When Can You First Expect to See the Effects of a BOTOX® Treatment?
How long does it take BOTOX® to work? Our Little Rock-based Dermatology Group of Arkansas team knows that questions like this—“Why are my BOTOX® results taking so long?” and “Why doesn’t BOTOX® work right away?”—are familiar to many people who are considering wrinkle injections.
The primary ingredient in BOTOX is a neurotoxin derived from a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. Used in very small, purified doses, it relaxes facial muscles as a way of making moderate to severe facial wrinkles less noticeable. The injections are very shallow, made just beneath the surface of the skin in the target muscle. One of the main advantages of this procedure is getting fast results. However, the results for this treatment won’t show instantly. The effects will begin after a couple of days, and then the maximum effects are typically seen 10 to 14 days later. Most patients will notice some improvements within around three to four days after their injections, but the timeline for results will vary depending on several factors.
The results for botulinum toxin treatments will show up faster when they are used for finer lines, such as crow’s feet at the corners of the eyes and small forehead lines. The medication may work more slowly on deeper or more etched-in lines, like wrinkles on the forehead or between the eyebrows. The concentration of the product and the way it is injected into the muscle will influence the final results.
The reason for the “wait” is because it takes time for the muscle to absorb the neurotoxin, after which the chemical will stop or weaken the muscle contractions causing the wrinkles. It takes a short while before the protein tells muscles to “shut off” and the chemical acetylcholine is silenced. The area that was treated will soon appear to be smoother and more refreshed.
If at first you don’t think the treatment gave you the results you want, wait for the full 10 to 14 days for it to settle in.
Our Little Rock-based team at Dermatology Group of Arkansas will explain more about how injectable treatments can soften wrinkles—and what to expect in terms of timelines. Call us at 501-227-8422 or 1-800-225-8422 or submit a contact form online and schedule a consultation.
What Should You Know About Juvederm® Aftercare?
When it comes to reducing wrinkles that result from muscle activity in the face (which are referred to as dynamic wrinkles), neuromodulators like BOTOX® are the gold standard. However, for wrinkles that deepen in the face because of collagen deficiency, loss of moisture, or the breakdown of skin cells due to exposure to other environmental aggressors, facial fillers are best. These gels are injected beneath the skin, acting as a temporary replacement for the collagen, fat, or other volume-providing substances the skin is lacking. Hyaluronic acid facial fillers such as Juvederm® injections from our Little Rock-based practice are one of the best ways of restoring volume to areas where it is diminished in the skin or adding more definition to facial contours.
Since it’s a non-surgical procedure, one of the major advantages of this treatment is that there is very little recovery time and few limitations on activities after, meaning patients will be able to resume their usual routine right away for the most part. Nevertheless, there are still some side effects that may occur after having any type of injectable, and it’s helpful to know what to expect during recovery.
Don’t Put Too Much Pressure on Your Skin
When it comes to fillers, it’s wise to remember that you can look as much as you want, but try not to touch your face too frequently. If you massage or poke at your face too much, the activity could undo the work that has been done by the injector. Try to avoid deep facials, sleeping in positions that put too much pressure on your skin (such as the side or stomach), or wearing heavy glasses.
Apply Ice
To decrease some of the redness and swelling, try icing the treatment area right after the injections. Don’t leave ice on for too long, though. Try a few minutes on, then give your skin a break to avoid damaging it with cold.
Avoid Certain Activities
Rest up, avoid stress, and keep your heart rate down after getting fillers. Some activities or environments could increase your heart rate and blood flow to the facial area, which can make swelling and bruising worse. Avoid sun exposure, blood thinners such as NSAIDs, smoking, and exercise for the first 24 hours at least. You should also stay out of spas and saunas for about a day.
For more advice about facial fillers, contact Dermatology Group of Arkansas. Call us at 501-227-8422 or 1-800-225-8422 or submit a contact form to request a consultation.