How long does Botox take to work?
What is Botox?
It is a neurotoxic protein that blocks certain nerve chemical signals, usually the signals responsible for muscle contractions. Botox is widely known as a cosmetic treatment for improving skin texture and promoting youthfulness. However, there are other roles that Botox can play in your life. Some of the other benefits of Botox include treating the following conditions:
- Neck spasms – also called cervical dystonia
- Excessive sweating – also called hyperhidrosis
- An overactive bladder
- Lazy eye and eye twitching
- Chronic migraines
- Muscle contracture – as in the case of cerebral palsy
How Does Botox Work?
The injection temporarily relieves the facial muscles to overcome imperfections like wrinkles and fine lines.
Ideally, Botox near you is a short-term solution to facial imperfections, lasting about 3-4 months. Therefore, you must seek retreatment after every few months to maintain the desired results. However, physicians have noticed that the results last longer after the second and third treatments than the initial ones. Therefore, first-timers may only enjoy their Botox results for a short time as repeated patients.
How Long Must You Wait Before You Realize Your Desired Results?
After your first Botox injection, you may need to realize the desired results. If anything, your skin may feel swollen and look like the treatment has not worked. However, as the skin heals, you will see improvements in your appearance. Still, you need several sessions for you to realize your desired goals. Be patient for the first 72 hours. Usually, as the swelling goes down, you will notice a tremendous improvement in your appearance.
The good news is that physicians say that regular Botox in Jackson, MI, will not make you look older than you did before your treatment. Technically, your face returns to its normal state after the neurotoxin wears off. You will not develop new fine lines or wrinkles.
Further, you may notice that some patients may have seemingly better results than you, even though you have had the same treatment. It does not mean that Botox has not worked for you. Instead, various factors affect the appearance and effectiveness of Botox treatment, including the following:
- Your age
- The area of treatment
- Your gender
- The strength of your facial muscles
- The depth of your wrinkles
- The number of sessions
Talk to your physician about trying different treatment options if you have not realized your desired results even after multiple sessions.
Should You Be Getting Botox?
There is no specific age that you should start getting Botox treatment. Usually, it is a cosmetic approach that many adults use when they realize signs of aging. Therefore, it is obvious that Botox is more for older adults than younger ones. While you may start using Botox in your 20s and 30s, it is more common among all patients. Besides, there is no specific upper age limit for getting Botox. Some of the reasons that can necessitate beginning Botox treatment include the following:
- Wrinkles
- Fine lines
- Loss of volume
- Rough-textured skin
- Skin laxity – especially after weight loss
Dos and Don’ts After Getting Botox
If you do decide to start your Botox treatment, you must take care of your skin properly after your treatment. Some of the things you must do and avoid after your treatment include the following:
- Do not exercise – intense physical activity 12 hours after your treatment is okay. However, any physical exertions before that can cause your Botox to move.
- Do not rub or massage your skin.
- Do not apply makeup.
- Do not sleep on your face during the first night after treatment.
- Drink lots of water.
- Avoid smoking or taking alcohol – Besides, you will never hear a dentist in Jackson, MI, applaud such lifestyle habits.
- Mind what you eat – foods and drinks like caffeine, high-sodium foods, high-sugar foods, refined carbohydrates, and spicy foods increase the risk of bruising and swelling. It will affect the results of your Botox treatment.