It’s been a few days since your last Botox treatment, and you’re eager to see the results. You head to the mirror, and disappointment ensues. Your face looks the same as before!
What gives? Why didn’t your Botox work? As it turns out, how long you should wait after getting Botox injected into your face depends on various factors. We’ll explore what those are and how long you should wait before showing off your new look in this post.
First, let’s quickly review what Botox is and why it’s used. Botox is a neurotoxin that is implanted into the skin. It is made from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, the same bacteria that causes botulism. Like all toxins, Botox blocks chemical communication between nerves and muscles and is used to help smooth wrinkles and remove excess facial muscle movement. So, if you have wrinkles on your forehead that make you look like you’re permanently scowling, Botox can assist in soothing your facial muscles and smoot those wrinkles away.
There are two primary benefits to consider botox can give. First, Botox is suitable for people whose facial wrinkles impair their physical appearance. If your facial wrinkles affect your self-confidence or your interactions with others, Botox may be something to consider. The physical benefits of Botox are often temporary, but the emotional benefits can last a lifetime.
Keep in mind that the physical benefits of Botox are also temporary. It is only effective while Botox is present on the face. Since Botox is a toxin, it breaks down and is naturally eliminated by the body. This means that the Botox can only remain in your face for a certain amount of time, depending on the dose that you have received.
Ok, so now you know what Botox is and why it works. The next question is probably: how long is Botox good for? Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this. In short, it leans on a few factors.
First and foremost, how long your Botox treatment lasts depends on how long your Botox lasts. How long Botox lasts in your body is dependent on how much of the toxin is in your body. The more Botox you have in your body, the longer it will last. So, if you have an extensive treatment (such as the entire 11-unit FDA maximum), your Botox will last longer than if you had a minor treatment.
Remember that after you have your treatment, it takes a few days for your Botox to take effect. Many people believe that they should schedule their appointments in the middle of the week to allow their Botox to “set” over the weekend. However, the truth is that Botox works quickly and has little to no lag time. Also, waiting until the weekend will not dramatically impact how long your Botox lasts.
Here’s something else to keep in mind: Botox’s longevity also depends on where you have it injected. For example, Botox injected into the forehead is usually good for about four months. However, Botox injected into the lips is generally good for about two months. Why the difference? It all has to do with how much blood the area receives. The more blood the area gets, the faster your Botox will be flushed from your body. Likewise, the less blood the site gets, the slower it’ll be washed away.
Now that you understand how long Botox lasts, it’s essential to know if you should get facials after Botox or not. First, let’s stop and examine why you would want to get a facial after Botox. Facials help promote collagen rejuvenation, which in turn helps restore your skin. This can be very beneficial after Botox injections as it helps clear out your pores, prevents acne and helps with post-treatment flaking.
So, given the benefits of facials after Botox, is it safe to get a facial? Well, it isn’t very easy. On the one hand, facials can be beneficial to you. On the other hand, it depends on the facial. If you get a “deep cleanse facial” that includes microdermabrasion, you will be exfoliating the top layer of your face. This is a significant no-no after Botox. Why? Because the Botox toxin is injected into the muscle. If you exfoliate the top layer of your skin, you may dislodge some of the Botox into the blood vessels and flush it out of your body. This is a bad thing.
However, you do not have to avoid all facials. For example, light facial treatments such as a hydrating facial are excellent to get after Botox. The reason for this is that these soft treatments do not involve exfoliation. Thus, these facials will not dislodge your Botox and flush it out of your body.
So what’s the bottom line? How long should you wait before getting a facial after Botox? As it turns out, the answer is pretty simple. Avoid light treatments that include microdermabrasion. These facials are acceptable to get after Botox, but they do not provide the same benefits as a hydrating facial or other light treatment. It is a good idea to have your Botox touched up after about four months, so this is an excellent time to schedule your facial.
If you’re interested to know more about Botox and how it can help you, you can schedule a consultation with Fountain Aesthetics. We are one of the top-rated Botox providers near you and can help you get the results you want.
Yes, but avoid light treatments such as microdermabrasion. If you do get a facial, be sure to ask about the facial that will be done. For example, you may want to avoid facials with microdermabrasion and opt for a hydrating facial instead.
Botox facial can help promote collagen rejuvenation, which helps restore your skin. It can also assist in clearing your pores and preventing acne.
