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How Long Does Botox Last?

It’s finally started to happen – you’re beginning to notice tiny little lines around your eyes and on your forehead. You’re beginning to look older and tired, and you don’t like it. What can you do to change this situation? Advanced cosmetic treatments, such as BOTOX injections can help restore the skin’s youthful appearance. You’re probably wondering how long they last, though. Do BOTOX treatments worth it if the results are so short-lived? Read on to learn more about BOTOX injections and what plastic surgeons have to say about the timeframe of its effects.

What Is BOTOX Injection?

BOTOX is a prescription cosmetic treatment that improves the appearance of crow’s feet and moderate to severe frown lines on adults. It’s an injectable medication acting on facial muscles.

Botox injections contain tiny amounts of purified botulinum toxin refined from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. When the physician injects BOTOX, it briefly reduces the facial muscle activities (muscle atrophy), muscle contractions that cause frown lines and squinting. After the injection, dynamic facial wrinkles, such as crow’s feet, frown lines or forehead wrinkles will look noticeably smoother within just a few days.

Static wrinkles associated with aging or sun damage are not suited for BOTOX injections treatment.

When Will the Effects of BOTOX Treatment Wear Off?

Cosmetic BOTOX is intended to be a temporary treatment. The effects of BOTOX treatment can last for up to four months.

There have been anecdotal reports from plastic surgeons and patients that if you opt for ongoing, regular Botox treatments, the results can last longer than four months at a time.

What’s the Difference between BOTOX and Fillers?

Dermal fillers might produce longer lasting results, but also have more side effects than Botox treatments.

Cosmetic BOTOX treatment is intended to treat what are known as “active” facial lines. Active facial lines or dynamic wrinkles are those that have only recently formed. However, even if you have severe wrinkles on the forehead, BOTOX treatment can smooth them effectively.

The physician injects a very small amount of purified botulinum toxin into areas of the face most prone to wrinkles. Botox treatment paralyzes the muscle underneath the skin smoothing the lines and wrinkles.  The muscles around many people’s mouths can create frown lines, so receiving BOTOX injections in that part of the face is a popular choice.

Dermal fillers are injected into the face and body to create a smoother, fuller looking appearance. The difference between fillers and BOTOX injections is that fillers are used to improve the appearance of deep wrinkles and static wrinkles. Patients have several choices of fillers available.

Collagen is a protein found in human skin and other tissues. Similar to BOTOX, its effects last approximately four months.

Hyaluronic acid is a type of sugar found in skin and cartilage. It’s modified so it will last longer in the body. The effects of hyaluronic acid can last anywhere from six to 12 months.

Calcium hydroxylapatite is found in bones. When used as a filler, microscopic calcium hydroxylapatite particles are suspended in a gel. This filler lasts approximately a year.

Poly-L-lactic acid is a synthetic filler. You can find this material in dissolvable stitches. Poly-L-lactic acid can actually stimulate collagen production. The effects of this injection can last up to two years.

Can You Use BOTOX and Fillers at the Same Time?

Since BOTOX treatments and dermal fillers perform different functions, one treatment isn’t a substitute for the other.

Fortunately, you don’t have to choose between getting BOTOX or receiving an injection of dermal fillers. You can have both procedures performed in the same cosmetic treatment session. Your plastic surgeon, after a thorough examination, will discuss which fillers would be right for you given what you wish to realistically achieve.

Choose an Experienced Plastic Surgeon

Injecting BOTOX to achieve the results you want requires experience and knowledge. You want someone who has years of performing this procedure successfully and has many patients who have a youthful, natural appearance.

Dr. Kenneth Dickie offers patients a personable approach to cutting-edge surgical and non-surgical procedures.  We proudly offer plastic surgery services to Barrie, Collingwood, Sudbury, Orillia, Huntsville, Bracebridge and surrounding areas.

Fill out the form on the right to schedule a personal consultation with plastic surgeon Dr. Kenneth Dickie. Or call us at the phone number posted at the top of the page.