Diminish Facial Wrinkles for Months with BOTOX® Injections
When you're young, the lines on your forehead and around your eyes that appear when you make certain facial expressions, like smiling or frowning, disappear just as quickly when your face is at rest. Over time, however, these lines — described as dynamic — begin to stick around, which can age a person's face significantly. Fortunately, BOTOX wrinkle relaxers offer patients the opportunity to smooth out dynamic lines and wrinkles on the face, and most patients can enjoy their youthful new look for up to 3 – 4 months at a time. Here, the aesthetic specialists and board-certified plastic surgeons at Forma Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale, AZ share some important things to know about getting BOTOX injections for facial lines and wrinkles.
How does BOTOX work?
BOTOX contains a purified strain of botulinum toxin. When injected into a muscle, BOTOX binds with neuroreceptors to cause temporary paralysis, which many people refer to as "freezing" the muscle. Because the muscle is forced to relax, the surface lines caused by the previously contracted muscle also relax and appear smoother or, in some cases, disappear altogether.
Where can you get BOTOX injected?
There are actually a number of functional uses for BOTOX, like reducing underarm sweating and treating migraines. In the aesthetic sense, BOTOX is primarily reserved for relaxing facial lines and wrinkles. Some of the types of wrinkles treated with BOTOX include:
- Forehead lines
- Brow lines
- Lines between the brow (glabellar lines, or 1, 11, and 111 lines)
- Smile lines
- Frown lines
- Crow's feet
How soon does BOTOX start working?
Unlike injectable fillers, which provide instantaneous results for adding volume and improving static wrinkles, BOTOX does not take effect right away. On average, patients should begin to notice a difference in their lines after about 3 – 4 days, with the full effects of BOTOX taking shape after about one week.
How long does BOTOX last?
For the average person, the results of BOTOX injections last for about 3 – 4 months. In some cases, BOTOX may last slightly longer or begin to "fade away" sooner. In patients who exercise heavily and frequently, BOTOX may not be as long-lasting, though it can still last for several months. If you begin to notice an unwanted return of lines and wrinkles, even if it is earlier than you expect, repeat injections can be given to help restore the smoother look you've become used to.
How can I make my BOTOX last longer?
While there is no way to truly extend the life of your BOTOX, there are some things you can do to ensure you're getting the best outcome and longest-lasting results possible, including:
- Choose a qualified, licensed provider to administer your BOTOX
- Keep your skin moisturized
- Use sunscreen
- Avoid direct sun exposure
- Use skin care products as recommended
- Stay hydrated
- Do not smoke
- Consider skin rejuvenation treatments between BOTOX sessions
By combining a healthy lifestyle, a dedicated skin care routine, and aesthetic treatments tailored to you, you can stay looking and feeling your best for longer.
Keep your face looking fresh with long-lasting BOTOX injections in Scottsdale, AZ
If you have been considering BOTOX but are worried about constant upkeep, you may be excited to learn that most people only need BOTOX injections a few times per year to keep lines and wrinkles at bay. To learn more about the natural, long-lasting results of BOTOX, call our team at Forma Plastic Surgery to schedule your Scottsdale, AZ BOTOX consultation today.