How To Make Botox Last Longer?

Botox is one of the four FDA approved neuromodulators, including Dysport, Xeomin and Jeuveau. All of them have the same active molecule, a botulinum toxin A, which binds to the nerve and prevents it from sending a message to the muscle. They differ in manufacturing processes, surrounding proteins and molecular sizes. As the muscles remain relaxed, overlying skin does not form wrinkles.

The benefits of Botox are to both prevent and reverse wrinkles, allowing us to look more relaxed and refreshed and to balance facial features, such as reducing gummy smiles, chin puckering, downturned smiles and improving neck appearance, among other things.

Injecting Botox is both a science and an art, because very detailed attention to detail and understanding of anatomy is so important. Botox treatments are comfortable and quick and full results are seen in 2 weeks. When a muscle is injected, all the other muscles have to rebalance and it is important to create a balanced , harmonious result. Assessment before injecting is critical to a good result, as scars, facial asymmetry, heavy brows can influence the outcome.

When performed by a well trained medical professional, Botox treatments create very happy patients, who want to maintain their great results. That is why Botox treatments are the most popular medical aesthetic treatments, with millions performed each year.

Botox starts to work in 3 to 5 days and is in full effect in 2 weeks. It starts to wear off around 8 weeks and lasts for 3-4 months. Unfortunately, during the pandemic many patients have noted that their treatments are not lasting as long as they did previously. Also, some people need higher doses to achieve desired results. Studies are still not available to explain whether this is due to stress or other factors.

Here are some things that you can do to help your skin stay looking good and Botox to last longer

• No intense exercise for 24 hours after injections
• Sunscreen to prevent collagen disruption
• Do not smoke
• Proper dosing: Botox duration is dose dependent and a lower than recommended dose will wear off quicker. Discuss your goals and budget with your injector.
• Maintenance: Regular treatments every 3-4 months will keep the muscles relaxed and prevent further wrinkles. More frequent treatments may result in resistance. Slow and steady wins the race.
• Zinc supplements: The chemical reaction that enables Botox to attach to the nerve is dependent on zinc. A study done in 2012 recommended a supplement of 50 mg a day to help maintain the Botox activity. Phytase is an enzyme that aids zinc absorption. Zinc and phytase supplements are available over the counter and maybe effective to prolong Botox longevity