The question on the after-effects of Botox is one of the most common ones when discussing the topic of cosmetic procedures. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, many people had to put their regular cosmetic treatments on pause. A spike in internet searches during this time indicates that there is a lot of confusion and misinformation when it comes to the effects of Botox.
Is Botox Permanent?
Botox is a type of neurotoxin that combats wrinkles on the areas of our faces that we use to make facial expressions. When injected, it prevents any communication between the nerves and the underlying muscle tissue, which helps ‘freeze’ the desired area and therefore, stuns the appearance of wrinkles. This in turn makes the face appear smoother, plumper and gives it an overall youthful look.
This muscle is blocked from working, which means it stays ‘frozen’. However, our bodies can produce a new receptor every few months, meaning there is no way for it to be permanently trapped under our skin. That is why Botox injections last anywhere between three to six months and do not produce long-term effects unless a person undergoes maintenance treatments.
Moreover, the effects from receiving treatment are not immediate either, and it can take anywhere between a few days up to a week for any visible results to show. The final results can also look different depending on the type of activities a person does after their procedure. In essence, it’s a very personal process that requires closely following the instructions of the person administering it.
Does Your Skin Return to Normal After a Botox Treatment?
In short, yes.
Unless a person has been getting extensive, excessively dosed treatments on multiple parts of the face for decades, Botox wears off after a couple of months. A lot of people notice small indicators that show the treatment wearing off, like the appearance of some wrinkles or fine lines.
The part of the muscle that hasn’t been used due to Botox cannot form new fine lines or deeper wrinkles. In fact, most people see major improvements and a dramatic decrease of wrinkles after just a couple of treatments because the body is ‘frozen’ in that area of the face, delaying the aging process altogether.
Moreover, consistent and correct treatments with Botox will not only help people keep their skin looking plump, smooth and soft, but also pause the formation of any new wrinkles, thereby keeping the face looking naturally young.
Things to Consider Before Getting a Botox Injection
An estimated 7 million people got Botox or another type of neurotoxin injections in 2016. This number has only increased in the years since, with the rise and normalization of these procedures in popular culture. This also means that many providers are not well-trained in administering Botox treatments, and it’s why you need to consider some factors before deciding to get an injection.
– Know the difference between dynamic and static wrinkles. Botox targets the muscles around the wrinkles to help make them less prone to movement. This is why it works best on dynamic wrinkles that typically appear in the area around the eyes and cheeks. Static wrinkles on the other hand are the more defined lines that tend to appear on the bottom half of our faces. These can be treated, but the procedure is sometimes less effective in cases of deep-set lines. While Botox performs on both, knowing the difference between the two will help you manage your expectations of the results.
– Know that less means more, especially for beginners. Botox is a mixture of a botulinum toxin and a sterile saline solution. It comes in vials of 50 or 100 units and should not be applied in excessive doses. Consult with your provider before getting the procedure to make sure they are aware of your expectations so they know how much to administer and on what part of the face. If you’re a first-timer, make sure to start off with smaller doses for the most natural-looking results.
– Know your provider. Different cosmetic clinics have different policies when it comes to administering Botox treatments. Line Eraser MD has worked with Botox for years and has an extensive list of treatments you can get, administered by Dr. Carol Eisenstat who will answer any and all questions, concerns and doubts before the injection. Book an appointment and see what is suitable for you!
