Botox is one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatments. It’s been used by over 11 million people around the world. Botox is often used in non-medical settings due to its popularity. It is important to get injections from professionals for the best results and the most comfortable experience.
Our patients are focused on their primary goals. We have highly skilled staff, state-of-the-art offices, cutting-edge techniques and artistic approaches that will help you look and feel younger.
What is Botox?
Botox refers to a botulinum-toxin type A drug. It is safe and effective to treat wrinkles and other medical conditions in small amounts. Patients will feel happier, healthier, and more youthful when the drug is administered.
The drug blocks nerve impulses that control muscle contractions. This temporarily paralyzes the muscles, which can cause wrinkles. It gives you a younger, smoother appearance.
What are the most common uses?
Botox is most commonly used on the areas of the face where Botox is most popular.
- Laugh/frown lines
- The neck is covered in deep wrinkles
- Vertical creases between your eyebrows
- Forehead lines
- Crow’s feet
It can also be used to treat hyperhidrosis and other medical conditions. Hyperhidrosis can be described as excessive sweating, usually of the arms, hands, face and feet. Hyperhidrosis can cause severe medical issues that interfere with daily activities, work, and social life.
It can be used for skin rejuvenation, hyperhidrosis, and other conditions that cause muscle spasms, such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral paralysis, and cervical dystonia.
How to get started with Botox treatment
You should call us to set up an appointment to meet with one of our doctors to discuss your cosmetic goals. Bring information about your medical history, including any past surgeries and any medication (including herbal or nutrition supplements) that you have taken or are taking.
One of our doctors will examine your skin. During the appointment, you will also be assessed for skin texture, elasticity and wrinkles to determine if treatment is appropriate. A small amount of the treatment solution will also be injected into your arm. This ensures that you don’t have any allergic reactions either during or after treatment.
What happens pre-treatment?
If both you and your medical professional decide that treatment is appropriate for you, you will be given instructions to prepare for your next appointment.
7 days before treatment
You will need to stop taking over-the-counter blood thinners such as Motrin, Aspirin, and Ibuprofen for at least 7 days before starting treatment. Avoid herbal supplements such as garlic, vitamin E and Ginkgo Biloba. After your treatment is completed, avoid taking any supplements or medications that may cause bruising.
3 days before treatment
You’ll be able to stop using any topical products on your skin, such as Retinols (Retina), Retinoids and Retinoids, Glycolic Acid and Alpha Hydroxy Acid. Also, you should avoid waxing, bleaching or tweezing the area to which you will be treated.
You will need to avoid alcohol 24 hours prior to and after treatment to minimize the amount of bruising. Additional bruising can be caused by alcohol, which is a blood thinner.
Day of Treatment
You should wash your face before you arrive at the office. You can bring your makeup to use after the treatment if you wish. You may apply a topical anesthetic before the treatment. Sometimes, a local numbing agent is applied.
This is done to ensure your comfort during treatment. Your provider may massage the area you have corrected to ensure that it goes smoothly. Some people may experience temporary redness from the massaging.
What is the average time it takes for Botox to work?
It is a neuromodulator, which relaxes the muscles and prevents them from working at full capacity. However, the full effects can take up to 14 days to show.
This delay is caused by the time it takes for Botox to begin to work in the body. We encourage our patients to return after two weeks to monitor their progress.
Other personal factors
Additional factors may influence the time for treatment to fully take effect. It may take longer for treatment to kick in if you have strong facial muscles. If you are one of these individuals, don’t worry. Botox can also be used to reduce wrinkles and rejuvenate the skin.
Individuals with deep lines or who receive their first injection later in life may need more than one injection to achieve the desired results. Patients may also be interested in dermal fillers and other treatments.
You should have your first consultation at least two weeks before your event or vacation if you got treatment for the first time. This will ensure that you receive the best results.
Treatment will generally take place faster if used to treat wrinkles and fine lines. For example, if you treat crow’s feet around the eyes, you will see results much quicker than if your forehead lines are deep.
How long does treatment last?
Botox’s effects are dependent on how well the body responds to it. Therefore, each person will experience a different time frame. Botox can have a longer-lasting effect if you give your skin more time to heal the collagen needed to fill in wrinkles and lines.
The effects of cosmetic use can last up to six months. The effects might wear off faster if you’re a first-timer. Patients prefer to schedule follow-up treatments two or three months after their initial treatment.
Factors that Influence How Long Treatments Last
Botox’s effects take time to show. This varies depending on the person. Many factors will affect the duration of Botox’s effects.
Dosage diluting
Botox is typically mixed with 1 to 3 ccs saline solution. However, the amount you use will vary depending on what area you are treating. Concentrated solutions are more effective at targeting specific areas. Liquids that are more concentrated allow it to diffuse into other areas that may also be affected by treatment.
Some skin clinics are less reliable and overdo the treatment, which means that patients don’t get the full benefit of the procedure. MD Health is a reputable, experienced provider. This makes it more important than going to a Botox party or beauty spa.
Freshness is important
Botox comes in a powdered, frozen form. A saline solution must be added to the solution before injections to make the correct solution strength. The solution should be used within 24 hours of mixing, as it is most potent during this time. A vial of Botox may be kept open for two weeks.
Botox vials will be opened daily by a reputable and busy provider to ensure that you have access to the latest product.
Your metabolism
Your metabolism plays an important role in the duration of your treatment. Your metabolism will speed up, which means that Botox will be eliminated faster, diminishing its effects. People with slower metabolisms often experience the opposite.
You should know the effects of a high metabolism on your health if you are an athlete (professional, semi-pro or amateur) or just a regular person who keeps you in great physical condition.
The Injection Site
The size of the treated muscle is another factor that may influence the length of your treatment. The treatment of larger muscles (e.g., the frontalis muscle at the forehead) tends to last longer than smaller ones, like the ones responsible for crow’s feet.
Treatments that target the frontalis muscle typically last about three months. On the other hand, treatments targeting the eyes can last up to four months.
Dosage
The lower the dose, the faster the movement to the injection site. It’s important not to over-inject for many people who are first using Botox. Therefore, conservative doses should be used until both the provider and patient are comfortable with their reactions to Botox. Patients are more comfortable with stronger doses and longer-lasting effects after the first treatment.
Patient Age
As we age, our skin’s elasticity decreases and our ability to make collagen decreases. This is one of the side effects of aging. It causes deeper wrinkles and more defined lines. Botox can often be less effective in these patients.
Are You able to make the effects last longer?
Although the effects of treatment can vary from person to person, some people claim they have been able to prolong their effects.
Zinc Supplements
Botox is a botulinum toxin that is zinc-dependent. Zytase, a supplement known to boost the effectiveness of Botox, can be taken several days before your treatment.
Do not exercise immediately after treatment.
You should not exercise immediately after treatment. The post-exercise rise in metabolism can flush the solution out of your system before it can affect the target area. It is best to wait at least 24 hours after treatment to do any kind of exercise.
Treat regularly
First-time treatments are usually the most effective. Your treatments will last longer if you’re more consistent.
You should consult your doctor if you have questions about the long-term effects of your treatment.
