How to Extend the Effects of Botox

So many Botox injections done each year, so little time to enjoy their effects.

One of America’s most popular solutions for lines and wrinkle promises great results, but it has an average lifespan of only three to four months. After that, the effects begin to wear off and the patient will require additional injections to maintain the look he or she wants.

In 2012, more than 6 million people had treatments with Botox. That’s 6.1 million Botox sessions that expired in three or four months for most patients.

What if there was a way to extend the impermanent results of Botox? That would come as welcome news to many patients on limited budgets.

Smoothing Away the Years With Botox injections

Botoxweakens the muscles of the face that cause dynamic lines and wrinkles to form over time. Botox helps to smooth away these lines and wrinkles by limiting the action of the underlying muscles. The longevity of Botox injections therefore depends on many factors including the depth and placement of injections, the skill and experience of the injector, and the general health and condition of the patient’s skin.

Beauty — and Botox — Only Skin Deep

Proper skin care is an important component for getting the most out of your Botox injections. Use high-grade facial cleansers that balance pH levels and exfoliate the skin after a major treatment session or routine touch-up.

What you eat is also a key to optimum Botox results. Zinc, for instance, is important for maintaining youthful skin. It plays an important role in tissue growth and repair. It regulates oil secretion and protein synthesis, and stimulates collagen production. Collagen is the naturally occurring protein in the body that gives the skin its plumpness, volume, elasticity, and youthful appearance. Oysters, roast beef, wheat germ, peanuts, dark chocolate, sesame seeds, and pumpkin seeds are common foods that are rich in zinc and are good for your skin.

One study has shown that zinc supplements boost the effects of Botox by keeping facial lines and wrinkles in check. The combination of zinc and the enzyme phytase may actually increase the effectiveness and staying power of Botox. Zytaze is the latest product containing this zinc-enzyme combination to hit the market.

Botox and other similar products are wonderful in their ability to restore a more youthful appearance. Unfortunately, they come at a price, which is that their effects are of limited duration. Consult your physician to see what you can do to get the most out of your treatments with Botox.

Dr. Edwin F. Williams is certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the American Board of Otolaryngology and he is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery. If you’re considering a cosmetic procedure, and want to consult with an experienced New York facial plastic surgeon, call the Rejuva Center at 1-518-308-4119.