Work?
Botox injections paralyze or weaken particular muscles by obstructing the nerve impulses to those muscles. When used in a facial treatment, Botox clears the wrinkles by stopping the muscles that flex every time you smile, laugh, or frown, which leads to wrinkles you don't want.
How Soon Do You See the Effect?
You might start to notice the effects of Botox as soon as 24 to 48 hours. However, it will take one to two weeks to feel the full impact. Therefore, we advise getting Botox at least 2-3 weeks before a big occasion if you want to be prepared for it. This allows you time to review the outcome and decide whether you need to make any adjustments.
How Frequently Should I Get Botox Injections?
As soon as you detect your wrinkles or fine lines returning, you should have a treatment to keep your youthful appearance and stop further aging. This normally occurs around every 3-6 months after treatment.
Here are some tips to prolong the effects of your Botox treatment:
Avoid vigorous exercise or heat for 24 hours following treatment.
Refrain from rubbing your face for 24 to 48 hours.
Limit your exposure to the sun.
Put on sunscreen, caps, or sunglasses while outside.
Find a skincare regimen that works.
Consume a healthy diet.
Reduce your level of stress.
Quit smoking.
And avoid drinking alcohol for 24 hours after receiving Botox to prevent complications like the spread of Botox.
Factors Influencing How Long Botox Lasts
Diluted Botox Injections
An over-diluted solution of Botox diffuses into nearby muscles reducing its effect. Hence, a more concentrated solution yields a more precise treatment.3
Over dilution of a Botox dosage prevents the patient from fully benefiting from the procedure. This is why it is essential to have Botox done by a trusted doctor who ensures the product's quality.
Product Freshness
Botox is available as a frozen powder. Saline solution is added before injection to achieve the right dilution. Botox is most effective when administered within 24 hours of mixing when it is strongest.
To ensure that patients receive the finest possible product, clinics should open and use vials of Botox on the same day.
Gender Factor
The lasting effects of Botox injections are also influenced by gender, lasting longer in males than females. It ranges between four to six months in males and three to five months in females.
User's Metabolism
Athletes and physically fit individuals typically metabolize Botox more quickly and expel it more rapidly than others.
Site of Botox Injections
Botox tends to last less when injected into larger muscles, such as the frontalis muscle on the forehead. As a result, the treatment of forehead wrinkles can last up to three months, while that of the crow's feet (the wrinkle at the corner of the eye) can last four months and longer.
Dosage of Botox Injections
Movement returns to the muscle quicker with small doses of Botox than with higher doses. However, it's best not to over-inject first-timers to prevent a heavy or frozen expression on the face.
User's Age
Older patients have skin with deeper wrinkles that is less elastic and produces less collagen. This makes the effects of Botox wear off more quickly for elderly people.
Medical Issues
Botox may need to be applied more frequently for specific medical conditions, such as the treatment of headaches. Your doctor will decide on a timetable based on your particular health problem.
Want to Get Botox in McLean, Virginia?
Make an appointment with Delight Medical & Aesthetics!
Dr. Degha also provides alternative anti-aging treatments to Botox injections, such as Chemical Peels, Microneedling, Hair Restoration, and more.
Our office happily serves McLean village neighborhoods and nearby Virginia towns.
References
1. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD). Botox.
2. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. How long does Botox last?
