February 09, 2022 | Ask the Expert, BOTOX®, Injection Treatments
4 minute read
If only we could make our Botox results last forever. Unfortunately, that is not an option, but there are ways that you can extend the treatment’s benefits and get the most out of your results and your money. Here are some tips and tricks we have collected over our years of experience to preserve the effects of Botox between maintenance touch-up visits.
What to Do Within 24 Hours of Your Botox Injection
Refrain from directly touching your face or applying pressure on the treatment area for at least 24 hours following your Botox injection. This means you must avoid rubbing your face when you wash it. Exfoliation is your worst enemy – do not expose your skin to any kind of dermal abrasion, no matter how gentle. Also, refrain from sleeping on the treatment area for at least one to two nights immediately following the procedure.
While the trick is not to touch or massage the treatment area directly, gentle movement can help. Immediately after your injection, do some gentle facial exercises to help the Botox spread and evenly distribute. This allows the neurotoxin to work faster and prolongs your results.
Other Tips for Better Botox Results
Some of the other things you can keep in mind when trying to preserve the effects of your neurotoxin treatment include the following:
Hydration
Drinking plenty of water not only keeps wrinkles away but also helps to maintain your Botox injections. You should also ensure that your skincare regimen includes hydrating products – ideally with hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid will enhance hydration, reduce inflammation, and slow the process by which your body naturally breaks down the neurotoxin.
Invest in Good Skin Care
If you take proper care of your skin, you can noticeably extend the benefits of your Botox treatment. Your skin care regimen should be moisturizing and hydrating. Your skin care should also contain ingredients that stimulate collagen and elastin production and protect your skin from free radicals. Antioxidants such as Vitamin C protect the skin against damage from the sun and pollution. A stronger, healthier skin barrier is crucial to looking vibrant, glowing, and youthful.
Protect Yourself from UV Exposure
Overexposure to harsh UV rays from the sun can reverse the benefits of Botox. It is critical to always wear a high-quality, broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin. Try to avoid the outdoors during peak afternoon hours, and be sure to always wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat if you are going to be in harsh direct sunlight.
Eat a Balanced Diet
The food you eat directly impacts both your skin’s appearance as well as its health. That is why we always recommend that patients follow a healthy, balanced diet of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Limit your intake of processed and packaged foods and the amount of sugar in your diet. These things cause inflammation, which can wreak havoc on your skin.
Reduce Stress with Exercise and a Healthy Lifestyle
Stress can negatively affect the body in many ways, and surprisingly where it appears the most is on the skin. High-stress situations release hormones that accelerate the aging process, resulting in premature signs of aging. Avoid stress where possible and manage existing stressors with meditation, mindfulness, and yoga.
Consult Our Office for More Information on Preserving Botox Results
The best way to ensure that you have excellent results that last from your Botox injections is to have them done by a qualified aesthetic expert or board-certified plastic surgeon. For more information on things you can do to preserve your results or the other non-invasive procedures we offer, reach out to Aesthetic Plastic Surgery today.