What is Botox?
Botox is a Neurotoxin that’s injected to weaken specific muscles. This results in relaxation of the muscle and improvement of the fine lines and wrinkles that the muscle action has formed. Botox is most commonly injected in the upper face (forehead, between the brows, and crows feet.)
Botox is also be injected in the upper lip, masseters and neck for cosmetic purposes.
- Botox in the upper lip is beneficial for people with a “gummy smile.” The neurotoxin relaxes the muscle in the upper lip, which helps the lip cover the gums when smiling.
- Botox in the masseters is ideal for patients who grind or clench their teeth or for patients who get tension migraines. Botox relaxes the clenching muscles. It also reduces the size of the clenching muscle, which helps slim the face.
- When injected in the neck, Botox can reduce fine lines and wrinkles that run horizontally along the neck as well as reduce tension in the platysmal bands.
How long does Botox last?
Botox results typically set in 5-14 days after your injection and will last 3-4 months.
Why does Botox wear off?
There are a few factors that influence Botox how long it takes to wear off:
- Your personal metabolism – Your unique body chemistry will determine how quickly you metabolize Botox. Typically it will last 3-4 months, but those with a high metabolism might metabolize Botox faster.
- Your activity level – If you are active and hit the gym frequently, you may notice your Botox wearing off quicker than someone who isn’t quite as active.
- The amount of Botox injected – Botox is a drug, and each patient requires a different dose. Botox is measured in units, so a higher dose = more units. Some patients need more units of Botox than others, depending on their muscle activity and strength.
- Injectors skill – Not all injectors have a strong understanding of facial anatomy! Skilled injectors know exactly where to inject and how much to inject. We recommend seeing a Plastic Surgeon or nurse injector with a Plastic Surgeon as his/her medical director.
Please note, you should avoid strenuous physical activity, massages, facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasions or any facial treatment 24 hours after your Botox injection. This will help ensure the Botox sets in properly.
What can I do to extend my Botox results?
Taking care of your skin at home significantly extends Botox results! We recommend Revision’s Revox 7 (aka “Botox in a Bottle”) as well as Skin Medica’s TNS Advanced + Serum. These medical-grade skincare products are clinically proven to smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
Are there other products similar to Botox?
Yes, there are a few manufacturers of wrinkle-relaxing neurotoxins. Jeuveau, Dysport, and Xeomin are all effective wrinkle treatments. They are very similar to Botox, with just a few differing properties. We find that Jeuveau sets in the fastest, Dysport lasts the longest, and Botox tends to need the fewest touch ups. We inject Xeomin the least, only in patients that are intolerant to Botox.
Interested in Botox? Book an appointment with Healthylooks Medspa today!
