Botox Injections – Omaha, NE
Botox is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world. Botox, Dysport and Xeomin are neuromodulators derived from the botulinum toxin of clostridium botulinum bacteria. These toxins interfere with the signal that travels from the nerve to the muscle. The neurotoxins take up residence in the signal receptors on the muscle and block the signal from getting through. This leads to a decrease in the strength of the muscle contractions (sometimes resulting in no muscle movement in the treated area at all!). The relaxation of the muscles results in a lessening of dynamic wrinkles. The effects of Botox are temporary. Your body eventually clears the neurotoxin out of the receptors and the movement returns to normal.
How Long Does Botox Last?
So how long does it take for your body to clear out the Botox? This would seem like an easy question to answer, but it can actually be rather complicated. The simple, straight forward answer is “3-5 months.” That is the FDA approved duration for the product. How long Botox will actually last for you depends on many factors.
Which Areas are You Treating with Botox?
Most patients notice that some areas have return of normal movement before others. I find that typically the crow’s feet wear off faster than the forehead lines and those wear off faster than the frown lines, but my experience won’t be the same as everyone else’s. Your Botox results will depend on which areas you use the most (more smiling vs more frowning) and how large those muscles are. Typically, smaller muscles will recover faster while larger muscles may need a longer period of time. Some patients who treat the masseters for facial slimming/tapering will find that their Botox results last 6 months or more, while Botox for a lip flip is typically repeated every 6-8 weeks. Most patients treating facial wrinkles in the forehead, glabella (frown lines) or crow’s feet repeat their Botox treatment every 3-4 months.
How Many Units of Botox are You Using?
The duration of Botox’s action is directly related to the number of units you use. The more units, the longer the effect. That being said, you have to be careful because more units also means more risk of side effects or undesirable results (such as droopy eyelids, low brow or changes in mouth movements). Often, patients will request that we use fewer units in an attempt to keep costs down. This is usually self defeating because it will just shorten the duration of the relaxation and may give you a suboptimal result as well. You will need to follow up sooner than if you had used slightly more units.
What is Your Goal with the Botox Treatment?
Botox is used for many different things. How long it lasts depends on what your expectation is of the result. In cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery and dermatology, Botox is typically used to lessen wrinkles of facial expression and to treat hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Botox for sweating can last for a year or more, but in this article we will focus on Botox for treatment of facial aging. Even in the treatment of wrinkles, there are different goals. Some patients just want to prevent wrinkles from forming or worsening. They are willing to tolerate some movement in the areas that they are targeting. These patients will consider their Botox results to “last longer“ than patients who don‘t want to see any movement. They may have similar results in terms of movement, but their interpretations of “results“ will differ.
How Old Are You?
Your age will certainly affect the duration of your Botox treatments. There are 2 different trends that you may notice. First, younger patients may metabolize Botox faster, but because their muscles aren’t as strong (from years of use), they may not need treatment as often. Younger patients are often looking for “prejuvenation” or trying to slow the aging process rather than treating existing lines. Because they don’t have deep lines already etched in their foreheads, they may be able to go for a longer time between treatments. Many younger patients are getting Botox for the first time in their mid 20s or sometimes even earlier! On the other hand, older patients may already have wrinkles and as such may notice that as soon as they have some return of movement, the wrinkles and lines begin to come back. They may also have a shorter duration because their body has already been exposed to the neurotoxins and thus can clear the Botox out faster.
How Active Are You?
Patients who exercise often may find that they metabolize Botox faster than average.
How Regular are Your Botox Treatments?
When you only get a Botox treatment once a year (or less) your muscles have ample time to fully recover between treatments. Patients who plan for regular Botox treatments (every 4 months or so) will find that they notice less wrinkles because they are progressively causing atrophy and weakening of the facial muscles. Just like the muscles anywhere else in your body, the muscles in your face get stronger with repeated movement. Forcing them to relax for extended times will cause them to become weaker over time.
Where is Your Botox Being Injected?
There is a recent trend called “Baby Botox.” This method uses very small doses of Botox injected superficially into the skin to help relax the skin itself rather than the muscles. This can help to smooth very fine lines while leaving the muscle function intact. This method is best for young patients without deep lines. Placing the Botox injection site directly into the muscle will result in the most relaxation and the longest effect. You should have a discussion with your Botox injector about where to best place the product for the result you desire.
What Other Cosmetic Treatments are You Doing?
Combining your Botox treatment with other cosmetic treatments can help extend the duration of your injections. Dermal fillers reinflate your tissues, stretching the skin slightly so that there is less crinkling. Collagen stimulating treatments such as fractional lasers, laser genesis, oral collagen supplements and Sculptra can help decrease the fine lines and wrinkles and lessen your need for Botox. Keep in mind that these treatments will never replace your neuromodulators though because improving your skin and then repeatedly creasing it will eventually result in more wrinkles. You should also be on physician directed skin care including a retinoic acid, a vitamin c product, a hyaluronic acid moisturizer and a sunscreen at the very least.
Is there Anything I can Do to Prolong the Effects of Botox?
There are several things that patients can do to make sure they’re getting the most out of their Botox treatment.
- Great skin care is a must. Hydrate your skin well and use your SPF. Sun damage and dry skin will both exacerbate crepe skin and crinkly lines.
- Don’t smoke. Nicotine decreases the blood supply to your skin and the chemicals in the smoke accelerate the aging process.
- Consider slightly less aggressive exercise. We would never recommend that you not exercise, since it’s essential for your physical and mental health as well as for your beauty, but overly aggressive exercise can cause you to break down the neurotoxins faster.
- Take a zinc supplement. There was a study that showed that taking a 50mg daily dose of zinc can help to increase the duration of your Botox injections by as much as 30%. Subsequent papers questioned its validity, but at a dose of 50mg/day, there is little risk of side effects from the zinc (and it may reduce your risk from COVID too!) Why not try it?
Are You Ready for Your Botox or Dysport Consultation?
If you’re eager to discover more about Botox, Dysport, dermal fillers, or other cosmetic treatments, we invite you to reach out to our Med Spa. You can contact us at 402-347-4433 to arrange a complimentary consultation. During your consultation, our dedicated team will engage with you to understand your objectives and treatment expectations, provide information on costs and financing options, and address any questions you may have.
Even if you’re not located in Omaha, Lincoln, Council Bluffs, or the surrounding metro area, we’re pleased to offer virtual consultations to accommodate your needs and preferences. Feel free to connect with us regardless of your location; we’re here to assist you on your cosmetic journey.
