How long does Botox last?

September 4, 2018

How long does Botox last?, is an almost daily question asked by our patients. Continue reading to find out more!

What is Botox?

In short, Botox is a substance used to reduce wrinkles and prevent new ones from forming.

Botox is a shortened form of Botulinum toxin and the trade name for the substance when used for cosmetic purposes. When injected into certain areas of the face, Botox blocks nerve signals to which muscles respond. The action of Botox causes the muscles to relax and prevents skin from creasing. When the skin does not crease, old wrinkles start to fade and new ones may not form.

What happens during Botox treatment?

Botox is most often used to treat wrinkles such as frown-lines, ‘11’ lines on the forehead and crow’s feet around the eyes. During the procedure, the Botox is inserted into muscles to help them relax and prevent the formation of wrinkles.

Botox needs to be administered by a qualified professional. The right dosage has to be injected into the right place in muscles to avoid complications, so it is crucial to go to a qualified, experienced practitioner for the procedure. Everyone’s face is slightly different, so a knowledge of muscle attachments, where the main body of the muscle lies and where to inject in the muscle is vital. In addition, people have slightly different facial expressions and movement. It means that the desired effect is an interpretation and understanding of the above to achieve the effect you want. This is why an experienced, knowledgeable and appropriately qualified medical professional is the best choice. The procedure is minimally invasive and doesn’t require anesthesia, although you do use some topical anaesthetic cream to minimise discomfort. You will start to notice the effects of the Botox treatment taking their effect anytime from the second day up to one or two weeks after treatment.

How long does Botox last?

The effects of Botox last approximately three to six months. Botox will eventually be broken down by the body and its effects lost. You will need to repeat the treatment once the Botox has worn off.

What Factors affect how long Botox will Last?

The following factors affect how long Botox will last:

1 The location of the injection

2 The amount of Botox injected

3 Your age and the elasticity of your skin – elasticity decreases with age and the effects may wear off more quickly

4 Wrinkle depth – The effects may wear off more quickly when treating deep wrinkles

5 The power of the muscle involved and how much the patient uses those muscles

Are there any Side Effects to Botox?

Infrequently, a bruise may develop at one of the administration points, though this is uncommon. Some people might develop a headache as a reaction to the injection but this too passes within 24 to 48 hours. Though infrequent, this is more likely the first time.

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