However well we take care of our skin, aging is mostly inevitable.
It is therefore a good thing that a lot of the wrinkles and fine lines associated with aging can be softened and reduced with the use of cosmetic treatments like Botox and dermal fillers.
While cosmetic injectables like Botox and dermal fillers can be a great way to reverse the common signs of aging and maintain that youthful look, their effects are unfortunately not permanent.
They wear off eventually as the body naturally degrades them. Botox treatments can last an average of three to six months depending on some determining factors.
It is important that you learn and understand the care of your skin that you would need before you decide to go ahead with getting botox treatments. This is to ensure that the results are maintained for as long as possible.
Before we proceed to discussing ways you can prolong your botox treatments, let us consider why they have temporary effects.
LONGER LASTING BOTOX: WHAT MAKES BOTOX WEAR OFF?
Botulinum toxin causes a paralysis of the muscles into which they are injected, and this occurs when the nerve endings that supply these muscles are affected by the drug, resulting in prolonged muscle relaxation.
The botox drug is bound to the nerve endings permanently. However, over time, the body regenerates new nerve endings which have not been affected by it.
These new nerve endings then start to stimulate the muscles to contract once again.
As a result of this, repeated botox injections are required to get to the new nerve endings after they have been regenerated.
Therefore, it is not the botox drug that wears off but rather, its effects.
WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR LONGER LASTING BOTOX TREATMENTS?
The period immediately after your botox injection and the following 48 hours play a pivotal role in the maintenance of treatment results.
An experienced injector who is certified in aesthetic courses would ideally give you specific recommendations regarding post-procedure care.
Below are helpful tips:
1. START MAKING VERY EXPRESSIVE FACIAL MOVEMENTS JUST AFTER THE PROCEDURE
This includes smiling, yawning, frowning, etc in order to help the even distribution of the drug. However, avoid massaging or rubbing the face to prevent the drug from entering unintended areas leading to unwanted results.
2. AVOID OR LIMIT EXPOSURE TO THE SUN
Avoidance of sun exposure is a widely known and accepted skincare tip and it is just as relevant after your botox treatment. It is important to note that the facial wrinkles arising from sun damage are not affected by botox. Therefore this step is vital in maintaining a healthy and more youthful appearance.
3. BOTOX CAN BE PAIRED WITH OTHER COSMETIC INJECTABLES
You may consider pairing your botox injections with other treatments like injectable dermal fillers.
Botox and dermal filler injections can be used in facial voluminization and lip filler procedures, as well as non surgical facelift procedures.
Derma Institute offers aesthetic courses for beginners in botox training and dermal filler training and also expert dermal filler masterclasses that teach advanced injection techniques that allow these treatments to be combined to yield the best results. Which brings us to the next tip:
4. CHOOSE A SUITABLE AESTHETIC PROVIDER
This is easily the most important factor in getting the best results.
Go for a qualified aesthetic provider who possesses a certification in botox training and dermal filler training as knowledge and experience, as well as expertise, are vital when it comes to the assessment and treatment of patients in order to maximize the chances of an ideal and successful result.
Other helpful tips include:
- Staying hydrated at all times.
- Eating a healthy and balanced diet. Increasing your zinc intake which has been shown to possibly enhance the effectiveness of botox.
- Quitting smoking.
