We wish that young, vibrant, elastic skin were able to last forever. But as you age or experience natural fluctuations in weight, wrinkles and fine lines are inevitable.
However, plastic surgery can help restore the vibrancy to your skin without the need for invasive surgeries. In fact, Botox is a common, quick, and effective way to reduce the appearance of wrinkles on your face.
While Botox is quick and easy, it isn’t permanent, and you’ll need to go back to receive the treatment periodically if you’re looking to maintain its results. In general, Botox lasts about three to four months after the procedure has been completed.
With that said, there are some things you can do to maximize your results and reduce the number of times you need to go back to the plastic surgeon’s office. Let’s take a look at all of the ins and outs of Botox so you can feel younger for longer.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox is short for onabotulinumtoxinA, which is the toxin that is injected into the skin. In high amounts it can be poisonous, but weaker doses are perfectly safe and effective for tightening the skin on your face.
When injected, Botox blocks nerve signals that make your muscles contract and relax, reducing the appearance of unwanted wrinkles. However, after a few months, the toxin wears off and these muscles move again, which is why your wrinkles will return.
While the procedure itself only takes a few minutes, it may take a couple of days for the toxin to take effect and fully relax your muscles. You should be able to see the full results of your Botox injections within the first week of treatment.
How to Make Botox Last Longer
While everyone is different and there is no hidden secret to make your Botox injection last longer than the usual three to four months, some people may experience the results of their procedure for up to six.
There are some things you can try that can keep your skin healthy following treatment and possibly keep you away from the office for longer.
Wear Sunscreen
UV rays from the sun are possibly the most harmful pollutant to your skin, and excessively exposing it to the sun can damage your skin and lead to wrinkles or age spots. This does nothing to extend the lifespan of neurotoxins such as Botox.
Use Collagen-Stimulating Skincare
Collagen is a protein in your body that helps keep your skin from sagging, giving it a plump and firm appearance. You lose more and more collagen as you age, which is what leads to things like wrinkles or crow’s feet.
If you can stimulate the production of collagen, you may be able to prevent these types of occurrences, which will naturally coincide nicely with your Botox treatment. Use repair serums that contain collagen to help you keep blemishes at bay.
Hydrate and Cleanse
Dry, flaky skin can lead to unsightly wrinkles on your face. Be sure to moisturize often in order to restore the youthful vibrancy in your complexion. Additionally, cleanse your skin morning and night to help reduce blemishes.
Exercise
After any plastic surgery procedure, it is essential to remain active. Keeping your body at a stable weight can help prevent skin from sagging, which can help keep your skin looking how you’d like.
With that said, if you frequently engage in intense cardio activities, such as marathon running or HIIT exercises, it may break down the neurotoxin more quickly. This is not to say you should stop doing these activities — just find a happy medium between cardio and muscle building exercises to keep the Botox toxin stable.
De-Stress
When you feel stressed, your body releases sweat and other hormones to try to calm you down or flee from danger. Repeated exposure to these stressors can affect the quality of your skin, leading to breakouts, acne, or skin dryness.
So warm up a cup of tea, watch a good TV show, and turn off those emails at the end of the workday! Keeping your stress away can make your Botox last a little bit longer.
What to Expect During the Botox Procedure?
Botox differs from most cosmetic surgeries because it really isn’t a surgery at all — it’s just a few injections in areas of your face that need to be tightened in order to reduce the appearance of fine lines, crow’s feet, or wrinkles.
Before
Before any plastic surgery procedure, you’ll need to consult with a plastic surgeon ahead of time. During your consultation, you’ll be asked some questions to ensure that you’re a good fit for the treatment.
Knowing your family medical history, past surgeries you’ve had, current medications, as well as your goals for treatment can be extremely helpful at this time. After you answer a few questions, your plastic surgeon may do a quick assessment of your general health to make sure Botox is right for you.
The consultation is the time for you to ask any and all questions you might have about your upcoming procedure. It is normal to feel nervous and scared, but your plastic surgeon wants you to leave feeling more comfortable and excited than you did when you walked in.
During
The Botox procedure itself is fast and simple. You’ll probably be in and out of the office within thirty minutes.
Beforehand, your plastic surgeon may use ice to numb your skin and make you feel more comfortable, but Botox needles are small and you are only likely to feel minor discomfort. The plastic surgeon will make these injections into areas of the skin where you’re hoping to have a reduction in the appearance of fine lines.
After
Immediately after your procedure, it is normal to feel some minor discomfort and swelling at the injection sites. These should subside within a day or two. It can take some time for the toxins to fully block the nerves to your muscles, so it can take about a week to notice the full results.
There are some things you should avoid within the first 24 hours after your Botox injections to help prevent skin migration or infection. This includes scratching and rubbing injection sites, lying down, and vigorous exercise. Additionally, don’t take blood thinning pain relievers such as Aleve or Advil, as this can bruise the injection sites.
Read More: What Not to Do After Getting Botox Treatment
Alternative to Botox
Botox is quick, easy, and effective, but it’s not the only option when it comes to skin tightening. In fact, there is a minimally invasive technique that doesn’t require injections or incisions that can help tighten the skin while also removing deposits of leftover fat.
The Thermi procedure uses radiofrequency to heat subdermal fat to a point beyond repair, allowing the body’s lymphatic system to naturally remove it. This reduces the appearance of facial wrinkles, tightening the skin while also reducing the appearance of cellulite.
It works by using a tool that heats fat without damaging surrounding structures, such as the skin. There are Thermi treatments that can be used on the face to address sagging or wrinkles, but it can also be done on other areas of the body such as your abdomen, thighs, or neck.
The effects of your Thermi treatment depends on the specific type of treatment you choose, but some of them may be permanent if you follow the instructions of your plastic surgeon while living a healthy lifestyle.
In Conclusion
Botox is a simple and popular plastic surgery procedure that involves injection of a neurotoxin into areas of the face. The neurotoxin blocks nerve signals to muscles, causing them to relax and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
It can take some time for the toxin to kick in, but it also does not last forever. After about 3-4 months, the toxin will wear off and your skin will return to its original appearance. This is why subsequent procedures are necessary to maintain your desired appearance.
The good news is that the procedure is quick and has a very minimal recovery time. And you can try to make your results last longer by taking care of your skin with moisturizers and collagen supplements while also keeping stress at bay and exercising often.
Alternatively, you can look into a Thermi treatment that involves no injection or incisions at all. While the effects may not be as noticeable as Botox, it may last longer.
PH-1 Miami is proud to offer both Botox and Thermi treatments to help restore your skin to its former glory. If you’re looking for more vibrant, plump, and voluptuous skin, fill out our inquiry form right away!
Sources:
How long does Botox last? | American Society of Plastic Surgeons
How Does Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Work? | American Academy of Ophthalmology
Stress may be getting to your skin, but it’s not a one-way street | Harvard Health Publishing
