Lawrence A. Schiffman, D.O., FAOCD - Board Certified Dermatologist

Lawrence A. Schiffman, D.O., FAOCD - Board Certified Dermatologist

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How Often Should You Get Botox Injections?

Published January 8th, 2020 by Thepracticeagency

Botox is the definitive anti-aging treatment for both men and women. Why? Because it's simple, non-invasive, and most importantly, it works.

One of the most popular questions patients have is how often to get Botox. Does it require a monthly appointment? Or a yearly one?

So, how often should you get Botox? Here's what you need to know when you sign up for this evergreen beauty treatment.

How Often Should You Get Botox Treatments?

Botox treatments aren't like facials. You can't get them whenever you feel like it and get the same results.

Why not? Because Botox injections aren't permanent, which means you should get them when they wear off - and not before.

The average person gets Botox once every three to four months.

That's how long it takes for the effects of the drugs to wear off on an average dose. However, the timeline changes among different people, and it can even change for you over time. Here's why.

How Botox Schedules Vary for Different People

There are three reasons your Botox treatment schedule would differ from the typical three-to-four month norm.

The first is if your provider uses a smaller amount of the treatment in the area you target. When they use a smaller amount, the treatment wears off faster, which means you might need a new appointment sooner.

On the other hand, if your facial muscles begin to contract less (through training thanks to the Botox), then the effects may last longer. You may go much longer than three months between injections after you have had several rounds.

Finally, there's your metabolism. Some people will metabolize Botox in three months while others may take four or even closer to five months. You'll notice when the effects wear off because you'll start to move the treatment area freely again.

Your provider can tell you what your optimal Botox schedule it by considering all of the above factors plus your budget.

What Should You Expect When Your Botox Wears Off?

Although your provider will create a Botox schedule for you, your experience helps contribute to the tweaks made to it over time.

It's a good idea to try to identify when your Botox starts to wear off - and you can tell.

Botox paralyzes the tiny point at which your nerves connect to your muscles. When it starts wearing off, you'll start to see more movement in your face, which causes your lines or winkle to reappear - slowly.

Once your lines begin to reappear in a meaningful way, the effects of the Botox are likely gone.

If you can, mark down the date of your appointment on your calendar, and then mark down the dates at which your lines become visible again.

How Often Do You Need to Get Preventative Botox?

Botox is commonly associated with older women, but there's a new trend among younger women. Since 2010, the number of 20-29-year-olds (those with nary a wrinkle) seeking out Botox has jumped by 28 percent.

Preventative Botox is a growing phenomenon, particularly among women who want to target their tweaks and prevent one line from dominating their face later. 

In theory, starting Botox early - when used correctly - means you won't be as reliant on it later and you may need to target fewer treatment areas in the future. 

So, do you need more or fewer treatments when you are on a preventative Botox plan?

As it turns out, the rule is largely the same. The Botox injections wear off after 12 weeks, and so you'll need to schedule a touch-up every three to four months, too.

When Should You Start Preventative Botox?

A safe and knowledgable treatment provider will always ask for a consultation to determine a game plan before providing you with Botox treatment.

Because of the declining stigma around cosmetic procedures in general, we see more and more young people coming in and looking for treatment. Even the occasional teenager with baby soft skin wanders in.

If you still have smooth, young skin, then it may not be the right time for Botox. You should continue to eat healthily, drink plenty of water, wear SPF, and get a facial once in a while to protect your skin. You should avoid any provider who's willing to give you Botox 'just because.'

However, if you are starting to see fine lines or crow's feet come in, and you know from your parents' faces that your skin is likely to age, then you can start talking about Botox alongside other remedies.

Starting preventative Botox with the first signs of aging allows you to get ahead of the lines and wrinkles. Botox won't get rid of them, but it may improve the existing line's appearance. More importantly, it will dramatically slow or even stop their development over the next few years.

Can You Make Botox Last Longer?

Yes, there are a few things you can do to prolong the effects of your treatment.

First, stay out direct sunlight and use SPF when you are in the sun. Not only is SPF critical for protecting your skin, but sun exposure increases your blood circulation, which speeds up the rate at which the Botox dissolves.

Second, you can ask your provider about combining Botox with other anti-aging solutions, like a Retin-A topical treatment.

Third, you might consider a zinc supplement. Zinc can improve the results produced by your Botox treatment, particularly if you already have a zinc deficiency. But be sure to talk to your doctor before starting a new supplement, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Are You Ready to Try Botox?

Botox is an incredible, non-invasive procedure that helps prevent the development of fine lines and large wrinkles. You can start trying Botox when you see the signs of aging coming in full force. Moreover, preventative Botox can prevent your first lines from becoming deeper and decrease the number of treatments you'll need later.

How often should you get Botox injections? Usually every three to four months. However, it largely depends on your treatment plan. A qualified provider can tell you more about how to best use Botox to stop signs of aging in their tracks.

Are you ready to try Botox for the first time? Get in touch for a consultation to see what Botox treatment plan is right for you.

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