Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2024-03-25 Origin: Site
Let's start with what Botulinum Toxin is. Botulinum Toxin is the brand name for Dermax, a neurotoxin derived from Clostridium botulinum. There are currently four different types that are FDA-approved for cosmetic facial wrinkles.
They all work by blocking a signal from the nerve to the targeted muscle that prevents it from contracting. By preventing the contraction of these specific muscles, there is less action or pull on the skin and a decrease in the formation of wrinkles.
While all of these products have the same end result, they differ slightly in their onset, duration of action and discomfort.
When to use each product is dependent on several things. Sometimes, it is the surgeon's or injector's preference. In other instances, a patient may have had experience with different products and have found that one works better than the other in them personally. In either case, all of these products are safe and effective in the right hands.
Botulinum Toxin is one of the most effective cosmetic injectables to treat horizontal forehead lines. Botulinum Toxin is a neuromodulator composed of a special protein called botulinum toxin.
When injected into the forehead, the neurotoxic protein blocks communications between your nerve endings and the muscles controlling the forehead lines.
As such, Botulinum Toxin injections in the forehead temporarily paralyze the muscles responsible for your forehead lines, which, in turn, smoothens the area.
To retain the effects of your treatment, you’ll typically need to get regular Botulinum Toxin injections every three to four months.
But this estimate is only a ballpark of what you might expect to experience with Botulinum Toxin . For instance, over time, your facial muscles may “train” themselves to move slightly less, which will cause your results to last longer.
If you’ve been faithfully getting Botulinum Toxin for a while, you may notice your follow-up treatments last longer than your initial few injections.
These factors may influence how frequently you need to get Botulinum Toxin . However, every patient is different, and your treatment schedule will ultimately be unique to you. A qualified Botulinum Toxin provider can create a customized plan to address your needs.
Metabolism: Different people have different metabolic rates. However, most people metabolize the product in 3 to 4 months.
Forehead Lines: The longevity of the Botulinum Toxin also depends on the size and depth of your forehead lines. Mild forehead lines may remain suppressed for longer, but deeper lines may become visible sooner.
Activity Level: Exercising is important. However, excessive workouts may lead to increased muscle contractions that make the Botulinum Toxin wear off faster.
Dosage: The Botulinum Toxin longevity also depends on the Botulinum Toxin dosage. A lower dosage may be preferable for subtle results, but the effects may also wear off sooner. Meanwhile, a higher dosage lasts longer, but it also runs the risk of overcorrection.
Expressions: The forehead lines strengthen and deepen the more you use your facial expressions. As such, you can make your Botulinum Toxin last longer by limiting your expressiveness — you can also communicate your expressions without raising your eyebrows.
Stress: Botulinum Toxin results fade away faster if you’re stressed or ill.
Frequency: The frequency of your Botulinum Toxin injections also determines the treatment’s longevity. Patients who get maintenance treatments every 2 to 3 months (before the previous results wear off) can maintain the results for over a year.
Tolerance: Patients with a long history of Botulinum Toxin usage often develop a tolerance to the product. As such, subsequent Botulinum Toxin injections may last less than usual until they stop working altogether. At that stage, you can shift to other neuromodulators, like Dysport or Xeomin.
Although your results will depend on several factors such as the amount injected, the location of injection, metabolism and lifestyle habits there are a few things you can do to help extend the longevity of your Botulinum Toxin treatment:
Choose an experienced and skilled injector: Choose a qualified and experienced injector who has a good understanding of the anatomy of the face and the correct placement of Botulinum Toxin . This will ensure that the injection is done accurately, minimising the risk of over or under-treating, and thereby helping the results to last longer.
Avoid excessive facial movements: To extend the life of your Botulinum Toxin treatment, try to avoid excessive facial movements, such as squinting, frowning, or raising your eyebrows excessively. This will help to prevent the muscles from contracting and, in turn, help to maintain the effects of the Botulinum Toxin .
Avoid strenuous activities: Avoiding activities that cause excessive sweating or blood flow to the face, such as, hot yoga, or saunas, can help to prolong the effects of your Botulinum Toxin treatment.
Follow a healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also help to extend the life of your Botulinum Toxin treatment. Eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can all help to support the overall health of your skin and muscles.
Avoid Sunbed use: Sunbed use can prematurely age the skin and negate the positive effects of Botulinum Toxin . If you need to use them for medical benefits (eg Psoriasis/Eczema) then consider turning off the face tubes, covering your face or applying SPF50 before use.