Botox is widely popular for its ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Most people are familiar with the rejuvenated, youthful results that this procedure can achieve. This article will take you through the entire process of Botox; what to expect from this procedure, when you can expect to see these results and how long they will last.
A consultation with your doctor to discuss your desired outcome will allow them to determine which areas could benefit from Botox. Common areas treated include the frown lines between the eyes, worry lines, crow’s feet and laughter lines.
Botox works by relaxing the muscles that are responsible for facial wrinkles whilst untreated muscles can still contract as usual, allowing normal facial expression. The treatment results in a visible reduction in frown lines and wrinkles, allowing for a more youthful appearance. The needle used to administer botox is so thin that patients experience mild to no discomfort. If you are nervous about needles, this can be discussed at your consultation. Your doctor can answer any questions you may have and ensure you are relaxed and comfortable during the procedure.
The full effects of Botox become visible anywhere from 24 hours to 2 weeks after the procedure. Within hours, you may notice minor changes. There may be redness and swelling around the site of the injection but these marks will subside within hours. During the initial hours it’s important to avoid touching or rubbing the areas as this can displace the Botox.
Additionally, strenuous activity and excessive sun exposure should be avoided during this time. Within the first 24 hours, there will be subtle signs of improvement. This is because as Botox begins to block nerve signals to the muscle, it begins to contract less forcefully. As the muscle relaxes, the skin above it smooths out, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
At this stage, changes are minimal and visible differences may not yet be apparent. At day 3-4, muscles are more noticeably relaxed, lines and wrinkles will become less pronounced. Between week 1 and week 2, results become fully visible as the muscles fully relax. Facial expressions still appear natural as the unaffected muscles will continue to work as usual but deep lines and wrinkles are less pronounced or entirely smoothed out.
Botox is not permanent, after 3-4 months you will gradually see a return to movement in the treated muscles. The duration of the results depends on a number of factors such as what area was treated, the amount of Botox used and even can differ from person to person based on individual factors such as the strength of the treated muscle.
Results of the treatment have been found to last longer when administered regularly as the muscle begins to weaken overtime. Most patients find that readministering Botox before the prior treatment’s effects have fully worn off allows them to enjoy their desired youthful appearance for longer.
Although most widely known for its ability to visibly reduce the signs of aging, Botox can be used in a variety of other ways. It can be effective in treating excessive sweating.
The underarm is the most commonly treated area, Botox can also be administered to the masseter muscle in the jaw which can reduce teeth clenching and grinding. Botox administered to this area also may result in the appearance of a slimmer face as the muscle gets weaker. The timeline of either of these procedures is much the same except results will be reduction in sweating and reduction in jaw pain respectively.
Botox consultation and administration can be completed on the same day. The procedure is very quick but it’s important to remember that full results will take 1-2 weeks to become visible. Minor adjustments or top ups can be completed at this time. It’s also important to consider that Botox is not permanent.
Results fade completely after 4-6 months but follow up treatments will allow maintenance of your desired look. Regular treatments have been found to provide longer lasting results over time as the muscle remains relaxed for longer with subsequent treatments.
