Wrinkles are one of the most common signs of aging in the skin and I think we can all agree when we say they’re an adult’s worst nightmare. They not only change your physical appearance, but they can lower your self-esteem and change the way you look at yourself.
The good news is there are a number of ways to prevent facial wrinkles and one of the most popular treatments is botox injections. Produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, botox utilizes a unique toxin called onabotulinumtoxinA (botulinum toxin) – the same toxin that causes food poisoning (botulism).
Botox paralyzes and temporarily prevents muscle movement by blocking certain nerve signals in the brain. This causes the muscles to relax, which can help reduce wrinkles – among other benefits, of course. Don’t worry, we’ll detail everything you need to know about botox injections below!
How Long Does Botox Last?
Like we mentioned above, botox treatments temporarily prevents muscle movement – meaning it’s not a permanent solution. Most people will see their botox last anywhere between two and six months – though the average tends to be around three or four months. Eventually, a follow up is needed.
Let’s take a look at some of the different factors that affect how long botox lasts in certain individuals:
- The individual’s metabolism
- The severity of the wrinkle depth and size
- The amount of physical activity the individual gets
- The quality of the botox
- Where the botox is being administered
- How often the individual uses their facial expressions
- The experience and skill of the person injecting the botox
- How much botox is being injected
- How frequently you use botox
Eventually, the effect the toxin has on the muscle will wear off. At this point, a touch-up is likely necessary. If you’re a first-time botox user, don’t panic if it doesn’t last the full three to four months – this is common for first-timers and is usually fixed by the second treatment.
Tips for Making Botox Last Longer
Considering the cost and the recurring need for a touch-up, it’s easy to understand why some patients will do whatever they need to when making botox last as long as possible. We know it won’t last forever, but there are things you can do to reduce the frequency of touch-ups.
Let’s take a look at some helpful and useful tips to make botox last longer:
- Avoid and prevent sun damage as much as possible
- Avoid high intensity workouts to prevent a metabolic increase
- Learn how to better manage your stress levels
- Make sure you’re moisturizing your skin regularly
- Avoid the use of nicotine (vaping, cigarettes, etc.)
- Make sure you’re getting enough zinc in your diet
If you’re disappointed by how long your botox injections last, consider speaking with your doctor and revealing any concerns you might have. They’ll either find a solution or suggest a different type of treatment or prevention method. Either way, they’ll do whatever’s in your best interest.
What Conditions Can Botox Help Treat?
When most people hear the term ‘botox,’ they immediately think of wrinkles and skin health. While that’s one of the most popular uses and purposes of botox, it’s far from the only. In fact, the toxin is often used to treat a number of other conditions – some more serious than others.
Let’s take a look at some of the conditions you can treat with botox injections:
- Lazy Eye – also known as amblyopia; the facial muscles responsible for positioning the eye don’t work properly
- Cervical dystonia – also known as spasmodic torticollis; the muscles in your neck cause the head to twist involuntarily
- Hyperhidrosis – a condition characterized by excessive sweating, even when it’s not hot out
- Eye Twitching – random twitches and contractures of the eye muscles
- Bladder Dysfunction – if you experience urinary incontinence due to a hyperactive bladder, botox can help
- Chronic Migraine – believe it or not, botox injections can help reduce the frequency of chronic migraines
- Muscle Contractures – certain muscles can be relaxed with botox injections, including those with cerebral palsy
To ensure safety and efficacy, you should only undergo botox injections if approved by your doctor and under a professional’s supervision. While it can treat certain conditions in small doses, too much botox can lead to a number of health issues, difficulties, problems and more.
What to Expect From a Botox Procedure
A botox procedure generally takes 15-20 minutes and is done on an outpatient basis. Your doctor might numb the skin before the procedure, but it’s not an invasive procedure and shouldn’t result in pain or discomfort. Don’t rub or massage the affected area for 24 hours.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common side effects of botox injections:
- Inflammation, bruising, and/or pain hear injection site
- Nausea, upset stomach, flu symptoms, headaches
- Droopy eyelid or cockeyed eyebrows
- Dry eyes or excessive tears in the eye
- Let’s take a look at some of the most common risks when undergoing a botox injection:
- Weakened muscles
- Vision impairment or other vision-related issues
- Difficulty talking or swallowing (especially food)
- Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
- Losing the ability to control your bladder
Botox injections are generally regarded as safe, but only when administered by a professional healthcare provider. You should also confirm they have the necessary certifications, licenses, training, and equipment. Quality injectables and high-grade botox are also necessary.
Botox Treatment With Milwaukee Eye Surgeons
Are you interested in learning more about botox? Are you ashamed or disappointed by your wrinkly skin? Do you wish there was a way to improve skin appearance and maintain that youthful look we’re all after? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the questions above, contact us!
At Milwaukee Eye Surgeons, we do much more than provide quality eye care services to the Milwaukee community. We also specialize in botox injections and are capable of performing the procedure directly in our office. Our friendly and welcoming specialists will take care of you.
To learn more about our practice or to schedule an appointment with us, don’t hesitate to contact us right away – we can’t wait to meet you!
