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How Can I Make My Botox Last Longer?

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How Can I Make My Botox Last Longer?

Cosmetic procedures like Botox can erase your wrinkles and fine lines, but unfortunately, they are rarely ever permanent solutions. Some treatments last longer than others – with Botox, patients might need a few extra steps if they want their younger-looking appearance to last for several years.

So how can patients make the Botox results last longer than a few months? Aside from finding a trustworthy Botox provider, they should also take proper care of their body and avoid too much sun exposure. Some patients also consider maintenance treatments for Botox effects that will definitely last for years.

Tips for Long-Lasting Botox Results

Injectables like Botox are a popular and effective way of erasing the different signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s feet, and more. In fact, 7.7 million people had Botox injections in 2019. This is 4% more than the number of treatments performed in 2018.

However, this substance eventually wears off and becomes absorbed by the body. Most Botox treatments only produce results that will last for 3-4 months. If you want to experience the effects longer, here are some tips to follow:

1. Find an Experienced Injector

Getting Botox injections is not as simple as having a haircut or getting a manicure. While there might be a little disappointment if the hair or nails look terrible after an appointment, Botox injections in the hands of an unskilled injector may result in serious medical consequences.

As with any medical or cosmetic procedure, the success of the treatment lies in the provider’s experience. They will know the best areas for the treatment and the optimal dosage needed for each site. If you want to achieve long-lasting Botox that will reduce your facial wrinkles in just a few injections, find a highly qualified injector who will perform it.

Here are some tips to help you find a good Botox injector:

  • Do Your Research – Before undergoing the treatment, it’s good to learn everything you need to know about the procedure. Having better knowledge about Botox can help patients make informed decisions. Aside from the treatment itself, it’s also helpful to learn more about the clinic you are eyeing. If someone you know — maybe a friend, family, or coworker — has already gone through the procedure, ask them for recommendations or reviews about a practitioner or clinic.
  • Check the Location – Since Botox has become popular among people of all ages, many non-medical establishments, such as salons and hairdressers, have also started to offer these injections to their customers. However, most of these places don’t have the right equipment or environment to administer the injections. It’s still better to find well-known medical or cosmetic clinics that have medical professionals who know what they are doing. If the clinic or practitioner’s main focus is Botox, dermal fillers, or other aesthetic procedures, there’s a good chance that they specialize in these kinds of treatments.
  • Ask for Follow-Ups – The Botox treatment doesn’t end after leaving the clinic. A good Botox provider will not leave you in the dark after the procedure – they should always be available for follow-up consultations to guide you through the whole process until recovery.

2. Maintain a Healthy Body

Your lifestyle is what caused the wrinkles to show in the first place so it’s better to turn to a healthier life after the Botox treatment. The kind of food that patients consume directly affects the body’s processes and its appearance. The more processed and packaged food you ingest, the more the body will wear down.

Following a proper skin care regimen will also help maintain the skin’s youthfulness. Incorporate moisturizers into your daily routine so that the skin stays well-hydrated. Products made with glycerin will rehydrate the skin, keeping it plump and firm.

3. Avoid Sun Exposure

Sun exposure is one of the biggest causes of fine lines and other signs of aging. Luckily, the effects of UV rays on the skin can be reduced using the right creams and serums. Botox patients are usually advised to wear broad-spectrum sunscreens if they must head outside while the sun is at its peak. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat can also protect the face from sun exposure.

4. Consider Maintenance Treatments

Although maintaining a healthy body and staying out of the sun can prolong the results of Botox, it will still wear off without additional treatments. Most patients who are satisfied with how they look after Botox can arrange personalized maintenance treatments courtesy of their provider.

Depending on how the consultation will go, doctors may also recommend combining Botox with other cosmetic procedures like microneedling or dermal fillers. Microneedling can help activate the body’s healing ability and tighten the skin, while dermal fillers will restore the volume of the face.

Why Is Botox Temporary?

Botox is extracted from a neurotoxin-producing bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. The neurotoxin causes botulism, a medical condition that attacks the patient’s nerves and weakens the muscles in the body. Botox is made by diluting a small amount of the neurotoxin in saline to temporarily paralyze the overused muscle without the risk of botulism.

This injectable works by preventing the release of acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter responsible for contracting muscles. Once the neurotoxin attaches to the nerve endings, the synaptic pathways between muscles and nerves are blocked. However, the disruption is only temporary because nerve endings are regularly replaced, and the new ones can control muscle contractions again.

By paralyzing the muscles and preventing contractions, Botox relaxes different areas of the face and reverses signs of again. The results usually start to show within 3 to 10 days after the treatment.

It will take 3 to 4 months before the effects of Botox start wearing off. Patients who choose to undergo maintenance treatments every 4 to 5 months can enjoy the neurotoxin’s effects for longer. Aside from its temporary nature, the neurotoxin’s longevity will also be affected by the patient’s daily activities.

Taking Care of the Body After Botox

Although Botox is temporary, there are still a few simple ways to make the effects last longer. One effective way is to keep your body healthy and do the following:

Following a Skin Care Routine

To extend the effects of Botox and keep the different signs of aging from showing, it’s important to keep the skin hydrated. Aside from drinking plenty of water, patients must also develop a skincare regimen that moisturizes the face. This allows the skin to constantly stay firm and plump.

Another important part of a skincare routine is sun protection. The UV rays from the sun can deplete the body’s collagen levels and increase the appearance of wrinkles. Avoid going outside when the sun is high to prolong the benefits of Botox. If it’s necessary to go outside, make sure to wear sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat to cover the face.

Sticking to a Healthy Diet and Exercise

Extreme weight loss reduces the effects of Botox so make sure you don’t lose or gain too much weight. Although regular exercise is advised for the person’s health, some patients find that being physically active dissolves the injections faster.

This is because exercise increases blood flow and diffuses the neurotoxin more quickly. Scrunching the face during exercise also causes creases to develop. Patients are usually not allowed to exercise within 24 hours after the treatment. Once you decide to undergo Botox injections, remember that physical exercise should only be done lightly.

Managing the Stress Levels

When the patient is faced with too much stress, the body releases more cortisol which accelerates the aging process. It’s important to get plenty of rest after a Botox treatment to prevent the fine lines and wrinkles from showing.

Aside from avoiding stressful situations, patients can also consider trying other stress relief methods like yoga and meditation. By becoming more relaxed, patients can minimize the appearance of unwanted lines before their next Botox schedule.

Should I Consider Botox Maintenance Treatments?

Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise, avoiding too much sun exposure, and choosing the right provider can only do so much when it comes to prolonging the effects of Botox. At best, these measures can only help the results last for up to 6 months. If you want the results of Botox to last for several years, maintenance treatments every 4-5 months are required.

Most plastic surgeons create personalized treatment programs, so just consult with your provider about a personal Botox maintenance plan. Here are a few reasons to consider maintenance Botox treatments:

  • Fine lines and wrinkles are starting to resurface
  • There’s facial movement when squinting the eyes or moving the forehead
  • Regular rounds of Botox train the muscles to constantly relax
  • You want to enjoy the results of Botox for several years

Aside from maintenance treatments, plastics surgeons may also suggest combining Botox with other cosmetic procedures such as microneedling and dermal fillers. Dermal fillers use gel-like injectables to restore the volume in the hollow parts of the face such as the cheeks.

On the other hand, microneedling is a procedure that creates micro incisions on the skin to trigger the body’s healing abilities and boost the production of collagen and elastin. By allowing the body to produce more of these substances, the skin becomes tighter and stronger.

Get Younger Looking Skin with Botox at Anand Medical Spa

Here at Anand Medical Spa, we ensure that our Botox patients will enjoy the results of the treatment for as long as possible. Our staff is also dedicated to ensuring the patient’s safety while closely working with them to help achieve their beauty and wellness goals.

Anand Medical Spa’s Dr. Chugh has received extensive training when it comes to injecting Botox to different patients. With 14 years of experience in the industry, Dr. Chugh is an excellent choice when you’re looking for a Botox provider. Call us now to book a consultation.

Read more: How Is Botox Being Marketed to Millenials

About the Author:

Dr. Sunanda Chugh is the Founder and Medical Director of Anand Medical Spa and has been practicing in NYC since 2004. She is a graduate of Cornell University and has completed her training at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital/Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Chugh has worked and trained with top Plastic Surgeons and Dermatologists in NYC. Her special interest on the effect of the aging process on the face and body inspired her to specialize in Aesthetic Medicine.

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