Botox is derived from the bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. This species of bacteria is found in forests, lakes, and soil. It can also found in fish, crabs, and mammals.
Does that mean that Botox is actually natural and totally safe? Well, not exactly. There are some risks involved.
While Clostridium botulinum is natural and harmless, the Botox used in today’s cosmetic procedures is something different.
If you’re looking at getting Botox treatment, you probably have some questions that you’d like the answer to. Chief among them is: How long does Botox last?
Let’s start with the basics.
What Is Botox Used for and How Does It Work?
Botox, also known as botulinum toxin, is a neuromuscular blocking agent. It is injected directly into muscles or hyperactive corrugator superciliaris. Doctors target muscles that control frowning so that Botox can cause a form of muscle weakness for a period of time.
That will lead to the elimination of wrinkles and facial creases.
As we can see from this research study, the results were clear after day 30 of this treatment, but you can generally notice the effects after just 7 days.
So, Botox is mostly applied to the face for eliminating all kinds of lines, but it has also been discovered that Botox helps with hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) as well, which means that it can be applied to your hands, feet, and armpits.
Besides those two common treatments, Botox is also being used for:
- Chronic migraine
- Strabismus (crossed eyes)
- Overactive bladder
- Hemifacial spasm
- Eyelids spasm
- Overactive detrusor
Although Botox is becoming more and more popular as there are nearly 3 million injections per year, it is still quite risky and even deadly.
You see, botulinum toxin is one of the most poisonous substances known today. It can cause severe diseases and problems, such as paralysis, and it can even affect the nervous system. This research study shows just how deadly Botox can be if it isn’t used properly.
With that being said, if you have made up your mind about getting Botox treatment, make sure that you choose the right doctor for the procedure.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s see how long does Botox last.
How Long Can Botox Keep on Doing its Magic?
There have been countless research studies on how long Botox lasts. It is a fact that Botox doesn’t last forever and that after a certain period of time your cured “symptoms” will return.
You may have suspected this, but the effects of Botox actually don’t last that long. The usual amount of time for your muscles to shake off the effects of Botox and reactivate is 3 to 6 months, and that’s exactly how long Botox lasts.
How long will Botox last for you depends on factors like:
- Age
- The depth of your wrinkles
- The elasticity of your skin
How much Botox the doctors will use in your treatment also depends on those factors and many others, so have in mind that the treatment isn’t exactly the same for everyone.
When it comes to the treatment of hyperhidrosis, the answer is the same. The patients will usually have to return after 6 months for another injection.
So, during that time, are there any side effects, you may ask? Well, let’s find out.
Side-Effects of Botox Injections
There have been cases where headaches were reported right after Botox had been injected. They normally last anywhere from 24 hours to 48 hours, but they aren’t that common.
Some patients may experience eyelid drooping. That side effect usually ends within three weeks. The drooping occurs due to the spread of Botox away from the targeted site, so it is advised that you don’t rub the injected area for at least 12 to 14 hours.
Besides the above side effects, there are other more unpleasant ones:
- Numbness
- Mild nausea
- Neck weakness
- Blurred vision
- Swelling
- Rashes
- Trouble swallowing
How’s the Procedure Like?
Don’t worry. Botox treatment isn’t painful. To be exact, the whole Botox treatment lasts only a couple of seconds. It doesn’t even require local anesthesia.
Doctors inject Botox into muscles with special needles. All that you may feel is a slight discomfort.
It is advised that you avoid alcohol for about a week after your first injection. Besides alcohol, aspirins shouldn’t be used for about 2 weeks after the treatment.
Are There People Who Shouldn’t Receive Botox?
Short answer – YES.
As previously mentioned, Botox is still quite risky. Generally, it isn’t advised unless absolutely necessary. It has become a very common procedure nowadays for cosmetic purposes, where for some people Botox is a way of life. However, there are those who should avoid it at all costs!
The risk groups that should refrain from using Botox including:
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding women
- People with neurological diseases
Of course, you might want to consult your doctor before getting Botox. Yes, even if you don’t belong in these three categories. One doesn’t even have to be a doctor to inject Botox into others these days; nurses and other medical professionals can do it.
Also, keep in mind that there are wrinkles that Botox cannot “cure”, such as wrinkles caused by sun damage or simply gravity.
Final Verdict
That would be everything that you need to know before going through your first Botox treatment. If you are wondering how you can prevent new wrinkles from occurring, nature gives you the solution.
Try natural remedies such as olive oil, honey, sugar scrubs, etc. You can also buy cosmetic creams and lotions and see if they do the trick for you.
You’ll have to wait at least 3 months for your next Botox injection, but there are doctors who recommend 6 months.
Of course, Botox isn’t covered by most insurance plans if it’s used for cosmetic purposes.
Now that you know how long does Botox last and the associated risks, the decision is all yours.
References:
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-botox
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14507232
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2840902/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4658210/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3722467/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158647.php
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1128745/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4218921/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15506051
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-botox-last#frequency
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