The most important thing you can do to make your Botox or Dysport injections last longer is to follow your provider’s instructions following treatment. Your provider should provide thorough instructions on what you can do immediately after your injections to promote success. These instructions will likely include:
- Avoiding exercise for a short time
- Keeping your head upright for a couple of hours
- Rubbing your skin near the treatment area (for example, avoid applying makeup with pressure for 12-24 hours; avoid massages or facials for 2 weeks)
In addition to following your provider’s instructions after your treatment, there some lifestyle tips which can lengthen your results.
Sun Exposure
Sun exposure can be one of the largest factors in shortening the life of your Botox treatment. The problem with sun exposure is two-fold: squinting in the sun increases wrinkles in the face, and worse, UV exposure on the skin’s surface has a direct negative effect on the skin and can negate your results. To combat the effects of the sun, always wear sunscreen or cream with SPF and re-apply throughout the day if you will be in the sun for a long period of time. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and seek out shade when you can.
Smoking
Like sun exposure, smoking is a large factor in reversing the effects of your Botox or Dysport treatment and aging your skin. Of course, smoking has a negative effect on your overall health as well. Quitting smoking can improve your skin and health even after just a short period of time.
Maintenance
Keeping up on regular maintenance is extremely important for your results. Over time, regular injections can train your muscles to remain more relaxed. Ideally, this results in longer-lasting smoothing of the skin and more time between injections. Talk to your provider about how often you should schedule your treatments to meet your unique goals and reach your optimal results.
Combination Treatments
Combining Botox or Dysport with other treatments can improve your results as well as lengthen the effects of your treatments. Because these injections are minimally invasive, they can be combined with a range of other treatments. Depending on your individual concerns, speak with your provider to see if combining Botox with skin resurfacing, microneedling, fillers, facials, or other treatments might be a good option for you.
Sleep
Getting a restful night’s sleep is essential to all areas of your heath. In addition to getting your full 7-8 hours, you can create additional nighttime habits to support the longevity of your Botox. You do not need to sleep sitting up or even in an elevated position. However, sleeping on your back is best. Investing in a silk pillowcase or cover will also help preserve your Botox treatment and help prevent wrinkles and fine lines from forming on the skin.
Zinc Supplement
There is some evidence that zinc supplementation extends the life of Botox treatments. Although this connection is not proven and is somewhat controversial, zinc supplementation can be a safe part of your vitamin routine. Like any other vitamin or supplement, be careful to ask your doctor about proper dosing, as it is possible to get too much of a particular vitamin or supplement, including zinc.
Develop a Skin Care Product Routine to Help Boost Results
While facial creams and treatments do not create the level of effects that you get from Botox and injections on their own, they can be an important part of your routine and extend your results. Skincare products that support collagen production (those containing retinol, retinoids, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants) over time can help maintain the youthful look of your skin following your Botox treatment. Ask your injector what they recommend for treating your unique skin and extending the results of your investment in your skin.