How Does Botox® Work?
Your expert injector will use ice packs or topical numbing to relieve the minor pinch you may feel from the injections you receive. The number will vary depending on the area and your injector’s expertise. When injected, botulinum toxin travels to the nerves that control your facial muscles. There, it attaches to the nerves without harming them and prevents them from sending messages to the targeted muscles.
Without signals from the nerves, the facial muscles that cause your lines and wrinkles stop contracting. Your skin can relax, letting it become smoother, and without the muscles pulling on the skin, your wrinkles will no longer appear with every facial expression. Botulinum toxin is also the active ingredient in Botox® relatives like Dysport® and Xeomin®.
How Long Does it Take for Botox® to Work?
When Botox® is injected, the botulinum toxin takes time to travel to your facial nerves and become active. While this timeline varies, most people will start seeing results after three to five days, with full results developing within about two weeks. Once established, Botox® results can last about four months, with people who have regular treatments seeing results for up to six months.
Relatives of Botox® use the same botulinum toxin. However, Dysport® has a different accessory protein. These proteins help the toxin reach the nerves where it takes effect. Xeomin®, often known as the “naked” botulinum toxin, does not use an accessory protein. These differences mean that these treatments often take effect more quickly than Botox®. However, each person responds differently, so we will work with you to find the best option for your needs.
Is there Any Downtime After Botox®?
One of the reasons Botox® and its injectable relatives have become so popular is the lack of downtime. These convenient treatments can be squeezed into a lunch break, with the injections often taking less than 15 minutes. You may notice minor redness, swelling, or bruising in the injection area that can last a few days.
You can return to your usual activities immediately after treatment, although you will be advised to avoid rubbing your face for several hours. You will receive other instructions to ensure your best results. Downtime and aftercare are the same for Dysport® and Xeomin®.
