How Often Should You be Treated With BOTOX® Cosmetic?

When you’re looking for near-immediate results at affordable prices, BOTOX® sets the standard anti-wrinkle treatments. The only downside is that you have to return for touchups every couple of months because the effects are only temporary.

If you’re new to the treatment, you’re probably wondering how long it will last or if getting higher doses will prolong the effect.

The Effects and Side Effects of Botox

When Botox first came on the scene, people wondered if it was safe to use. After all, it’s formulated from a toxic substance that can kill in high doses.

The good news is that Botox is perfectly safe and effective when used as directed under the supervision of a qualified professional. The side effects are mild and usually disappear within a few hours. These include light swelling, redness, and bruising.

Serious side effects, like dizziness, numbness, and headache, should be reported to a doctor right away. especially if they increase in intensity or last for longer than 24 hours. You should also seek treatment if you show signs of an allergic reaction, muscle weakness, or blurred vision.

Is Too Much BOTOX Dangerous?

Although teens or those with no signs of again won’t benefit from Botox treatments, it’s safe and effective for most men and women. If started when you first experience tiny lines and wrinkles around the mouth, forehead, and eyes, you’ll immediately look younger and more rested. You’ll also need fewer touchups and milder formulations.

In general, the worse the problem, the higher the dosage. The touchup schedule shouldn’t change as long as you continue to take care of your skin between sessions.

Botox also works to reduce the appearance of pebbling on the chin. This is a condition that affects the mentalis (chin muscle) and looks somewhat like mild cellulite.

One of the unexpected effects or Botox is that it lasts longer the longer you use it. Many of our clients have noticed that they need fewer touchups after a couple of years of regular treatments. Missing a refill doesn’t make your face look older, either. It will simple return to the same state as before you started treatment.

However, there is evidence that starting treatment before you need it, scheduling refills too close together, or using high doses can actually weaken facial muscles over time. In the rare cases where the Botox migrates from the injection site into other areas, it can cause other problems.

Because Botox is synthesized the botulinum toxin, high amounts could potentially result in botulism poison. This is a toxic, untreatable, and fatal form of food poisoning. Fortunately, there have been only 36 confirmed cases since Botox received official FDA approval more than 20 years ago.

There are symptoms that you’ve had too much Botox. Seek medical attention right away if you experience any of the following:

• Dropping of the muscles in the forehead or around the eyes.
• Lack of facial expression when performing normal actions like talking or smiling.
• Frozen features; even if you’re feeling a strong emotion, your face doesn’t respond
• Asymmetrical facial features. One side of your face looks normal, but the other side doesn’t move. This could be caused by uneven application.

Too much Botox injected into the forehead will result in a smooth, blank spot in the middle, but you’ll have odd wrinkles or crinkles appear along the hairline. You might also notice a weird gap between your brows.

Normally, your brows contract inward slightly, especially when you’re deep in thought or frowning. Using Botox too often or in high concentrations will prevent this natural contraction and leave an unusually large expanse of immovable skin.

Fortunately, the side effects of too much Botox aren’t permanent. They’ll usually disappear as soon as the injection wears off. Be aware that could take several weeks, but you can speed the process by applying heat to the affected area starting about 14 days after treatment.

Who Should Avoid BOTOX?

There are some people who shouldn’t receive Botox treatments at all. People under 30 would experience little benefit from Botox unless they have signs of premature aging. The only exceptions are those who are using Botox to treat migraine headaches or bladder control problems.

In these cases, it’s used for people over the age of 12. Some formulations of Botox are approved by the FDA for treating certain medical conditions in people as young as two years old. These are mostly related to conditions caused by muscular irregularities that cause the appearance of crossed eyes or eye spasms.

You see, Botox works by preventing the release of chemicals in nerve pathways at the injection site, leading to temporary muscle relaxation. When the muscles don’t contract, it improves conditions related to subconscious muscle control. That’s why it’s so effective for treating the signs of aging that are directly related to normal facial expressions.

You can reduce the need for early Botox treatment through a regular skincare routine that keeps skin pliant and youthful, limiting sun exposure, and stopping when you feel yourself wanting to frown or scrunch up your face.

There are people who should avoid Botox and related brands like Dysport® and Xeomin®. These include:

• People who’ve had an allergic reaction to any of these products in the past
• People who have ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome
• Those who have respiratory problems

Safe, Effective Botox Treatments are a Phone Call Away

If you’re looking for a reputable establishment for Botox in the Denver area, the Vesper Gray Med Spa has you covered. We offer medical-grade treatments for all of your skincare and beauty issues.

Just give us a call at (720) 682-2269 or visit our website to book an appointment today.