How Often Do You Have To Get Botox

You love your Botox result. And while you ideally want to keep up the treatment, you may be concerned about the financial cost and time required to maintain its effects. Does this sound familiar? Well, read on for some silver lining.

New Jersey Botox Illustration

First of all, how does Botox work?

Botox, a popular anti-aging treatment, has continued to grow in popularity over the last 20 years. This neuromodulator works by blocking the nerves in and around your forehead and prevents those muscles from moving. The result? A softer and more relaxed face.

In areas like New Jersey Botox is currently approved as a cosmetic procedure for facial muscles including forehead lines (frontalis muscle), glabellar furrows (the combined action of the corrugators and procerus muscles), and crow's feet (orbicularis muscles) around the eyes.

And while Botox was initially popularized by women in their 40s and 50s, younger patients including millennials are now scheduling regular treatments with prevention in mind. The dosing and location of injection should be tailored based on a patient's desired goals, skin quality, and muscle function. Learn more about our offers for Botox in New Jersey.

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How often should you get Botox treatments?

While most patients are thrilled with their youthful look, the treatment is only effective for about 12 weeks on average.

However, research has suggested that after two years of treatment, results may last with less frequent injections.

The study looked at 50 women aged 30-50 years who received regular Botox injections every four months for the first two years of treatment. After two years, the injections were reduced to every six months instead of every 3-4 months.

The results? Doctors found that after two years of treatment, reducing treatment frequency to six months led to similar results as the more frequent treatments.

Read more about this in the June 2011 issue of Dermatologic Surgery.

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Can I do too much Botox?

Theoretically, yes. If you continue to receive treatments every 2-3 months for years on end, the muscle will continue to get weaker and flatter. This may give the appearance that the skin can appear thin and lose.

Additionally, the muscles nearby which have not been paralyzed may get larger as they are being recruited to compensate for the muscles that have been inactivated by Botox.

What's the next step?

To avoid a bad Botox experience or a long-term side effect, make sure you research your doctor diligently. See a board-certified Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist in consultation in order to understand what treatment is best for you and tailor it to your needs.

Can I combine Botox with any other procedures to improve signs of facial aging?

Botox can safely be combined with skin resurfacing treatments including chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and medical-grade skin care to combat dyspigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles. Make sure you talk to your plastic surgeon or dermatologist about the timing of these procedures. Many offices have an associated medical spa so you can receive all treatments in the same place.

As always, it's important to eat a healthy diet, sleep, and wear sunscreen can also help prevent future photoaging changes to the skin.

Dr. Parcells is a board-certified plastic surgeon in New Jersey. She is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.