HOW TO MAKE YOUR BOTOX LAST
Botox and dermal fillers are known for giving a natural and rejuvenated appearance, and the results simply can't be denied. According to Medical News Today, Botox is one of the most popular non-surgical treatments with more than 6 million treatments administered each year. With that kind of popularity, it's no wonder clients are always asking me how they can make the most of each treatment. That's why I'm sharing the insider methods that are sure to help make your Botox last.
DOSAGE MATTERS: Dosing is something that should be determined by the provider, not by the patient. Over the years of injecting, I've found that injecting small doses of product may result in frequent office visits. I believe that educating my patients beforehand is best, typically patients understand and prefer their Botox to last 3-4 months versus 2 months. An example of correct dosing, to correct the wrinkles and relax the muscles between your brows, you may need anywhere from 15-25 units of Botox. Let's say you decide to only get 10 units of Botox in that area, even though your provider recommended 20 units. Most likely, you will not see the results of the product nor the longevity of the product. Research your injector (referrals are always great), trust your injector, and trust the process. It may seem like a lot, but I promise when you have a great injector, you'll have beautiful results!
MAINTENANCE IS KEY: Botox definitely falls into the maintenance category. On average, Botox will usually last anywhere from 3-4 months. This can vary, everyone is different, and I have noticed that if you are younger like 20's and early 30's you may see that Botox can last even longer, like 4-6 months. I was one of the lucky ones a few years ago only needing Botox every 5 months, but as soon as I hit my late 30's, it was 4 months, like clockwork. So enjoy it while you are young and then make that appointment in advance. You'll be much happier in the long run.
LISTEN TO THE PROS: Always follow your post-procedure instructions. Whether it's Botox or any other kind of skin procedure - this is so important! For Botox, it is pretty simple and straightforward. I recommend no exercising immediately after (aka you finally have a solid excuse to skip out on that spin class), no rubbing or manipulating the area that was treated, and no lying down immediately after. Those are the clear "no's." I encourage my patients to make facial expressions with the muscle where the Botox was injected, this can help the Botox absorb into the muscles. The sillier the face, the better.
SPF (ALWAYS): Botox or not. Protect your skin from the sun. Sun exposure can cause collagen to break down and creates more wrinkles, and the more sun exposure, the more botox you will eventually need to rid the lines created by the collagen breakdown. By avoiding the sun, you allow your skin to have a more youthful and healthy appearance! So do yourself a favor and wear your sunscreen, wear your hat, and stay in the shade.
OTHER NEWS: Recent studies show, patients that have taken a zinc enzyme a week before receiving a Botox treatment see 30% longevity with their Botox. Botox requires a certain threshold of zinc in the body to be the most effective. Each Botox molecule must attach itself to a zinc molecule for the Botox treatment to be successful – less zinc, fewer places for Botox to bind. This is why taking zinc before your Botox treatment could prove to be useful. Zinc also helps maintain your hormones, your body's immunity, diabetes, and increases your heart health.
Have more questions about making the most of your Botox treatment? Feel free to ask me below!