How to Make Botox Last Longer and Extend the Life of Your Fillers

Botox and dermal fillers are two of the most sought-after treatments for aging skin—and for a good reason. They provide natural-looking, long-lasting results by decreasing and smoothing out lines, wrinkles, and folds. As most people do, you probably want to get the most out of your cosmetic treatments and would like them to last for as long as possible. Thankfully, there are ways to extend their life. The following article will discuss steps to make Botox and dermal fillers last longer.

Reasons Why Botox and Dermal Fillers Don't Last

Dermal fillers and botox are both used to achieve a more youthful appearance, but these injections have different effects on the skin. Botox is a treatment that relaxes facial muscles, while the latter help plumps up sagging skin and restore volume. However, they don't last forever.

The main reason why Botox and dermal filler results can fade over time is that they are temporary. The effects of both treatments are only temporary because the effects wear off over time due to natural processes in the body. Typically, Botox lasts around 3-6 months, depending on your dosage. Fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane, and Radiesse last anywhere between 6 months to 2 years. Depending on your doctor's recommendation, you can get it redone sooner or later. If you're looking for the longest-lasting filler, consider injectable fillers like Juvederm or Restylane.

How often you need touch-ups depends on your age and how quickly your body metabolizes the toxin. Another reason is that some individuals have faster metabolisms and can clear them more rapidly than others. Moreover, younger people tend to require more frequent maintenance sessions than older people. On the other hand, older people need more dosages because of the loss of elasticity and thinning of our skin as they age. This makes it more challenging for our systems to repair themselves and for cosmetic procedures like Botox and dermal fillers to last longer.

The area being treated will also play a part in determining how long results last before they begin to fade away. For example, areas with fewer muscles tend to have less movement after treatment which means they tend to hold their shape longer than other areas, such as around the eyes, where there is lots of movement. 

Other Factors That Cause Results to Fade Faster

It also depends on how well your skin is taken care of and whether or not you have any underlying health issues. Other factors that cause Botox and dermal filler results to fade prematurely include:

• Incorrect dosing of your treatment (too much or too little)
• Improper technique by the injector (the wrong injection site or incorrect number of units)
• Using an expired product or low-quality product
• Excessive movement of the facial muscles after treatment
• Unhealthy lifestyle

10 Steps on How to Make Botox Last Longer

When it comes to cosmetic procedures, there are several ways you can extend the life of your results. The most important thing you can do is keep up with your aftercare at home. Here's how you can make your Botox injections last longer and enhance the longevity of fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm, and Radiesse.

Find a Qualified Practitioner Who Uses Top-Of-The-Line Products

It all starts with the product and the ones doing your treatment. You should feel confident in your doctor's skills and experience before committing to any type of cosmetic treatment. Make sure they are using high-quality products. Cheap brands with cheaper ingredients break down quickly and often contain fillers that inhibit absorption. Products like this lead to a quicker product breakdown and possible allergic reactions in some patients.

Seek testimonials and referrals from people you know who've had work done by this doctor — don't just trust that they are good because they have convenient hours or cheaper rates. 

Skip the Sun

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light causes the body to break down the product faster, damage skin cells, and accelerate aging processes. After your injectable treatment, avoid getting too much sun exposure and tanning beds for at least a week (and preferably longer).

For longer-lasting botox and fillers, use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when outside. You may also cover up with hats, long sleeves, and pants. This effort is especially important if you're going out in the sun for extended periods, like at the beach or on vacation.

Stay hydrated

When you are dehydrated, your muscles have less moisture in them, and they contract differently than they would if they were hydrated. This can lead to more wrinkles on your face from the injections. Make sure you drink plenty of water before and after your treatment so that the muscle tissue stays hydrated and flexible instead of contracted and stiff. Opt for water that helps flush out toxins from your body instead of sugary drinks like soda and commercial juices that cause more dehydration.

Follow the Recommended Touch-ups or Maintenance Sessions

Tweakments can help maintain optimal results and prevent complications from occurring due to overuse. This is especially true for Botox and fillers, as these treatments can lose their effectiveness over time if not properly maintained. Wait at least a few weeks or three months between each treatment. This period gives your body time to replenish its supply of natural collagen and other substances needed for healthy skin tissue growth. In addition, it allows your immune system to make antibodies against the toxins in the injections so they don't interfere with future treatments. 

Avoid Excessive Facial Expressions

Avoid facial expressions that cause wrinkles like frowning, squinting, or smiling too much. This step can help prevent the premature breakdown of filler material as muscles won't move as much as they would normally if used. Try not to purse your lips or clench your jaw when you smile or laugh for the best results.

Also, try not to rub or scratch your face when having filler injections done, as this can cause micro-movements in your skin and make the filler wear off sooner than expected. If you have any strenuous workouts scheduled during this period, consider postponing them until after your appointment.

Keep Stress at Bay

Under stress, the body releases more cortisol, which breaks down collagen and other soft tissues. You might find that your Botox injections start wearing off quicker if you're under stress. Relax as much as you can to give your body a chance to recover from stress. So it's vital to practice self-care, get plenty of rest and avoid stressful situations as much as possible.

Don't Smoke or Drink Alcohol

Not only does smoking break down collagen and elastin (the two main components of skin), but it also speeds up cell turnover in the skin at a rate that's not good for anyone who's had cosmetic treatments like Botox. Drinking alcohol also causes blood vessels to dilate, which causes bruising and increases infection risk if an open wound is present during treatment.

Take Extra Zinc

This mineral helps with wound healing and cell regeneration. Zinc also works well as an antioxidant that keeps wrinkles at bay by promoting collagen production and maintaining healthy cells in your skin and muscles. The best way to get more zinc is to take supplements or include zinc-rich food in your diet like red meat, poultry, fish, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains.

Maintain a Good Skin Care Regimen

Next, make sure you're using hydrating products on your skin before and after your treatments. The natural aging process can cause the skin to become dry and flaky, so it's best to use hyaluronic acid or collagen products. Hyaluronic acid helps restore moisture to the skin, while collagen plumps up the skin and reduces wrinkles.

Eat Right

There's no doubt that your diet impacts how your body works. The same applies to Botox and fillers. Eating antioxidant-rich foods, such as berries and leafy greens, will help keep your skin looking young and vibrant. Additionally, consuming foods high in omega-3 fatty acids - such as salmon, tuna, trout, and walnuts - will help strengthen and protect facial muscle fibers from damage. Avoid foods that cause inflammation, like sugar and too much caffeine, and processed meat to keep them looking fresh.

Fillers and Botox Treatment in Hilton Head

Using the tips on this blog, you can enjoy a healthier, more youthful appearance for longer! Do keep in mind that not all skin types react the same to injections, so there's no 100% guarantee that it will result in more lasting results for you personally. Nonetheless, these tips are certainly worth trying!

Hilton Head Plastic Surgery and Medspa offers Fillers and Botox treatments in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Please call (843) 681-4088 or visit the main page to learn more about our services.