What effects your Botox?
Okay, so we all know that Botox is a brand name, yes? The product is actually called Botulinum toxin. The name gives us a clue, Botulinum toxin is toxic to the body. But don’t panic the tiny doses used in the application of cosmetic treatments are considered safe.
For cosmetic purposes around 50-100 units are injected directly into the treatment areas across the face. The lethal dose of the Botox preparation for a person of 70 kg is calculated to be 2,500-3,000 units. The doses used within treatments are so small they are not even considered toxic. The muscle relaxing results of Botulinum toxin last between 2-6 months; the average result lasts about 4 months. So, why is there such a variation between how long each persons results last? What influences how long your Botox results will last? Some factors depend on your choice of injector or clinic, others are personal factors you may be able to influence.
THE SKILL AND ACCURACY OF THE INJECTOR.
Botox works exactly where it is administered. A good, experienced injector should be able to strategically place injections perfectly for maximum benefit and accurately target your muscles. Your injector should have in depth knowledge to recognise where to space each injection and understand your facial anatomy.
THE AMOUNT OF BOTOX INJECTED.
There is no standard recipe for Botox treatments. Your injector will identify how much to use. They should tailor your treatment to your muscles, considering their size and strength as well as the amount of movement. Larger muscles require more Botox.
THE QUALITY OF THE BOTOX.
Botox must be stored properly for maximum effectiveness. It is sensitive to excessive movement and agitation, extreme temperatures and must be in-date. At Mollie Elise Aesthetics clinics we take great care in maintaining and storing all our products tentatively.
THE AREA BEING TREATED.
As every muscle is different, in terms of size and strength which means the area that is treated can affect how long your Botox will last. Results in the forehead (frontalis muscles) and frown area (glabellar complex depressor muscle) between the eyebrows typically last the longest.
THE SIZE AND DEPTH OF YOUR WRINKLES.
Botox is recommended as a preventative to stop us getting wrinkles. People with stronger muscles, may develop deeper set wrinkles faster. Those with smaller muscles and finer lines may experience results of Botox for longer.
YOUR METABOLISM.
Everyone’s body is unique. Your individual body chemistry will metabolise Botox differently; on average the results last approximately 4 months.
YOUR ACTIVITY LEVEL.
People that have an active lifestyle and exercise regularly may find that their Botox wears off more quickly. Studies show that exercising more than 5 times a week feel as though their results do not last as long. Sweating and increasing your bodies temperature could speed the metabolic process up.
YOUR FACIAL EXPRESSIONS.
When clients have exceptionally animated facial expressions it can mean that results of Botox treatment can wear off faster. Some people are lucky enough to habitually reduce the regularity of movement in their facial muscles, giving them prolonged results.
OTHER FACTORS.
Some people could experience a shorter benefit from Botox treatment, due to other factors, such as: being unwell, experiencing a lot of stress, performing intense physical activity, regularly using saunas, frequently going skiing and exposing yourself to extreme temperatures, exposing the skin to high levels of UV light, or sunbathing for long periods.
GETTING BOTOX FOR 8 OR MORE YEARS
Eventually the effects of the drug can in fact stop working. Your body makes new neurotransmitters all the time, so the “blocking” effect of Botox gradually wears off as these chemicals start circulating in your body again. The muscles are no longer inhibited. There are ways to get around this, check out our blog on what to do when your Botox stops working
HOW OFTEN YOU HAVE BOTOX TREATMENTS.
The more frequently you have Botox injections, the longer the effect will last between sessions! Some clients can go 6 months to a year between injections after they have undergone the treatment several times. Remember! Your results will continue to improve the more often you’re treated.
At Mollie Elise Aesthetics our highly trained staff is dedicated in meeting all of your aesthetic needs. Together we will decide the best skin care treatment options to help you look and feel as gorgeous on the outside as you are on the inside. If you would like more information, please contact us or book a free no-obligation consultation with one of our nurse practitioners.