Most aesthetics professionals recommend getting neurotoxins such as Botox or Dysport every 3 or 4 months – but why? In this blog, we’ll discuss the importance of regular Botox treatments, the risk of developing an “on-and-off” appearance, and our recommended treatment frequency and dosage.
How Neurotoxins Work
Botox, a popular cosmetic treatment, is derived from Clostridium botulinum, a neurotoxin that has been used for medical purposes for decades. While Botox is the most common name for neurotoxins, there are other brands such as Dysport, Xeomin, and Daxxify that are derived from the same ingredients.
Its mechanism of action involves temporarily paralyzing the muscles in the treated area, which effectively reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines caused by repeated expressions and facial movements.
Common areas treated with Botox include the forehead, between the eyebrows (glabella lines), and around the eyes (crow’s feet). By targeting specific facial muscles, Botox can smooth out wrinkles and create a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
The Importance of Regular Botox Treatments
As we age, our skin naturally undergoes changes, including the development of wrinkles and fine lines due to decreased collagen production and repetitive facial movements. Botox, while effective in temporarily reducing these signs of aging, gradually wears off over time.
Without regular maintenance, the effects of Botox can diminish and your muscles will regain their mobility between treatments resulting in the reappearance of wrinkles and facial lines. When Botox wears off completely, wrinkles and fine lines can become more pronounced, leading to an even more aged appearance.
Infrequent Botox injections can result in an “on-and-off” appearance, where your skin looks great immediately after treatment but gradually returns to its original state as the effects wear off.
Personally, I (Charity) prefer staying current with my Dysport injections because when I don’t, I appear tired, and when I do, I look great. The difference is quite noticeable to anyone looking!
So, my best secret to always looking fresh is to just “stay ready” with an indistinguishable appearance by keeping on top of my tox treatments.
How Often And How Many Units?
Personalized Botox treatment plans are essential because every individual’s skin responds differently to the treatment, and factors such as skin type, muscle strength, and lifestyle can influence the wear and lasting results of Botox injections. While every treatment plan is personalized to the individual, on average a patient’s tox will wear off within 3-4 months, so we recommend 3-4 visits per year.
When it comes to the number of units, we suggest that patients get a “full face” of tox. This is to prevent things like the “eyebrow shelf”, where some muscles that were not injected with the wrinkle-relaxer are working overtime and end up creating stronger, bulkier muscles on the face.
A full face in units, for example, is 64 units of Botox. While Botox and Dysport contain the same active ingredient, they have slight differences in their formulation and diffusion properties. Dysport tends to have a quicker onset of action and may diffuse more readily, making it a preferred option for larger treatment areas such as the forehead. On the other hand, Botox typically has a slower onset but may provide longer-lasting results and more precise targeting of smaller muscle groups.
In terms of dosage, Dysport units are typically measured differently from Botox units, with Dysport requiring a higher number of units to achieve comparable results. For example, while a Botox treatment may require 20 units for a specific area, the equivalent Dysport treatment may necessitate 50-60 units. Ultimately, the choice between Dysport and Botox depends on individual preferences, treatment goals, and the recommendations of a qualified medical professional.
Stay Ready!
Maintaining a regular schedule of Botox injections is crucial for achieving and preserving a youthful appearance. By adhering to recommended treatment intervals and working with a skilled provider, you can enjoy smooth, wrinkle-free skin and maintain your confidence and self-esteem for years to come.
