Gone are the days when Botox was only available for the rich and famous. Botox, or anti-wrinkle injections, are widely used by individuals in search of a more youthful appearance.

Anti-wrinkle injections work by paralysing the muscles in the face, and when these muscles relax, the skin above appears smoother. Botox is a safe and highly effective way to combat the signs of ageing, provided it is administered correctly.

How long does Botox last?

Botox injections will typically need to be topped up every 4-6 months to maintain the look. But don’t worry, you won’t wake up one day with a face full of wrinkles. The effects will wear off gradually as the effects of the Botox reduce.

Botox paralyses the nerve endings and disrupts the signals between your nerves and your facial muscles. When we talk about the effects “wearing off”, it is not because the Botox goes away or is metabolised by the body – as is the case with fillers. Instead, new nerve endings grow to replace the ones lost.

This means that your body’s ability to create new nerve cells will play a big part in how long your Botox lasts and how often it needs to be topped up. With a single injection costing as much as £350, you might be wondering how to prologue the effects.

How do you make Botox last longer?

While you can’t make your Botox last longer, you can help it to be more effective through other lifestyle changes. Relying on Botox alone for a more youthful appearance is always going to be an uphill struggle. It’s worth thinking about extra steps you can take to keep your skin looking young and smooth.

• Aftercare. The instructions from your practitioner are there for a reason, so make sure you follow them to the best of your ability. This means avoiding strenuous exercise, saunas, sun beds and hot yoga for 24 hours after your injections. A facial massage soon after Botox injections could cause the Botox to migrate to other areas of the face, which can cause eyelid drooping and temporary facial paralysis.

 

• Sunscreen. Botox does nothing to combat skin damaged by the sun, so make sure you wear SPF every day and avoid going outside during the hottest part of the day. A glowing spray tan is far better for your skin than risking harmful UV rays.

 

• Hydration. If you combine your Botox with hyaluronic-based fillers, you can boost the effects by staying hydrated. Hydrate your skin from the inside by drinking plenty of water and avoiding dehydrating beverages including tea, coffee and fizzy drinks.

 

• Diet. Heavily processed food is typically calorie-dense and nutrient-poor. This can lead to breakouts and dull skin appearance. Focus on eating whole foods and fill your diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Sudden and extreme weight loss can reduce the effectiveness of Botox injections so try to maintain a steady weight or lose weight gradually.

 

• Exercise. It’s common for those who care about their skin to also care about their health. This means that a lot of Botox users tend to follow gruelling workout routines. Exercise is great for your health and should be encouraged in all forms, but if you’re exercising during the day try wearing a hat or sunglasses to prevent you from scrunching up your face.

 

• Smoking. Smoking ages your skin and can also shorten the positive effects of Botox. Quitting smoking is great for your health and your skin.

 

• Skincare. You should focus on using a high-quality skin cream morning and night. Serums enriched with hyaluronic acid will help to plump up the skin and help to enhance the effects of the Botox injections.

 

Why trust a dentist with your Botox?

Another key factor in how long your Botox lasts is the person holding the needle. Dentists are uniquely qualified to administer Botox injections. Their entire professional career is based on intricate knowledge of the facial structure.

Dentists are also very skilled with needles, so you can be sure your Botox injections will be as pain-free as possible.

When you get Botox injections, you are often paying for the amount of product used. A less skilled practitioner will need to use more product to achieve the same results as a more skilled practitioner.

And more product doesn’t necessarily mean longer-lasting effects. Once an area is paralysed, adding more product cannot intensify or lengthen the effects. Only skilled placement and knowledge of the facial structure can achieve this.

Botox in Glasgow

If you’re looking for a skilled Botox provider in Glasgow, trust Sloan Dental with your aesthetic treatments.