Understanding Botox: Does It Last Longer The Second Time?

Your first Botox experience is unlikely to yield ideal, long-lasting benefits. A series of treatments is required until your muscles are sufficiently conditioned and respond to the toxin. But does it finally set and last longer the second time?

Botox Treatment The Second Time

Botox injections for cosmetic purposes last four to six months, but the results of the initial treatment will fade faster. This is why your specialist will schedule a follow-up session two or three months later.

As your appointment nears, your muscles will regain use because of the waning effects of the botulinum toxin, hence you will notice wrinkles appearing again. While Botox injections the second time around will last a little longer than the first, it does not guarantee lasting effects. You will need more than two sessions with your nurse or esthetician to achieve your desired results. Keep in mind that the number of sessions is affected by different factors.

Factors Affecting How Long Botox Results Last

1. Quality of the Botox - Botox should be in its best condition when injected. It should be kept refrigerated as it is sensitive to heat and excessive shaking.
2. Amount of Botox Injected - The amount of Botox injected should be tailored to the muscles’ specific strength, activity level, and bulk. Large muscles need more Botox.
3. Accuracy and Skill of the Injector - Your Botox injector should target your muscles with accuracy and correct spacing for maximum benefit.
4. Treatment Area - Botox injections in the forehead and between the eyebrows last the longest.
5. Metabolism - The typical body chemistry metabolizes Botox between three and four months. The duration may be shorter for those with a faster metabolism.
6. Skincare – People who moisturize and hydrate their skin regularly can retain the effects of Botox longer.
7. Size and Depth of Wrinkles - Fine lines retain Botox longer than wrinkles and bulky muscles.
8. Activity Level - Daily cardio exercise can wear off Botox faster.
9. Your Facial Expressions - Some patients are lucky and “forget” to use their facial muscles even after the effects of Botox begin to wear off. Their results will last longer than those who are extremely animated with their facial expressions.
10. Sun Exposure - Botox does not do well on sun-damaged skin. Avoid being under the sun during peak UV hours, and always wear sunscreen, especially on Botox-treated muscles.
11. Stress - Stress speeds up aging and the dermal processes involved in it.
12. Diet - Weight fluctuations can reduce the potency of Botox injections.

How to Make Botox Injections Last

Botox will disintegrate and be reabsorbed by muscles at a rate determined by physiological factors. However, there are things you can do to make sure the effects of Botox injections last as long as possible.

• Zinc supplements should be taken twice a day four days before Botox treatment. A 2012 clinical research stated that zinc is needed for the activity of botulinum toxin. It concluded that with increased levels of zinc, the efficacy of injections will also improve. 

• Avoid exercise and massage therapy on the same day you get your Botox treatment.
• Avoid sunbathing and tanning beds, as Botox may not work efficiently on sun-damaged skin.
• Hydrate and moisturize your skin, especially your face.
• Apply antioxidant and vitamin C serum to prevent free radical damage.
• Drink plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet.
• Attend your treatment sessions as scheduled to prevent wrinkles from reoccurring.
• Some studies say that combining Botox and dermal filler treatments can lengthen the effects of both.
• Do not use scrubs, masks, toners, or abrasive cleansers for at least a week after receiving Botox injections.
• Use collagen-stimulating skincare products to promote healing and build the skin matrix.
• Quit smoking.
• Minimize stress.
• Work with licensed and skilled professionals to ensure you are given the proper dosage through the right techniques to meet your cosmetic goals.

What To Expect On Your Second Botox Appointment

While we are on the subject, it might also help to know what usually happens during your second Botox appointment.

Botox Dosage Is Less

On your follow-up treatment, your nurse may inject fewer units of Botox as the effects of the initial therapy may still be present. In some cases, you may be given the same amount as the first if wrinkles are as noticeable before injections or have reappeared.

The Timeline For Effects May Take Weeks

Your nurse will advise you to expect results after 10 to 14 days, which is a bit longer than the waiting time for the initial injections. If the results have not appeared by then, inform the clinic. You may need to go back for a reassessment.

What If Botox Doesn't Work On You?

Botox resistance occurs when a person develops antibodies to botulinum toxin or metabolizes it quickly. The common signs include short-lived effects or no lasting effects at all. It can happen because of the following reasons:

• Some people are naturally immune to the effects of Botox treatment.
• You just have not waited long enough for the injections to take effect.
• Your body's natural aging process is working faster than Botox. If this is the case, it’s time to talk to your nurse about other options like Dysport.
• The Botox used was over-diluted or fake.
• Your nurse made a dosage error or injected in the wrong area.
• You switched to a new Botox clinic. It is common for providers to undertreat or use fewer units on the initial treatment to avoid "overkilling" the muscles and to keep the patient's natural facial expressions.

Schedule Your Botox Treatment Today At Skin Deep Med Spa Boston

Botox is an effective and safe cosmetic treatment that can remove the signs of aging like wrinkles. With the right timing, dose, and techniques, the injections can yield beautiful results. For guaranteed results, make sure to work with the right practice. Do your research and phone in inquiries before scheduling an appointment.
If you are looking to get Botox in Boston, call Skin Deep Med Spa at (617) 812-0954. You can also schedule a consultation online. We are happy to answer your questions, including helping you explore financing options. We can also discuss treatment expectations and pre and post-instructions for Botox injections.