What is Botox and how long does a Botox injection last?
You will almost certainly have heard about Botox before, but do you know exactly what it is and how Botox works? Botox injections are made up of the Botulinum toxin, which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When injected in small doses into specific facial muscles, this toxin works to block nerve impulses, preventing muscle movement. Blocking muscle movement helps to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, helping you to achieve a more youthful look.
So, how long do the effects of the Botulinum toxin last for after receiving your Botox injection? It would be fantastic if the anti-aging effects of Botox were permanent, but sadly they are not. Typically, you can expect the results of your Botox injections to last for around 3-6 months. This is because the effects of the Botulinum toxin slowly fade as nerve function is restored. The exact amount of time that your injection lasts for will vary from patient to patient and depends upon a number of factors, including:
- Whether or not this is your first treatment. First-time patients often notice that their results do not last as long as when they have subsequent treatments. This is because your muscles slowly weaken over time with repeated injections
- Active exercise of your treated muscles will cause the toxin to be broken down more quickly
- Sun exposure may also reduce the length of time that your results last for
- You individual metabolism ultimately determines how quickly you process the Botulinum toxin
How often should you get Botox?
As the effects of Botox last for around 3-6 months, it is recommended that you have repeat injections after this time. Your doctor will be able to advise you more specifically, depending upon your individual circumstances. As you have more treatments, you may find that you need them less frequently as you treated muscles begin to weaken slightly.
How long does it take for Botox to work?
As it takes a while for the Botulinum toxin to begin blocking nerve signals, you will not notice any results immediately after your injections. It will also take a period of time for any mild redness or swelling that you experience as a result of your treatment to improve. You will first start to see signs that your injections are working 48 hours after your Botox. After that, it typically takes between 3 and 7 days to see your full results.
For some patients it can take up to 14 days to achieve their maximal results. The area that you are having treated and the severity of your wrinkles can affect the time that it takes for you to see visible results.
How many units of botox is needed for a forehead? – 6 units of botox in forehead
When discussing their treatment, patients are usually eager to find out how many units of Botox they will need to achieve their goals. This is difficult to answer as it depends on many factors, such as the area to be treated and the strength and size of the treated muscle. It is important however to use the correct amount of units, as excess toxin can leave you with an undesirable ‘frozen’ and unexpressive look.
Generally you will require around:
- Between 20 and 35 units for the vertical lines at the middle of your forehead, known as the glabella region
- Between 6 and 15 units for the Crow’s feet that have formed around your eyes
- Between 6 and 20 units for the horizontal lines across your forehead, this treatment involves the frontalis muscle
The best way to find out how many units of Botox you will need is to have a consultation with your doctor as they can perform an assessment and provide you with a personalised treatment plan.
Forehead Botox gone wrong
As our forehead is one of the most expressive parts of a face, it is most susceptible to Botox problems. Injecting too much toxin into the forehead can completely paralyse it, leaving you unable to provide any form of expression. This unnatural look is probably not what you are hoping to achieve!
If Botox is injected into the wrong area of the forehead, even by just a few millimetres, it can give you undesirable results. Patients who have experienced forehead Botox that has gone wrong, often complain that they are left with permanently raised eyebrows, as if they are constantly sneering.
The only way to ensure that you will receive the best results is to book your treatment with a reputable and experienced doctor or plastic surgeon. A board certified doctor will have a vast knowledge of facial anatomy, ensuring that they know exactly where to inject your Botox and the amount of toxin to use. When choosing a treatment provider, it can be really helpful to have a look through their Botox before and after pictures, so that you can see the real-life results that they have helped other patients to achieve.
Botox side effects: Is Botox safe?
Botulinum toxin itself is very dangerous, in fact it is the most lethal toxin known. However, the amounts of toxin that are used in Botox injections are very small and so Botox treatment is considered to be very safe and is FDA-approved for cosmetic treatment of facial muscles.
As with any cosmetic treatment, Botox has the potential to cause some side effects, although these are usually mild and self-limiting. These include:
- Localised pain, swelling, bruising and redness
- Flu-like symptoms
- A headache
- Drooping of the eyelid
- Numbness
- Temporary weakness paralysis of muscles close to the injection site
You can drastically minimize your risk of side effects by having your treatment performed by a reputable, board certified doctor.
How much does Botox cost?
Searching online for the cost of Botox will probably leave you feeling a little bit confused, as there are so many different prices quoted, with various deals and offers highlighted. In truth, the amount that you will pay for your Botox treatment, will depend on lots of different factors, including your geographical location, the area you wish to have treated and the units of Botox that you will need to achieve your goals. For this reason, you will only really find out the cost of your Botox treatment by discussing it with your doctor at your initial consultation.
FInding Botox near me in the Boston Metro and Natick area
As we discussed previously, choosing an experienced and qualified, board certified doctor is the only way to ensure that you receive great results and safe treatment. If you live in the Boston Metro or Natick area, then the professional and well respected doctors at Evolution MedSpa Boston will be happy to welcome you for an initial consultation. Either phone their office or book online today to find out what Botox can do for you!
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