Expression lines and wrinkles are one of the earliest signs of aging, and they often sneak up on you. First, your skin creases when you smile, laugh or frown. Over time, those creases remain even when your face is resting. Botox® treats these expression lines and wrinkles by relaxing targeted facial muscles.
How Does Botox® Work?
Botox® is a neuromodulator that uses botulinum toxin to correct facial lines and wrinkles. Botox® treats expression lines such as forehead wrinkles, creases between the brows, crow’s feet, and lines around the mouth and nose. This injectable treatment targets the facial muscles that cause these wrinkles.
When injected, botulinum toxin travels to the targeted facial nerves and interrupts their muscle signals. Without signals from the nerve, the muscles allow lines and wrinkles to relax. Although it is often known as a neurotoxin, botulinum toxin causes no harm or permanent changes to your nerves or muscles.
How Long After Botox® Can You get a Facial?
While complications after Botox® are very rare, the botulinum toxin can move out of place if you disturb it too soon after your injections. You should avoid touching or rubbing your face for at least 4 hours after treatment. This allows Botox® to become settled into place. We recommend waiting at least 24 hours for a facial, preferably several days.
You should also plan to skip your exercise routine for at least 24 hours after Botox®. Strenuous activity can also cause the botulinum toxin to move out of place. If this does happen, you may notice some temporary effects on other facial muscles. Most people who follow these instructions have no complications or issues with their Botox® injections.
How Long Does Botox® Last?
You can expect your Botox® results to become noticeable within a few days and fully developed after seven to ten days. Your smooth, youthful-looking results last four to six months. Several factors can affect how long your results last, including how your body metabolizes Botox®. People with regular Botox® treatments may see their results last longer than those just starting.
Do I Need Botox® or Dermal Fillers?
Botox® and dermal fillers promise to smooth lines and wrinkles, so you may wonder which one you need. The right choice depends on the type of wrinkles you want to treat. Lines caused by facial motion, like glabellar lines (the 11s) between the brows, respond well to Botox®. Deep creases around the nose and mouth may respond better to dermal fillers. Only a consultation can determine which one will work best for you.
Am I a Good Candidate for Botox®?
Good candidates for Botox® want to address expression lines and wrinkles. While many choose Botox® to treat existing wrinkles, many have begun choosing preventative or “baby Botox®.” This treatment uses small amounts of Botox® to prevent lines and wrinkles from forming. You should not have Botox® if you are pregnant or have certain medical conditions.
Take the Next Step
Ready to learn more about Botox®? The first step is to come in for an in-person consultation with our expert providers at Manhattan Aesthetics in New York, New York, today.
Please fill out the form on this page or call our office during regular business hours at (212) 960-8172.
