Botox injections are the most popular minimally invasive cosmetic procedure in the United States, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Botox helps combat wrinkles by smoothing out the fine lines that can age your appearance. But what is Botox and how long do Botox injections last? At Rejuvené MD, we have the answers.
What Is Botox?
Botox injections are made of botulinum, a neurotoxin that affects the targeted muscles and interrupts the signals they send to the brain. This interruption prevents the muscles from tensing, which helps your skin have a smoother look. Botox injections work best on dynamic wrinkles, which result from constant facial expressions like smiling and frowning.
To stay smooth and firm, your skin relies on collagen and elastin, two crucial proteins that play numerous roles in your body. Collagen and elastin keep your skin hydrated and flexible so that it can bounce back into place every time you frown or smile.
As you age, however, the amount of collagen and elastin your body naturally creates begins to decrease. Without enough of these proteins, your skin can begin to crease, forming dynamic wrinkles like:
- Lip lines
- Smile lines
- Crow’s feet
- Frown lines
- Forehead wrinkles
Botox treatment relaxes the muscles in the targeted area, diminishing wrinkles and even preventing new ones from forming by teaching your muscles to stay soft.
The best candidates for Botox treatment are people:
- Over 18 years old
- In good overall health
- Who have dynamic wrinkles
- Who have realistic expectations
If you are pregnant or nursing, or if you have medical conditions that affect your muscles, you may not be the right candidate for Botox injections.
Benefits of Botox Treatment
Botox is minimally invasive and requires little to no downtime. Most people get Botox injections on their lunch break and return to work without a problem. Unlike a traditional facelift, Botox offers the chance to get rid of wrinkles for affordable rates and without requiring taking time off work.
Botox can also be a preventive treatment. People as young as 18 turn to these injections because they can train facial muscles to contract less forcefully, making it less likely that they will develop dynamic wrinkles in the area.
Preparing for Botox Injections
When you visit us for a consultation, we will examine the treatment area to see if Botox can offer the results you want. We will ask about your medical history as well as your skin care routine and any medications or supplements you take.
To help you achieve the best results, we recommend that on the days leading up to your injections, you avoid taking blood thinners, including:
- Aspirin
- Fish oil
- NSAIDs
- Ibuprofen
- Vitamin E
- St. John’s Wort
You also want to avoid alcohol. If you smoke, stop for a few days before the appointment because tobacco can slow down the healing process. Don’t use abrasive skin care products for a few days, and drink lots of water before your Botox appointment.
Getting Botox Treatment
On the day of your appointment, come to our office without any makeup. We will clean your face and then inject Botox into the treatment areas. If you prefer, we can numb the treatment areas with a topical cream before the injections.
The procedure can take as little as 10 minutes depending on how many areas you want to treat. You can leave right after the injections.
Botox Aftercare
You want to avoid putting pressure on the treatment area for at least 12 hours after your Botox appointment. Don’t scratch or rub the injection sites because it could cause the Botox to spread.
For at least 24 hours, do not engage in strenuous activities, including exercise. You also do not want to use saunas, hot tubs, or anything that might raise your body temperature until the Botox has had time to settle.
For the first night, sleep propped up. You may also want to avoid wearing makeup for a few hours and not use abrasive skin care products for two or three days.
How Long Does Botox Take to Work?
You may notice results immediately after the injections, but it can take three to five days before you see the full results. To help the process, avoid alcohol and do not use tobacco products. Do not take blood thinners.
How Long Does Botox Last?
Many factors can affect how long Botox lasts, including your age, health, and metabolism. For most people, the effects of Botox last for up to four months. Once the injections start to wear off, you may begin noticing wrinkles reappearing.
To maintain the smoother, more youthful look you want, schedule regular appointments with us. Not only does this help you achieve a more consistent appearance, but it can also help prevent the formation of more wrinkles.
Over time, you may be able to space out the appointments because Botox can teach your muscles to naturally contract less. If you’re not sure when to schedule your next appointment, we’ll create a treatment plan for you.
Reduce Dynamic Wrinkles with Botox
Dynamic wrinkles can make you appear older, creasing your face and affecting your appearance. To help combat these types of wrinkles, we recommend Botox injections. If you have any questions, we’re here to help.
At Rejuvené MD in El Paso, TX, we provide cosmetic procedures to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. If you’re looking for a minimally invasive treatment that’s affordable and doesn’t require significant downtime, consider Botox.
Call us right now at (915) 800-2288 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
