Botox treatment for crow’s feet, forehead, and in between the eyebrows has hiked in popularity in the past decade, particularly in the last year. One reason for this has to be the increasing popularity of online dating and meeting apps that have put our faces on the display more than ever before. This article talks about the different factors and aspects associated with a Botox treatment along with a crisp answer to the question- ‘how long does it take for Botox to work’.
However, typically, patients can start seeing results within 2 to 4 days. You may have to wait for up to 14 full days to see the maximum effects of the treatment.
What exactly is a Botox and how does it work?
Botulinum toxin, or Botox, as we call it, is a drug, precisely a neurotoxin derived from a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. Apart from its multiple medical and clinical uses, Botox is most well-known for its usage in facial treatments for dynamic facial lines and wrinkles.
Botox treatment involves a procedure when a controlled amount of it is injected underneath your skin by a medical professional. The drug works by binding to certain structures in your nervous system, and consequently, preventing the muscles to contract. As your facial muscles are unable to contract, they tend to relax. This results in a smoother appearance of the skin on the treated area.
In other words, Botox is a neuromodulator that works to relax your facial muscles and keep them from functioning up to their full capacity, and hence, reducing the wrinkles caused.
Top 11 Botox frequently asked questions answered
Here is everything you need to know about a Botox treatment so you have enough knowledge for yourself before you book the first appointment:
1. How to prepare yourself for a Botox treatment?
If you have finally decided to go for a Botox, there are certain measures and precautions that your doctor might suggest you have before the treatment:
- Seven days before
Starting from at least 7 days before the treatment, you have to keep off from over-the-counter drugs like Aspirin, ibuprofen, and Motrin as such drugs tend to make your blood thinner. You’ll also have to avoid organic supplements like garlic, vitamin E, and omega-3.
- Three days before
Now, you have to avoid applying your face with skincare products, including Retinols, Retinoids, Tretinoin (Retin-A), Glycolic Acid, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, and any “anti-aging” skincare products. You also want to avoid other skin treatments like waxing, tweezing, bleaching, hair removal, etc.
- On the day of treatment
On the final day of the treatment, you must come to the treatment center with a clean face, without any amount of makeup.
2. How does it feel after a Botox?
A lot of people ask if the Botox treatment hurts and how does Botox feel like when it starts to work.
- The Botox syringe needles are very small, hence they almost do not hurt as the doctor inserts them into your skin.
- Immediately after the treatment, you may feel a minor stinging effect or a tiny bump, like that of a mosquito bite on the injected area.
- A post-treatment headache is another symptom but it’s rare. If you happen to experience it, you must not press or massage your face.
- 2 to 4 days after the treatment, when the neurotoxin begins to do its job, you will feel a quite heavy sensation in the area of treatment. The sensation should subside within the next 1-2 weeks.
3. How long does Botox take to work?
Before we move any more ahead in this article, let’s just straight get to what you are actually here for- an answer to the question “how long does botox take to work?”.
The time when you will see improvements depends on factors like:
- Your age
- Your gender
- Your muscle mass
- The elasticity of your muscles
- The type of Botox used
- The volume of injection
- The area being treated, etc.
4. Why does a Botox take time to work?
The time a Botox treatment can take to show its results again varies according to some factors like:
- Muscle thickness
- Area of treatment
- The volume of Botox used
If you are experiencing a delay in the results of the treatment to show up, it is because your body is trying to adjust to the neurotoxin.
Also, there are some additional factors that can influence the delay. For example, if you are blessed with strong facial muscles, you might have to wait a little longer as compared to someone with softer muscles. The delay also depends on the intensity of the wrinkles. So, if you are trying to get crow lines around your eyes treated, then you may witness faster results as compared to when you wish to get your forehead frown wrinkles treated.
5. How long does Botox last?
This is another popular doubt among the patients- ‘How long does a Botox treatment last?’ If you are a beginner, the Botox will not last as long as it would for someone who has had several Botox treatments. Initially, Botox should last for around 3-4 months.
However, as you continue to get regular Botox treatments, over time, your skin on the area of treatment will develop new collagen to fill the depressions caused by the contracting of muscles. Gradually, your skin will smoothen and soften on its own. At this stage, your treatment will last for a good six to twelve months.
6. What factors affect the longevity of my Botox?
Just as the Botox can take different amounts of time to show results in different people, the longevity also varies from person to person:
- The dilution of the dose
The Botox solution is diluted with some amounts of saline water, according to the target area. Sometimes, a less reputable Botox clinic can over dilute the solution, consequently, affecting the longevity of the treatment.
- The quality of Botox used
The fresher the Botox solution is, the better will be its results. Botox comes in a powdered form that is mixed with saline water to make the solution. This solution must be used within 24 hours.
- The volume of the dose
The larger the dose, the longer will be its effects. However, it’s better to use smaller doses for beginners and the volume or concentration can be gradually increased as the patient’s body gets adapted to the treatment.
- The site of treatment
The size and intensity of the wrinkle also has an effect on how long will a Botox last. If the treatment site has soft, fine wrinkles like that under the eye, the treatment will last longer as compared to deeper wrinkles like those on the forehead.
With aging, our skin tends to lose its elasticity along with its ability to produce new collagen. Hence, Botox treatments last longer on younger men and women.
- Your metabolism
Your individual metabolism also influences the longevity of the Botox treatment. If you have a faster metabolism because you are physically more active, your body will tend to remove the solution faster from your body.
7. How to make a Botox last longer?
Though the effect of the Botox indeed varies from person to person, some people claim that the following treatments and precautions can make the Botox last longer:
- Zinc supplements
The neurotoxin botulinum is dependent on zinc. Hence, a zinc-based supplement called Zytase has been effective for some patients.
- Avoiding exercise immediately after
It is recommended not to exercise for at least 24 hours after the treatment. This is because the increase in metabolism after you exercise may flush the neurotoxin from your body before it can sit and make its effect on the targeted tissues.
- Regular treatment
As said before, initial treatments tend to last less long than others. So, the more regularly you get the treatment done, the longer it sits on your skin.
8. How frequently should I go for Botox?
If you plan to go for regular treatments, then the recommended treatment is once every four to six months. However, if you still feel the results of the treatment after six months, you can extend this time period.
9. Is Botox safe?
Though Botulinum toxin is quite dangerous for consumption, small amounts of the toxin, as used in Botox, are safe. As long as you are getting treatment by a certified, expert professional, Botox is safe. The few side-effects include:
- Headache
- Swelling
- Bruises
- Allergic reactions
- Itching
- Muscle stiffness
- Shortness of breath
10. How long do Botox side-effects last?
Most of the side-effects like bruises, itchiness, swelling, headache, etc. due to a Botox treatment fade within the first few days. However, some side-effects like drooling, eyebrow droop after Botox and asymmetry are a few unintentional effects. They may not fade very quickly and take at least a few weeks to improve as the toxin slowly wears off.
11. How much does Botox Cost per Unit?
The charges of Botox treatment vary according to the region of treatment. Some doctors may charge per session- $ 15-$ 25 per unit. A single session of Botox treatment can use anywhere between 20-60 units. However, others can charge according to the region being treated.
Takeaway
So now, finally, you know how long does it take for Botox to start working. While a lot of people look forward to cosmetic treatments to fight skin aging, many of them are reluctant about the side effects and their fear of needles and injections. Botox treatment works well for most of the people as long as they take all the recommended measures and precautions seriously. Hope this article helped you with enough knowledge for your next treat. Thank you for sticking to the end. Have a great day!