Of all the non-invasive cosmetic treatments available today, Botox® remains among the most popular. This is because it can deliver very good anti-aging results with minimal cost and effort, and absolutely no downtime. At Anazao MD in Steamboat Springs, CO, we provide this treatment with excellent results that can last several months.

Frequency and Dosage for this Treatment

How often a person should get Botox can depend on a variety of factors. A person’s age and the rate at which they metabolize their dose should be taken into consideration. For example, some people might notice the effects wearing off after just a couple of months, while others might still have very good results for up to four months. This really just depends on the person, and can also change as you get older.

Ideally, you will want to get your next dose before the previous one has worn off completely in order to avoid having wrinkles return. In terms of how many units will be required, this depends on the number of wrinkles you wish to have treated. We do recommend starting with a conservative dose and working your way up from there. We aim to give the minimum dose possible that will still be effective.

Spacing Out Sessions

Most people can benefit from spacing out their sessions by three months. This is usually the point where people will begin to notice their original lines and wrinkles returning. However, if you are on a budget, there is no reason to not stretch out your appointments to four or even five-month intervals. You will still get many of the benefits of the treatment, however, some wrinkles may have returned fully by this point.

Preventative Maintenance

Perhaps you don’t have deep wrinkles yet but want to make sure they don’t form in the first place. This is one of the reasons we love Botox – it is the perfect preventative measure to keep your skin looking smoother, longer. If you are a younger person in their 20’s or early 30’s, a series of preventative injections can be scheduled just two or three times per year with excellent results. This treatment does work best on wrinkles that are in their earliest stages.

Is There a Maximum Number of Times You Can be Injected?

There is theoretically no reason why people should limit the number of injections they get – this FDA-approved substance has been thoroughly tested and is known to be very safe when used as directed. A person would have to use this substance in extremely large amounts for it to cause any harm to the body.

However, most people will find that there is no need to schedule injections more than once every three months. This seems to be the ideal window where people can enjoy the optimal effect without needing to have any concerns about dosage – even if they are having multiple injections at the same session.

Low-Metabolizers

There are some lucky people out there who seem to enjoy the benefits of their injectables much longer than others. Their bodies do not metabolize the ingredients as quickly, meaning that they can stretch out their sessions longer. If you are a newcomer to the world of injectables, you may want to experiment with how long you can go between sessions before the effects wear off.

Occasional Use

While you will not get the maximum beneficial results of Botox just using it occasionally, some people do choose to only get injected before a vacation, reunion, or other special events so that they look more refreshed. There is of course no rule against this. This is a great option for those of us who are on a tighter budget but who still want to enjoy the benefits of this treatment from time to time.

How Botox Works

Your medical esthetician injects a small, diluted amount of Botox into the muscle to disrupt the nerve signals that cause a certain part of your face to twitch or form expression lines. These injections must be very targeted to ensure the best outcome possible. The active ingredient, “botulinum,” essentially prevents the release of certain chemical messengers that cause muscle cells to contract.

When the muscles are relaxed in this way, wrinkles also relax and eventually disappear. This treatment can be used on many different types of wrinkles but is particularly effective for frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead wrinkles.

What This Treatment Will Not Work For

If you have wrinkles caused by gravity or sun damage, this treatment will not likely be very helpful. Other options such as laser therapy, a chemical peel, or fillers may be more appropriate. If you have very deep wrinkles that have been in place for a while, this treatment will likely help to soften them but will not erase them completely. This brand of injectable is ideally suited for newer, dynamic wrinkles and fine lines caused by facial expressions.

While this particular type of injectable treatment is not recommended in every circumstance, there are always alternatives that will work. Talk to your medical esthetician about different treatment options to address various aging concerns you may have.

Who Makes a Good Candidate

Most people over the age of 20 who are concerned with existing lines or potential wrinkle formation will make excellent candidates for an injectable treatment. You may wish to give this treatment plan a try if you have any of the following signs of aging:

• Lines around the eyes
• Horizontal lines across the forehead
• Lines around the mouth
• Frown lines
• Lines on or around the lips

Is There Anyone Who Should Not Get Injectables?

Treatments of this nature are completely safe for most people. However, pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding should pause their treatments since botulinum has not been thoroughly tested on this part of the population. There are also people with certain rare neurological disorders who should not get this treatment (if in doubt, ask your doctor).

Safety Record

Botulinum has been in use for several decades and has been approved by the FDA for use in cosmetic treatments since 2002. It has a proven track record of safety and efficacy, with very low risk of negative outcomes. Of course, having your treatment administered by a licensed professional is a must.

If you are nervous about getting an injectable treatment for the first time, you can always test a very small area and see if you like the result. This is the beauty of injectables – they are temporary and can be used in very isolated areas. The reality is, most people are so happy with the results that they end up getting additional units at their next session. This treatment is also safe to use in combination with other injectable substances such as fillers.

Off-Label Uses

While Botox is primarily used to relax and soften wrinkles on the face, it has several other applications that many people are not aware of. It has been used to treat foot pain, migraines, teeth grinding, overactive bladder, and muscle spasms. It is also known to be helpful with overactive sweat glands. While these are considered off-label uses, botulinum is FDA-approved for all these applications and more.

A Treatment for Acne?

When administered to the uppermost layer of skin, this treatment can actually curb oil production to reduce acne breakouts. Very small amounts of this substance injected near the surface of the skin can reduce oil output without affecting facial expressions. This is most effective for use on the forehead and chin, and not recommended for all-over use to treat body acne.

The Importance of Finding a Skilled Practitioner

No matter what your reason for seeking this treatment might be, it is essential that you work with a certified medical specialist who is skilled at administering injectables. While there is very little risk associated with this treatment, it must be precisely administered in order to ensure the botulinum does not migrate where you don’t want it. You also want to know that you are being treated with a brand-name product.

Ready To Stop Wrinkles in Their Tracks?

If you would like to do something for yourself that will help to turn back the clock and prevent new wrinkles from forming, we have injectable options for you. Contact us today at Anazao MD in Steamboat Springs, CO to set up a consultation and learn more about injectables and other safe, effective anti-aging solutions that we offer..