There’s a good reason Botox has become synonymous with effective anti-aging work. Many people love the results they get from the injections, and naturally, they want the youthful look to last a good long while. How long can you expect to enjoy your smoothed appearance after Botox injections? At Freel Plastic Surgery, we’ve helped many people get results they love with Botox, so we’re very familiar with how it works. Here’s what you need to know about its lasting power and what you can do to maintain this youthful look.

How Long Does Botox Really Last?

When it comes to treating certain lines, Botox is an elegant solution. A carefully placed injection mutes the nerve signals to specific muscles, preventing them from contracting. This naturally smooths the lines created by that muscle’s motion.

However, this isn’t a permanent solution. Over time, the protein in the injection is broken down and swept away by the body. Full motion is restored, and the lines form again.

How long this process takes varies by person. The results usually last for four to six months, although some patients only see three to four months of change.

Factors that Affect the Longevity of Botox

How long Botox lasts depends on several different factors. Here are some of the big ones to know:

  • The depth of the wrinkles. Deeper lines tend to have more habitual movements behind their formation, so tamping down that motion is a little more difficult.
  • Sun damage. Add this to the list of things that are made worse by excess sun exposure. UV rays will damage the skin, making the effects of Botox wear off faster.
  • Nicotine use. This not only contributes to worse wrinkling by puckering the lips by smoking but also causes other skin damage that Botox can’t address.
  • Metabolism. Everyone’s body simply works differently. If you have a naturally higher metabolism or do a lot of high-intensity workouts, you may find that your body is simply more efficient at getting rid of the injection.

Tips to Maintain Botox and Make It Last Longer

At Freel Plastic Surgery, we not only want our clients to get the results they want but to enjoy those results for a long time as well. Here are some tips we recommend to prolong the results of your Botox.

First, you may notice that inflammation is the enemy of Botox. You can’t change the speed of your metabolism, but you can take care of your skin and avoid some of the worst culprits. Consider trying these steps to prolong your results:

  1. Wear sunscreen and avoid the sun. This has the dual benefit of protecting the injection and shielding your skin from more damage.
    Use skincare with antioxidants. Powerful skin-pampering antioxidants in your skincare will protect your skin and battle inflammation.
  2. Reduce stress. Yes, stress is hard on Botox too. Consider this the final straw to get you to do all those things that will help you feel calmer: meditation, walking, breathing exercises, or whatever gives you the calm you crave.
  3. Reduce the frequency of high-intensity workouts. You shouldn’t avoid all exercise, which has plenty of other benefits. But if you can, avoid the really intense workouts and opt for lower-intensity exercises. A higher metabolism rate (which is associated with high-intensity workouts) will make the Botox wear off more quickly.
  4. Get timely touchups. If you wait for the Botox to wear off completely before you get it done again, you’re missing an opportunity. If you stay on top of getting timely touchups, you may be able to extend the time between visits without losing the effects.
  5. Supplement with Zinc. Studies have shown that Zinc can make the Botox effective more quickly and can add weeks to the longevity of the effects.

Trust Freel Plastic Surgery for Quality Botox Results

The experts at Freel Plastic Surgery have given many of our clients results they love with Botox. We are here to provide all the information you need to make the best decisions possible, whether you’re considering Botox or any of the other potent anti-aging treatments we offer. If you’d like more information or to schedule an appointment, we invite you to contact us today.

Let us show you how we can help you look and feel your best.

 

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