How Often Can I Get Botox?
Botox continues to be the “go-to” solution for many individuals seeking to rejuvenate their facial appearance. In fact, there were 6.7 million Botox procedures performed in 2015, an increase from the previous year, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Thanks to the beautiful, rejuvenating results from Botox, it is not uncommon for patients to seek additional treatments once the results of the initial treatment wear off. Many of Dr. DeMars’ patients wonder how often they should seek follow-up treatment from Botox. In this blog post, Dr. DeMars discusses the answer in detail.
Maintaining Botox Results
Botox is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that smooths out facial wrinkles and creases by paralyzing the facial muscles underneath the skin. The effects of Botox are only temporary.
“Most patients find their Botox treatment will give them the results they want for up to four months,” says Dr. DeMars.
Once the treatment results wear off and wrinkles begin to resurface on the skin, patients are encouraged to seek additional treatments. Most patients schedule new injections every four months. But should patients always follow this schedule?
“There is some evidence that when Botox is used on a regular basis the muscles causing the wrinkles begin to get weak enough that they need less frequent treatment,” says Dr. DeMars.
One example of such evidence comes from a study published in Dermatologic Surgery. The study looked at patients who received regular Botox injections every four months for the first two years of treatment. After two years, the injections were reduced to new injections every six months. Doctors found that after two years of treatment, reducing treatment frequency to six months led to results similar to those produced by more frequent treatments.
This is good news for patients who are hesitant to undergo continuous treatment with Botox due to cost or other concerns. The study’s findings mean patients may only need to undergo as little as two Botox treatments per year (after the first two years of treatment).
Set the Clock Back with Botox
If you are considering Botox, plastic surgeon Dr. DeMars would like to invite you to schedule a personal appointment. During your personal consultation, you and Dr. DeMars can discuss what results to expect from Botox, and how often you should receive treatment. Please call Dr. DeMars’ Portland office at (503) 253-3458.
