Here’s Exactly How Long to Wait Between Forehead Botox Appointments
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When it comes to defying the signs of ageing and wrinkles, Botox – or botulinum toxin injections – is the GOAT.
Gone are the days when injectables and aesthetics were a hushed secret among Hollywood A-listers. Today, people from all walks of life are embracing its transformative powers to combat wrinkles and fine lines that etch themselves across our foreheads over time.
But striking the right balance between maintaining natural movement and achieving the desired youthful appearance is an art in itself, with tons of us wondering *exactly* how often we should be getting Botox in our forehead.
LTG HQ got the tea from anti-ageing expert Dr Saulis Banionis and board-certified dermatologist Dr William Kwan on how often you should get Botox in your forehead and their top tips on getting the most out of your appointments.
Unravel the mysteries of timing, dosage, and optimal intervals to ensure your forehead remains wrinkle-free, without ever veering into *frozen* territory (nobody wants that!) Prepare to unlock the secrets to a smooth, age-defying forehead that radiates confidence and youth.
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How long will Botox last in your forehead?
It’s worth noting that Allergan (the manufacturers of Botox) “claim the longevity of the product is 3 months,” explains Dr Banionis.
Dr Kwan backed this up, telling us, “the frequency of Botox treatments can vary depending on individual factors, desired results, and the recommendation of your healthcare provider. However, on average, Botox treatments are repeated every 3 to 4 months to maintain the effects.”
Ok, cool. Smooth sailing for a few months at least!
What issues can Botox tackle in your forehead?
Botox can *actually* treat a variety of issues and has more benefits than smoothing those annoying forehead creases or those deep “11 lines” (glabellar lines) that prompt questions like “Are you okay?!”
Botox is also a master at tackling those deep furrows that can make you look like you’re constantly frowning – sorry, but resting bitch face really IS a thing!
The NHS backs this up, saying “Botulinum toxin injections, such as Botox, relax the muscles in your face to smooth out lines and wrinkles, such as crow’s feet and frown lines.”
Our eyebrows naturally lose that ‘lifted look’ as we age, but a Botox brow lift could be the cure! It basically consists of multiple tiny Botox injections on the lower forehead around the eyes that relax the muscles and helps to reduce wrinkles around the eyes. The result? Elevated brows that open the eye area.
But, other than the amazing beauty and anti-ageing benefits that Botox provides, it can also benefit those who suffer from painful neck spasms (cervical dystonia), twitching or cerebral palsy, reduce the signs and symptoms of a lazy eye, help the appearance of droopy eyelids, and can even help reduce how often you get a migraine.
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How many units of Botox should you have in your forehead?
Quick fact: A unit of Botox is the way to measure the amount of product that’s injected into the body, and it typically comes in 50 – 100 unit vials.
Some practitioners say they inject an average of 10 to 30 units into the forehead, and Allergan suggests a dosage of 4 units each in five sites on the forehead, coming to a total of 20 units. Your practitioner may start out with a low-unit dosage in each injection at first.
You can come up with a treatment plan with your Botox practitioner to add additional units to areas around the forehead based on your personal cosmetic goals.
Remember, unless you want to look like you’ve stuck your head out of the car window on a *particularly* windy day – less really can be more with Botox. And getting preventative Botox injections in your forehead in your late 20s or early 30s will help to STOP those lines and wrinkles from even appearing in the first place!
Be warned, my friends, there are lifestyle factors that can affect the longevity of your Botox, as, “some patients may metabolise it quicker due to vigorous exercise, excessive sweating and doing any sort of detoxes,” says Dr Banionis.
Your injector will advise against swimming for at least 24 hours, too because, as well as the exertion increasing blood flow, your goggles and swim hat could put pressure on your face, again causing the Botox to move around.
“Over time, some patients find that if they are consistent they can get away with 4 – 5 months,” advises Dr Banionis.
Yep, that’s right, those high-impact gym sessions might actually be causing your Botox to break down faster (great excuse to skip that spin class, eh?)
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10 ways to make your Botox last longer
Want to keep that fresh-faced look going strong for as long as possible? Of course ya do!
So, Botox babes, we’ve got the top tips on making your Botox last longer.
1. Obviously, the more we frown the worse our wrinkles get, so practice those zen vibes and embrace relaxation. Try to be more mindful of whether you are unknowingly frowning or raising your eyebrows, as this can cause wrinkles and fine lines to deepen.
2. Get friendly with skincare superheroes and invest in high-quality serums packed with potent antioxidants to protect your skin from free radicals and keep your Botox looking fierce.
3. Defend against the sun’s damaging rays and slather on SPF like it’s your secret weapon (it *actually* is your not-so-secret weapon to great skin in general). Hats and shades will help to keep those UV rays at bay!
4. Guzzle down those glasses of water like a boss and keep your skin hydrated from the inside out, after all, hydration is the key to preserving that plumpness.
5. Beauty sleep isn’t just a myth, guys and gals. Catch those zzz’s on a silk pillowcase to minimise friction and help your Botox stay put.
6. Smoking is a big no-no for Botox baddies, so ditch the cigs (or cut down). Those toxins do no favours for your skin.
7. Skip the sauna and ice baths, as they can mess with your Botox mojo.
8. Flex those facial muscles – but not too hard! *Gentle* facial exercises can help maintain that boss Botox effect.
9. Eat your way to a longer-lasting Botox by filling up on a balanced diet rich in fruits and veggies, full of skin-loving vitamins and minerals. Your face – and your gut – will thank you!
10. Lastly, stay loyal to touch-ups. Visit your trusted aesthetic professional for maintenance treatments when needed, ensuring that you’re always on point.
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The takeaway
Botox is a bit of a wonder product for health as well as beauty, and who doesn’t want to stave off those signs of ageing for as long as possible? We know we do!
Be sure to ONLY go to registered and experienced Botox practitioners, aestheticians or plastic surgeons, and let them give you the best advice on the units of Botox you will need, how regularly you will need it, and the areas to tackle first.
The NHS advises that before you decide to get Botox, you should “make sure the person doing your injections is suitably qualified and experienced. They should be a medical practitioner and on a register to show they meet set standards in training, skill and insurance.
“Avoid practitioners who have no training or have only completed a short training course,” it adds.
Keep up with those all-important top-up appointments to keep your skin looking smooth, fresh and wrinkle-free.
So, Botox babes, get that appointment booked to reach your aesthetic goals!
Meet the experts
Dr Saulis Banionis is board certified by The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and was trained extensively in aesthetic and regenerative medicine to become an expert in anti-ageing medicine. His practice is PB Antiaging and he has also worked as a Medical Expert for the Florida Board of Medicine.
Dr William Kwan is a board-certified dermatologist at the prestigious Lasky Skin Center in Beverly Hills, offering a wide spectrum of cosmetic procedures such as botulinum toxin injections and dermal filler injections for many types of skin improvement.
Get Glowing!
