How Long Does Botox Last?
Botox is an FDA-approved treatment for lessening the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles. It works by blocking nerve signals to targeted facial muscles, preventing them from contracting and forming lines.
The effects of Botox generally last four to six months after treatment. Some users will find that it lasts less than this, such as two to three months. The reason for the efficacy time range is that many variables determine how long Botox injections will last, including:
- Location of the injection.
- Amount of Botox injected.
- Person’s age.
- Skin elasticity.
- Wrinkle depth.
- Prior Botox use.
First-time users will often find that the effects last less than four to six months. As they continue treatments, the results tend to last longer. Botox paralyzes the muscles so that they are not being used. If muscles are not used, they get shorter and smaller. That means that you may need fewer Botox injections to get the effect you desire as you continue with treatments.
It is recommended to wait at least three months between injections to not develop a resistance to Botox. At some point, many patients find they can go six months between injections.
What Should I Do Between Injections to Prevent New Wrinkles?
The following tips are good for Botox users or anyone who wants to help wrinkle formation and keep their skin healthy:
- Wear sunscreen on the face, neck, and decolletage. The sun’s UV rays can age the skin.
- Do not smoke. Smoking can increase wrinkles, particularly above the lips. It can also age the skin and make it look thinner.
- Keep hydrated. Water keeps your skin healthy and aids in digestion, circulation, and cell function. Experts recommend eight glasses per day.
- Use moisturizers. A hydrating moisturizer used daily can keep skin healthy and hydrated.
- Cleanse the skin twice a day. Cleaning with a gentle exfoliating cleanser can remove dirt, oil, dead skin cells, and other toxins to restore skin health.
- Eat healthy foods. Processed, fried, and oily foods can cause breakouts and other skin problems. Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and other wholesome foods can keep skin looking fresh and healthy.
- Keep current on Botox injections. For most people, the more injections they get, the longer the positive effects will last. Discuss a good schedule with your cosmetic specialist.
What Else Can Botox Treat?
Most people use Botox to reduce the appearance of current lines and wrinkles and prevent new ones from forming. Many may not know that Botox has other applications as well, including:
- Eye muscle spasms: Botox effectively treats eye twitching, lazy eyes, crossed eyes, and walleyes.
- Cervical dystonia: This neck-related movement disorder causes repetitive muscle contractions, tremors, and abnormal postures.
- Overactive bladder: Botox is often prescribed to treat the disorder if behavior therapy or oral medications have failed.
- Incontinence: Botox’s muscle-contraction inhibitors can effectively treat people who suffer from urine leakage.
- Overactive glands: Excessive sweating and drooling can benefit from Botox treatments.
- Chronic migraines: Botox is injected around the nerve endings to prevent the brain from activating and triggering migraines.
Note that Botox benefits may not last as long for medical treatments as they do for cosmetic treatments.
MAEZ Integrative Healthcare Offers Various Botox Services in New Jersey
Our licensed medical professionals at MAEZ Integrative Healthcare provide Botox services in New Jersey. You can look and feel better in as little as 30 minutes with this nonsurgical treatment. For an initial consultation, call us at 609-748-4110 or fill out our online form to get started. Located in Linwood, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout Northfield, Somers Point, Margate, Longport, and Atlantic County.