It’s certainly no secret that the emergence of social media and Zoom calls while working from home has focused more attention than ever on our faces. Filters can help hide blemishes and lines, but many younger women and men are now turning to cosmetic treatments such as BOTOX injections to get ahead of wrinkles around the eyes—a trend called “preventative BOTOX.”
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, BOTOX injections have increased nearly 30% for patients between ages 20 and 29 since 2010. The question we often hear now is what is the best age for BOTOX if you want to prevent fine lines such as crow’s feet and worry lines. In other words, how soon is too soon? Or does it matter?
Can BOTOX Prevent Wrinkles?
Before answering those questions, it’s important to understand how BOTOX works and what “preventative BOTOX” injections accomplish. Everyone develops lines and wrinkles at some point. What BOTOX prevents is the early progression of wrinkles.
Which leads to the next question: At what age should you start getting BOTOX? As you might guess, there is no perfect answer or “magic age” for starting BOTOX. Some patients in their mid-to-late 20s who notice the earliest signs of lines developing around their eyes or on their foreheads decide to start getting injections. Others begin in their early 30s. Starting before you notice any lines, however, may not yield the desired results and can be a costly path if you intend to continue getting BOTOX injections for years.
How Does BOTOX Prevent Wrinkles?
The wrinkles that BOTOX targets—crow’s feet and frown lines, among them—are called dynamic wrinkles or expression lines because they develop from the repetitive movements facial muscles make when we smile, squint, frown, smile, or change expressions in other ways. BOTOX is a type of drug called a neurotoxin that prevents nerves from sending signals to the muscles in the treatment area, limiting the movement of the skin. Other types of wrinkles, such as nasolabial folds, can be treated with dermal fillers such as JUVÉDERM®.
A benefit of preventative BOTOX is that it keeps the targeted muscles weak, minimizing the amount of BOTOX needed to maintain smooth skin even as you get older. The results will last longer and you’ll need fewer treatments—BOTOX typically produces results that last 3 to 4 months. When your muscles are “trained” not to move, it helps with the aging process and prevents wrinkles.
Taking Care of Your Skin at an Early Age
Of course, there are plenty of lifestyle habits people can follow to help prevent the signs of aging from developing long before you consider BOTOX injections. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 on a daily basis is one of the most important steps you can take to keep your skin looking youthful. Wearing a hat when outside, getting plenty of rest, and reducing stress by exercising are all essential for people who want to reduce or delay the onset of wrinkles.
Choose An Experienced Injector
At Koch & Carlisle Plastic Surgery & Spa, certified physician assistant Pam Banyas has extensive experience administering BOTOX for patients of all ages. You can use the online form to request a consultation with Pam or call (515) 277-5555 to schedule an appointment.
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