Botox is the trade name of the first injectable botulinum toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. Xeomin, Jeuveau, and Dysport are some other brand names of the same toxin. It has been used by doctors to treat facial creases and wrinkles for several years. Botox is an extremely dangerous substance that needs to be handled with caution. When injected in incorrect doses, it can be fatal for human beings.
How Long Does Botox Work For?
Uses of Botox
When a cosmetic or medicinal dosage of Botox is injected into muscles, specific nerve signals that make muscles contract are blocked, causing the injected muscle to relax. This will help to soften the facial wrinkles. Botox is generally used for smoothening forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet. But the facial wrinkles brought on by gravity or sun damage won’t be treated with Botox.
Even though Botox is most commonly used for cosmetic treatments like reducing the manifestation of wrinkles, it also has several other medical applications. It is used in the treatment of numerous health issues, like:
- drooping eyelids
- eyelid spasms
- strabismus, or eyes pointing in a dissimilar direction
- blepharospasm, or uncontrolled blinking
- chronic migraine
- cervical dystonia causing severe shoulder and neck muscle spasms
- overactive bladder
- diabetic neuropathy
- hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating
- excessive drooling
Important aspects of the procedure
Injecting Botox needs only a short while. There is also no need for an anesthetic. The Botox is gently injected into selected muscles by the practitioner using a tiny needle. It is advisable to avoid alcoholic beverages at least a week before the scheduled procedure. Also, stop using anti-inflammatory medicines and aspirin at least two weeks before the scheduled procedure. You may also need to be upright for about 4 hours after the injections. It is also important to avoid exercise on the procedure day. Do not massage or apply heat to the injection area, and avoid alcohol consumption for 24 hours. For 24 hours, refrain from scratching the injection site to prevent spreading the Botox to other areas. The effect of the injection can be seen after 7 to 14 days.
There can be some short-term side effects of Botox treatment, including:
- bruising
- eyelid drooping
- drooling or a crooked smile
- headaches
- a general feeling of ill-health
- eye dryness
- numbness
- upset stomach
- muscle weakness in the area near the injection site
It is also important to note that pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and people suffering from neurological conditions should avoid Botox treatments.
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How long does Botox work for or last?
People do wish one Botox procedure could last forever. But this is not the reality. The action of Botox will get weaker with the production of new neurotransmitters in the body. So, even with the best treatments, the Botox shot will last about three to six months. It can also change from patient to patient depending on their physiology. There are some patients who exhibit longer retention upon their second treatment. There are various factors that influence the longevity of a Botox procedure. Some of them include:
Metabolism of the patient
The body metabolism of each person is different. This will affect how slowly or quickly the Botox is processed in the body. People with higher metabolisms will remove the Botox more easily and quickly from their bodies.
The activity level of the person
People who are more physically active may observe that their Botox injections disappear faster when compared to others. For example, Botox injections deteriorate faster in athletes compared to others due to their high physical activity. The median range of Botox longevity is about three to six months.
Quality of the treatment
The longevity of the treatment is dependent on the quality of the treatment. Botox is highly sensitive to time, heat, and excessive agitation. This means that the supplies should always be refrigerated and kept fresh. Proper storage of Botox is crucial for the maximal effectiveness of the treatment.
Accuracy and skill of the professional
For the Botox treatment to have maximum benefit, it is crucial that the healthcare professional know the right amount of Botox to inject and the right place to inject it. The professional should also be aware of the facial anatomy of the patient and the best way to space the Botox injections.
The area of treatment
The longevity of the treatment is also dependent on the treatment area. If the treatment is done between the patient’s eyebrows or on their forehead, it tends to last longer.
Depth and size of the wrinkles
People with bulky muscles or thick scowls may observe that their Botox injections disappear faster than those with thin lines.
The use of facial muscles
People who are more facially expressive tend to use their facial muscles more often. This can lead to the Botox treatment fading away much faster when compared to others.
The dosage of Botox administered
The Botox treatments should be customised to the patient’s level of strength, activity, and muscle size. The longevity of the treatments also depends on the amount injected. If more units of Botox are injected, it will last longer. Similarly, larger muscles will need more units of Botox to last longer.
Frequency of the treatments
The injections will have a better lifespan when they are done more frequently. According to some doctors, repeat patients have been known to wait about a year between injections.
Other factors
There are several other factors that affect the treatment, including the age and sex of the patients, stress, and any other illnesses.
To Conclude
Injecting Botox is a big decision that should be taken after serious consideration. Since anesthesia is not used during the procedure, people having a low pain threshold may find it painful. Even though they are usually safe, Botox injections can cause some side effects like difficulty in breathing or swallowing, infection, and muscle weakness. These treatments are also quite expensive and, when used for cosmetic treatments, are not covered by insurance. It also needs frequent maintenance to have the desired effect. You should also remember to choose a qualified and experienced Gold Coast injectables professional to make a customized treatment plan for you to get the maximum benefit from the treatment.
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