How Frequently Should I Schedule Treatments?

As most of my dermal filler, chemical peel, or BOTOX® patients in the Ames and Des Moines areas know, these treatments unfortunately don’t last forever. To maintain results, patients must come back in for follow-up appointments.

But how often? Though every patient is a little bit different, here’s a rough estimate on how long the results of each treatment will last.

BOTOX

BOTOX is an injectable that temporarily relaxes muscles and smooths wrinkles on the face. Wrinkles can be caused by the constant use of certain facial muscles, and by relaxing them, the wrinkles will smooth out.

BOTOX is often used to treat vertical creases between the eyebrows, forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, and frown lines. The entire procedure only takes a few minutes, and patients report little to no discomfort during and after.

For most patients, BOTOX lasts 3 to 4 months. After that period, you will need to come in for repeat treatment. Once you become a regular, though, results do tend to last longer — sometimes up to 6 months.

Fillers

Dermal fillers work a little differently than BOTOX. These injectables restore lost volume and fill in wrinkles and fine lines. Fillers like JUVÉDERM® are made of hyaluronic acid, which is a natural substance that adds volume in often subtle ways.

The procedure can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes depending on the area(s) treated. Some patients experience minor redness and swelling, but that should resolve within a few days. However, there is no downtime after treatment, and you can resume normal activities within the same day.

Depending on the type of filler, results can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. Duration also varies somewhat by the injection site.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels enhance a patient’s skin by gently removing the surface layers, which become damaged over time. In its place, your skin generates new healthy layers for a naturally radiant glow.

There are many different peel options ranging in intensity. Recovery depends on which peel you choose. To maintain the effects of a chemical peel, we recommend that patients schedule treatment about every 4 to 6 weeks.

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