How long does Botox last and how to prolong its effect?

Botox injections into the forehead are by far the most common and safe plastic measure of facial rejuvenation. Thanks to her, it is possible to maintain attractiveness for a long period. The procedure involves the quick and painless elimination of even deep expression wrinkles, which often appear at an early age on the forehead, between the eyebrows and in the lip area. But, like any intervention in the body, it has specific features and contraindications.

The essence of the procedure

Botox is a muscle relaxant drug with a relaxing effect on the muscles. The main active substance in the composition is botulinum neurotoxin type A. In large quantities, it is poisonous and, if ingested, causes food poisoning. In small dosages it is absolutely harmless. It is even prescribed in the treatment of cerebral palsy in young children.

In plastic cosmetology, neurotoxin is used to correct the contour of the face, neck, décolleté and eliminate wrinkles. It is administered subcutaneously using injections. The procedure itself is simple and does not take much time, so it is often performed in many beauty salons.

Botox of the forehead is the most common plastic surgery, since the effect of the drug is especially effective in the upper part of the face. This is where visible age-related changes occur due to increased facial expressions. The result of this procedure is less pronounced for the eyebrows and nasolabial folds.

Indications for botulinum therapy:

• facial wrinkles on the forehead;
• excessive muscle tension;
• the appearance of atrophied areas of the skin;
• drooping eyebrow arches;
• asymmetry of the facial contour.

Under the influence of the toxin, the nerve endings are blocked, the muscles become numb, which leads to the smoothing of wrinkles. After some time, Botox is eliminated naturally through the kidneys, and the previous facial activity returns.
This does not cause any harm to other internal organs. After this, the muscles are not damaged, and nearby tissues do not suffer in any way.

Types of hair curling

There are several ways to perm your hair.

1. Steam perm. It is carried out using a special device that supplies hot steam to the strands through special tubes. The device is a container filled with water and connected by tubes to a steam receiver. Hair wrapped in curlers is placed into the tubes, and then steam at the desired temperature is supplied to it under controlled pressure.
   During the procedure, the client's hair is divided into several strands. Special clamps are placed on the scalp to prevent burns. The curls are wound onto the rods of the device, and then steam is supplied to them. When the hair cools, it is released from the tubes.

   Steam perm is suitable exclusively for healthy hair. If they are damaged, then such manipulation can completely destroy the hair structure, which will lead to disastrous consequences. Only experienced professionals who know the technology of the procedure and the rules of hair care can provide this service to clients in beauty salons.

2. Electric curler. It is carried out by exposing the curls to high temperature, due to which the cross-section of the hair changes and it takes the desired shape.
   The electric perm procedure can be internal or external. For each of them a special device is used. Curling with the internal method involves winding a strand onto a hot spiral; the external method involves applying heat to the hair on both sides, which is great for unruly curls. Electric curling is contraindicated for bleached hair.
3. Hair creping. It is a type of electric curler. It comes in two types: vertical and horizontal.

   For horizontal creping, the hair is divided into strands vertically and wound on curlers. The bobbins are located parallel to each other. This curling method is suitable for inexperienced hairdressers or for a home procedure. It allows you to get a voluminous hairstyle.

   During vertical creping, partings on the head are made horizontally from the crown. Using this method, beautiful elastic curls are obtained.

4. Computer perm .
   Modern technologies are now used in beauty salons. Using expensive equipment, a computerized perm procedure is carried out. This service is available only in elite hairdressing salons. The master takes minimal part in the process, only controlling it. First, the health status of the hair is determined. Based on the analysis data, a special composition of the curling agent is selected. The master treats the hair with a solution and wraps it in curlers. Then a special probe connected to a computer is placed on the client's head. Hair is exposed to heat. The temperature is selected individually, based on the condition of the client’s hair. The disadvantage of the procedure is the very high cost, but it involves minimal harm to the hair.
5. Cold permanent hair curling. It is one of the gentlest methods of long-term perm. It does not involve exposure of hair to high temperatures. During the procedure, a special chemical composition and bobbins of the required diameter are used. Curlers can be attached in different directions, achieving the most natural effect. Cold styling can be of several types:

• biopermanent - the product consists of 70% substances identical in composition to natural hair, this makes the procedure safe;
• American - suitable for long hair, resulting in clear, large curls;
• semi-permanent - a thioglycolic drug is used during the procedure, it allows the curls to last for about one month;
• curling with wellaformers - suitable for short and medium-length curls;
• Antichemistry is a procedure that can be used to straighten hair that has been permed.

Result

Photos before and after Botox
injections Using Botox injections can only visually rejuvenate the face, since the drug acts superficially and does not in any way affect the causes of the cosmetic defect. Therefore, after its effect ceases, the wrinkles return. After the injections, the forehead becomes smooth and remains so with any facial expression.

Despite this, the face does not look lifeless. If the medicine is administered correctly and in an acceptable dosage, then facial expressions will be present, but not as pronounced as before.

How long does the effect last?

A visible aesthetic effect becomes noticeable 4-5 days after the session: the forehead is smoothed, but deep wrinkles do not completely disappear. It will be possible to get rid of them completely only after 2 weeks. Only by this time can the result be fully assessed. No changes are observed if a similar procedure has already been resorted to and that first time the technology was violated and the dosage was overestimated. Because of this, blood cells will begin to produce antibodies to the toxin.

In most cases, the effect of Botox is present and lasts for an average of 5–6 months. For some, smooth skin lasts only 2 months, for others - more than six months. This mainly depends on a number of factors: age, the amount of toxin administered, the rate of metabolic processes in the cells. Whatever the result, you cannot rejuvenate in this way more than once every 4 months.

Even after Botox wears off, the effect may last for 1–2 months, as the habit of frowning disappears. Before repeated injections, the muscles must recover at least 50%.

Reviews

Daria, 36 years old, Lyudinovo

“I do injections in the area between the eyebrows. I don’t like it too much, but I haven’t found a better alternative yet. The result lasts 3 months, then the eyebrows gradually move away from Botox for the same amount of time. Mobility does not return immediately, and neither do wrinkles. I go through the procedure again only after 9 months.”

Tatyana, 42 years old, Krasnoyarsk

“I recently had Botox done around my eyes. 3 months have passed, I feel that the effect has begun to disappear. There are no wrinkles yet, but I can move my muscles more freely. The cosmetologist says the result will last another 2 months. I would like to hold out until six months, but thanks for that.”

Technique

To administer botulinum toxin, special syringes with thin and short needles are used. Since the forehead is the least sensitive, the injections are practically not felt and you can do without local anesthesia.

Preparation for beauty injections is simple and includes the following activities:

• Avoid taking antibiotics and any blood thinning drugs for 2 weeks.
• Within three days they completely give up alcoholic beverages, cigarettes and coffee.
• The day before, do not eat fatty, fried, salty and smoked foods. This is important to prevent swelling later.

Immediately before the session, they visit a cosmetologist who makes marks on the face for Botox injection. In accordance with this, the amount of the required drug is determined. During the appointment, the doctor finds out the presence of medical contraindications, gives parting recommendations to the patient and warns about possible complications.

The toxin is available in tablet or powder form. It is diluted immediately before administration, as it quickly loses its beneficial properties.

For dilution, a solution of sodium chloride (0.9%) is taken, which is drawn into a syringe and put into a bottle of powder through a rubber cap. Mix it with rotational movements, without intense shaking.

Process sequence:

1. The person sits comfortably on a lying couch.
2. The hair is hidden under a plastic cap or wrapped in a towel.
3. The skin of the forehead is treated with an antiseptic tonic. If the pain threshold is elevated, the specialist is warned about this in advance. Then 15–20 minutes before the session, an anesthetic composition is applied to the forehead.
4. At the points marked with a marker, the medicine is injected under the skin at an angle of 45 degrees with the syringe.

The entire procedure usually takes no more than 20 minutes. After it, the patient will be able to carry out daily activities.

Criteria for choosing the type of permanent hair perm

When choosing which permanent hair perm to do, you should take into account some nuances.

To correct a rectangular face shape, it is best to choose a style that creates curls in the cheekbone area. An excellent option would be a permanent perm with large curls on a bob with extension. If you want to create root volume, it is better to create an oblique or side parting.

For a square face, small curls are suitable. Soft curls and voluminous styling will help adjust the shape.

An oval face shape is considered ideal, so any hairstyle will suit it. When choosing a style, proceed from the condition of your hair and your style.

For chubby girls, curls are not the best option. But if you choose a fashionable asymmetrical haircut and don’t get carried away with creating volume, you can make your face shape look like an oval one.

As a permanent perm for short hair, it is best to choose the boost-up procedure. On hair with an asymmetrical haircut, you can create soft large curls, so the styling will become more voluminous. Bio-curling will help achieve the effect of wet hair.

Permanent curling with large curls is good for medium-length hair. Carving or root volume can also be an excellent solution. In general, any hairstyle is suitable for those with a shoulder-length haircut.

For long hair, you can make curls of any diameter, but spiral curls or afro styling will look especially beautiful. You can also curl your hair only at the roots or, conversely, shape the ends.

• Hair density

Thin and unruly hair should be curled using an alkaline product. This way the styling will last longer and the curls will keep their shape. The root volume is best done using the buffant technology.

If your hair is naturally straight, coarse and thick, use acidic perm products. Styling with large curlers will turn out especially beautiful, thanks to which the curls will be voluminous.

For damaged or colored hair, gentle styling using a neutral and amino acid composition or bio-perm is suitable. In this case, the curls will be soft and develop quickly, but there will be less harm from such a curl.

The strongest formulations should be chosen for gray hair, as they are the hardest to curl. Products for such styling are labeled as permanents for difficult-to-curl strands.

Rehabilitation

After administering Botox, you should not take a vertical position and physically overexert yourself for 4 hours to prevent the drug from spreading. During this period it is especially unstable. The first 2 weeks are not recommended:

• take a hot shower;
• drinking alcohol;
• use a hair dryer to dry your hair;
• be near a hot stove;
• use decorative cosmetics;
• touch your face with your hands;
• visit the bathhouse and sauna;
• sunbathe;
• engage in any kind of sports;
• take medications, in particular: antibiotics, anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents;
• take vitamins B and E.

It is advisable to sleep on your side or back.

If the prescribed rules are not followed, the toxin can move to other tissues, causing the effect to be less pronounced or intensify, which will provoke a number of complications.

How many injection units are needed?

How many units of Botox do you need on your forehead? It should be noted that the composition is injected into the muscles between the eyebrows in small quantities. Typically, for the forehead area, 2 to 30 units of the drug are sufficient. Specific numbers depend on the patient's skin condition. The exact amount of the drug administered should be discussed with your doctor at a preliminary consultation.

For your information! The cost of 1 unit of Botox is 250-400 rubles. Thus, the minimum cost of the administered drug will be 500-1000 rubles. Complete elimination of deep wrinkles in the area between the eyebrows will cost 6,000-7,000 rubles.

Beautiful examples

Harmonious makeup is an important component of a woman’s attractiveness. Naturalness in this matter will only be a plus

Thanks to powder eyebrow tattooing, you can emphasize natural beauty, giving expressiveness to your look, ensuring a neat and fresh appearance for a long time in combination with fair skin.

Not every representative of the fair sex can boast of naturally perfect eyebrows. Shadow spraying will help correct the original shape of the eyebrows, while maintaining the individuality and unique charm that each woman has.

To learn how nanospraying is performed to obtain powder eyebrows, see the following video.

Tools

The hardware method of introducing pigment involves the use of an instrument resembling a felt-tip pen, which is equipped with a replaceable attachment in the form of a sterile needle. It drives the coloring pigment into the epidermis. The depth of immersion of the needle into the skin does not exceed a few tenths of a millimeter, which reduces the level of damage to the skin.

During the work, the specialist uses several shades of paint. This makes it possible to make the tattoo more similar to the look of natural eyebrows. Spraying is usually carried out in several layers. Colors are selected taking into account the color of the client's eyes, hair and skin.

Consequences and contraindications

If contraindications and procedure technology are not observed, beauty injections can provoke a number of negative health consequences, including:

• pain at the injection sites;
• headache;
• hematomas at the sites of exposure;
• allergic reactions;
• drooping upper eyelids and eyebrows;
• numbness and swelling at injection sites.

Most often, complications are not directly related to one drug. Problems arise when the dose, method and location of administration are incorrectly chosen, sterility is not maintained, etc. An unprofessional approach can lead to the fact that the face is “frozen”, becoming like a solid mask. In rare cases, hyperthermia, muscle weakness, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty swallowing and breathing may occur. All of the above problems gradually go away on their own.

There are few contraindications to botulinum toxin injections, but you should be aware of them:

1. Pregnancy and lactation period. If the drug was administered before pregnancy, the woman does not have to worry: botulinum toxin does not enter the bloodstream, therefore, it cannot harm the fetus.
2. Age restrictions. The procedure is not recommended for persons under 18 years of age.
3. Oncological diseases.
4. Myopia
5. Myasthenic syndrome.

The exact list of contraindications should be checked with your doctor before going for injections.

Eyebrow care after permanent makeup

When your new makeup is complete, it will appear too dark. This is temporary. You see pigment in both layers of your skin (epidermis and dermis). The top layer of your skin sheds and renews itself every few days, and with this natural process, the pigment in the top layer will flake off. This initial dark look won't last long. Only the color in the dermis (the second layer of skin) will be long lasting. If you are happy with your new permanent cosmetic color and darkness when you leave your first session, then within one to three weeks your brows will heal

For this reason, it is important that you be patient and allow your skin to heal.

Tips for aftercare after permanent eyebrow makeup

1. Ice with cold packs can be applied to the eyebrows to reduce inflammation. You can use Vaseline to keep your eyebrows moist. Cool packs should not be used for more than twenty minutes at a time with a twenty-minute break in between.
2. Cold packs to the treatment area can be used for the first 24 hours.
3. You should massage your eyebrows every four hours with cotton balls and water for the first 24 hours to remove any blood and avoid scabs.
4. Avoid getting water on your eyebrows in the shower, rinse gently with a regular gentle facial cleanser and water.
5. A thin layer of Vaseline should be kept on the eyebrows 24 hours a day for 7-14 days.
6. Do not pick up scabs or the color will be lost.
7. Avoid going into the sun or swimming pool for two weeks. When you go out in the sun, use SPF 45 to protect your face.
8. Take Advil or Tylenol as needed for comfort.
9. You can shower the day after your procedure as usual.

Is it possible to do a tattoo yourself?

Performing an eyebrow tattoo procedure at home is dangerous. Only professional salons maintain the required sterility of the work space and equipment. Working with different parts of your face with one hand is physiologically inconvenient; this entails skin injuries.

Due to the lack of proper treatment of instruments, infection of the area where permanent paint is applied can occur. One of the common side effects of unprofessional intervention is an allergic reaction to a low-quality dye. Even masters who know well how eyebrow tattooing is done and have experience in performing the procedure turn to their colleagues for the service.

Who is it suitable for?

It is worth highlighting a number of recommendations regarding what type of eyebrows this type of tattoo is recommended for:

• if the eyebrows grow quite thickly, but there are bald spots that can be filled with soft spraying;
• in situations where the natural color of a woman’s eyebrows is much lighter than the color of her hair, the created contrast can be smoothed out using spraying;
• with the correct shape of your eyebrows to eliminate their daily coloring;
• to give a clearer outline;
• Powder spraying is suitable for those women whose eyebrow hairs quickly fade when in contact with the sun's rays.

However, this does not mean that brunettes should not resort to powder spraying of eyebrows, since during this procedure you can easily adjust the shade and color saturation, due to which eyebrows will look expressive and impressive on dark skin.

Tattooing is an excellent solution to get rid of the need to draw on your eyebrows every day, although you can find various decorative cosmetics for these areas on sale, for example, a Tenx pencil with a powdery effect. The result of use will last until the end of the day, and the tattoo is more durable, practical in winter, summer, as well as during travel.

Types of eyebrow tattoo

There are 3 main types of tattooing; the choice depends on the client’s wishes and the condition of his eyebrows.

Hair technique

The technique is also called eyelash tattooing. Each hair is drawn separately by a specialist. The European version of this technique involves parallel hatching with lines of the same size. According to the Eastern or Asian method, hairs of different lengths and thicknesses are depicted more freely, imitating natural growth.

Powder blending

The pigment is applied in spots of the desired shape. This makes the eyebrows denser, with a clear contour, like after applying shadows or a pencil. There are 3 ways to apply paint:

1. Shot – the outline is completely painted over with the selected color. The pigment is applied layer by layer, gradually achieving the desired saturation. Some clients prefer this approach, although the result will not look natural.
2. Shadow pigment - the shape of the eyebrow is filled with the desired color, and the edges of the contour are shaded. Small scars and gaps in hair growth become invisible.
3. Volumetric eyebrows – to achieve even greater realism, several shades of pigment are used.

Manual tattoo (microblading)

It is performed by a cosmetologist manually, without a machine. The master uses a hand-held pen to make cuts that imitate hairs and implants paint into the top layer of skin. Cosmetologists recommend this method as more gentle: swelling subsides quickly, the recovery period is shorter than with other types of tattooing.