How Does Botox® Work?
Botox® is administered as a series of injections into the targeted area, where it temporarily halts the muscle activity that leads to your expression lines and wrinkles. Botox® is FDA-approved to treat:
- Crow’s feet
- Lines between the brows (glabellar lines or the 11s)
- Horizontal forehead creases
The target for Botox® is the facial muscles that cause your skin to crease and wrinkle. Botulinum toxin works by stopping facial nerves from releasing acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter used to signal muscle contractions. It does not harm the nerve in any way, and it will resume its normal function when Botox® wears off. Without signals telling it to contract, the facial muscle stops creating wrinkles and allows the skin to relax.
How Long Does Botox® Last?
Your body will eventually remove botulinum toxin from the treated nerves, letting them become active again. Although results vary, Botox® typically lasts three to four months, and many people schedule maintenance treatments before their results start to fade.
Several factors can affect this timeline. If you have been receiving Botox® injections for a while, your facial muscles are accustomed to their relaxed state, and treatment may last closer to five months. If you are new to Botox®, the lifespan of your treatment may be on the shorter end of the average. However, most people can expect to return for a quick touch-up every three or four months.
While these strategies will not help Botox® stay active longer, they can prolong your results by helping your skin stay smooth and relaxed. We recommend consistent use of sunscreen and avoiding sun exposure since UV light contributes to the breakdown of collagen and deepens wrinkles. We also recommend medical-grade skincare products that promote collagen formation and enhance skin’s elasticity.
Does it Hurt to Get Botox®?
While many people feel a bit nervous about their first Botox® appointment, almost all of them return for future sessions without concern. Your expert injector can apply a numbing cream if it makes you feel more comfortable, but many people do not feel that they need it. The injections are often described as feeling like a small pinch that only lasts a moment. Injections can take as little as 15 minutes, allowing you to fit this treatment into your busy schedule.
What is the Best Age to Start Botox®?
The decision to start Botox® is a very personal one, and the best age to start is whenever it feels right for you. Many people start treatment in their 30s when the age-related collagen decrease starts to become noticeable and wrinkles become visible. However, each person develops wrinkles at a different pace, and yours may bother you at a younger or older age.
Preventative Botox® is becoming more popular for individuals in their 20s or 30s who want to keep their skin relaxed and prevent wrinkles from forming. The advantage of this strategy is that once a crease or wrinkle is visible and etched into your skin, Botox® can temporarily smooth it but not eliminate it. By preventing wrinkles from forming, you can maintain a refreshed, youthful look as long as you wish.
