How Long Do the Effects of Botox Really Last?
We are facing one of the ‘star’ techniques of aesthetic medicine. Who more who less has heard of botulinum toxin type A, better known as botox, a neurotoxin that produces muscle paralysis and whose use is common both medically and in the field of aesthetic medicine. Botox has definitely been the biggest change in the field of aesthetic medicine.
But do you know how long its effects last? And, above all, do you know that there are certain factors, some of which are common in our daily lives, that can influence their greater or lesser duration?
Its maximum effect lasts between 15 days and three months.
Pharmacist points out that “Botox is designed to unfold its effects over six months, although there are certain treatments and practices that can reduce its useful life to just two”. Thus, they point out that “although the contraindications of Botox are minimal, there are conditioning factors to be taken into account so that the treatment is long-lasting and respectful of the patient’s facial expression”.
In general, it can be said that the effects disappear after four to six months. But the duration is variable, depending above all on the thickness of the skin (in men it lasts less than in women), the strength of the muscle, the number of gestures made by each person, and whether the wrinkles are more or less deep. The maximum effect of Botox is from day 15 to 3 months. From then on, its effect begins to wane and after 5-6 months there is practically no effect at all.
If you practice intense sports, you can see how its effects are shortened.
The specialists we interviewed give us a series of data about its duration and effectiveness, and the first one has to do with sports.
They tell us that when making a significant physical effort, it is almost involuntary to contract and relax the face repeatedly, which causes the paralyzing effect of the toxin to disappear more quickly. To prolong its effects, it is best not to engage in high-intensity sports, a particularly relevant tip for the 48 hours following application of the product.
Too frequent use may reduce its effectiveness
Too frequent administration of the toxin can lead to the formation of antibodies, which will result in the toxin lasting less time or not achieving the desired effects at all. To prevent the formation of antibodies, it is recommended to administer it at minimum intervals of 4 to 5 months.
However, as the applications are repeated, given that the muscle weakens due to lack of use, the effects are increasingly prolonged in time.
Zinc supplements help it last longer
Recent medical trials suggest that taking zinc supplements acts at a neuromuscular level, thus prolonging the durability of Botox. The daily intake is between 10 and 20 mg. contributes to extending its life significantly. It is even recommended to start taking zinc 4 or 5 days prior to its application.
Interaction with some drugs
No conclusive studies have been carried out in this regard, but there are voices that speak of some substances altering the usual evolution of the toxin in our body. For example, it is suggested that aminoglycoside antibiotics and muscle relaxants can enhance its effect. It is therefore recommended to always inform our aesthetic clinic about the medication we are taking at any given moment.
And also: the importance of keeping it well
It does not depend directly on you… but you should know that most of the commercial brands must be kept at a maximum temperature of five degrees below zero. Failure to maintain the cold chain during transport can denature the protein and reduce the efficacy of the treatment.
Always consult a professional!
The application of botox is a procedure that is carried out through microinjections of botulinum toxin in the area to be treated. For the treatment to look the way you want it to and to obtain successful results, it is necessary that you connect with a specialist like Evolve Med Spa before you decide to move forward with the treatment so that you can get a reliable analysis of your face and learn if it is best to perform the injection without affecting the appearance of other areas of the face.
It is also essential that the specialist knows how to calculate the necessary dose of toxin to be injected according to the needs of each patient since the amount of botox applied varies according to the condition of the skin of each person.
Nowadays it is easy to find many beauty centers that offer to apply botox, but they do not have the necessary expertise in this treatment. It is not only enough to know where botox is applied and how the process works, it is also basic to put yourself in the hands of an experienced specialist.
Much has been said about Botox paralyzing the facial features, that it offers an artificial effect and that the person is almost immobile. All these negative effects are possible if you do not go to a professional center staffed by experts in aesthetic medicine and dedicated for years to the application of botulinum toxin.
Facial rejuvenation with Botox does not have to represent a health risk and much less cause unfortunate consequences. That is why it is essential that before falling into the temptation of offers and miracle packages, you research well and go to your trusted aesthetic center.