BOTOX® is a popular and relatively non-invasive procedure for reducing fine lines and wrinkles. During BOTOX® treatments, a small needle is used to inject minute amounts of the BOTOX® toxin into select facial and neck muscles that cause wrinkles. These injections paralyze the targeted muscles, thereby producing a relaxing effect that smooths creases on the surface of the skin.
Although many adults regularly receive BOTOX® injections for diminishing the visible signs of aging, some providers are seeing an increasing number of patients in their early 20’s who want BOTOX® treatments to stave off the eventual development of wrinkles.
The Long-Term Benefits of BOTOX®
The typical BOTOX® treatment can last up to four to six months. After this time, patients will need to return for additional treatments to keep the targeted facial muscles relaxed and the surface of the dermis wrinkle-free. Many providers have noted that patients who regularly use BOTOX® eventually need fewer treatments to maintain their results. This is because continued exposure to the BOTOX® toxin can train the treated muscles to maintain a relaxed state so that wrinkles are far less likely to appear in the future. The notion of training the facial muscles to remain relaxed is often what drives younger people with few or no fine lines or wrinkles to seek treatment as a preventative measure.
Using BOTOX® Before It Is Needed
While there are no known, adverse effects from early use of BOTOX® to prevent wrinkles, it is suspected that prolonged results from prolonged BOTOX® treatments are less the cause of muscle training than they are of muscle atrophy. This makes it important for each person to consult with his or her provider before deciding whether or not BOTOX® for wrinkle prevention is a worthwhile endeavor. An experienced provider can assess your cosmetic concerns and recommend the best, non-invasive procedures for addressing them.
It is important to note, however, that all people are different. Some patients begin to develop fine lines and wrinkles as early as their mid-twenties due to smoking, sun damage and other lifestyle or genetic factors. Thus, the condition of the patient’s skin rather than his or her age is usually the deciding factor on whether or not the time is right to start BOTOX® treatment.
When Is BOTOX® Recommended?
BOTOX® treatments are typically recommended for people who are ages 25 to 65 and have fine lines or wrinkles on the face or neck but do not wish to have an invasive cosmetic treatment performed. After the age of 65, wrinkles are usually static, rather than superficial, and this means that they are less likely to respond to BOTOX® injections. Patients over the age of 65 can seek out other cosmetic solutions for lifting the brow, smoothing the skin and rejuvenating the face. If you are concerned about the appearance of your skin, scheduling a consultation with our medspa team to help you determine whether or not now is the time to start BOTOX® treatments. Contact Doctor’s Approach today to learn more.
