Most people know that Botox is used to reverse signs of aging, but they might wonder how long it takes for the drug to actually work. The short answer is 48 hours. What’s the long answer? Well, it depends.
What is Botox?
Botox is an FDA-approved cosmetic treatment for smoothing lines and wrinkles. It works by blocking signals from the nerves to the muscles, preventing contraction of those muscles and leaving them temporarily paralyzed. When injected into the face, the drug forces the muscles to relax, which results in smoother, younger looking skin. Botox can also be used to treat other medical conditions like chronic migraines and excessive sweating.
How Long Until Results Show? How Long Do They Last?
The effects of Botox aren’t immediate, but they are semi-permanent. Most people begin seeing a difference 48 hours after injection, though it can take more or less time depending on the individual. Botox also works faster on smaller wrinkles, so crow’s feet will improve noticeably faster than stubborn forehead creases. The full effects of Botox become apparent about 10-14 days after the first injection and last for 3-4 months. In some rare cases, results can last for up to six months. The benefits fade as the body processes the drug and will wear off completely until the next Botox treatment.
Factors to Consider
The types of benefits from a Botox procedure depends on many variables, including the patient’s age, health, muscle definition, metabolism, and activity level. The amount of Botox needed will vary between cases based on these variables. Older people with more wrinkles will need more units of Botox compared to their younger counterparts. People with fast metabolisms will likely process the drug faster than those with slower metabolisms, so they may also require more Botox.
How to Prolong Results
There are some things a person can do to help prolong the benefits of their Botox treatment. Studies suggest that taking zinc supplements can help results last up to 30% longer compared to not taking the supplement. Retin-A, a topical anti-aging treatment, has been shown to extend the lifetime of Botox results. A skincare regimen that includes Retin-A can also reduce the amount of units needed per treatment. To see optimal results, people should avoid vigorous exercise after their Botox procedure. Exercise can cause the muscles to metabolize the drug at a faster rate, which can negatively impact the degree and duration of its benefits.
Botox Best Practices
It’s a fact that faces change with age. However, people don’t have to live with those changes anymore if they don’t want to. Botox is safe and effective as long as it is administered by a trained professional. Consulting with an expert is the best way to learn how Botox can work for those seeking to look their best. Contact the experts at Advanced Skin Therapy of Smokey Point to learn if Botox is the right solution for you.
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