Botox is one of my favorite—and definitely most popular—services offered at PFAM. And it’s one of yours, too. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, an estimated 7 million injection procedures, including Botox, were performed in 2017. Now, with more information on preventative Botox the number was trending to grow in 2018.
Botox is simple and quick (less than 20 minutes!) and yields unparalleled results when it comes to smoothing out lines and wrinkles on the face.
At Perfect Face, one of the most-asked questions I receive around this service is: am I too young for Botox?
Most of the time, my answer is: no.
The Skinny on Botox
Before I explain why, let me briefly break down what Botox is and how long Botox takes to work.
Botox is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium A. When Botox is administered, it’s injected into the skin through needles no larger than acupuncture needles. Upon injection into the skin, Botox relaxes the muscles on the areas of the face and neck that cause wrinkles associated with repetitive facial expressions. It leaves the skin looking smoother and younger. The most commonly treated areas in the face are frown lines located between the eyes (often referred to as ‘the 11s’), crows’ feet and forehead wrinkles.
How long does Botox take to work?
Many wonder how long for Botox to work—the onset of Botox effects start to appear in 3-5 days, but take up to 14 days for the full results to appear.
How long does Botox last?
Botox results last 3-4 months on average. Regular treatment is necessary to maintain results, and is recommended especially for the prevention of deeper wrinkles. How long Botox lasts also depends on your skincare lineup routine.
Is Preventative Botox really a thing?
Preventative Botox and skincare practices are absolutely key to maintaining the smoothness and elasticity of skin, and preventative Botox is a part of this proactive care.
Over time, collagen production slows down, the skin weakens and it cannot effectively bounce back from natural folds caused by laughing, smiling and furrowing the brow. Eventually, this causes facial wrinkles to develop and lines to get deeper and deeper with age.
During this aging process, the skin develops two types of wrinkles: dynamic and static. Dynamic wrinkles appear with facial movements, while static wrinkles are present even while the face is at rest. Dynamic wrinkles eventually transition into static wrinkles, which are much more difficult (and at times, impossible) to treat with Botox injections.
Preventative Botox can delay or even prevent this skin aging process. It’s true!
By targeting very specific areas of the face, Botox softens dynamic wrinkles, which begin to appear in mid-twenties to early thirties, ultimately delaying or preventing static wrinkles from even forming!
How’s this for cool? Preventative Botox also trains long-term habits. Since Botox makes it difficult to repeat facial movements, like scrunching, clients are likely to train themselves out of these repetitive movements and expressions. This shift in habits often continues after botox wears off, aiding in the prevention of static wrinkle development.
So, are you too young?
While skin aging varies from individual to individual, dynamic wrinkles often start to appear in individuals in their mid-twenties to early thirties. When these dynamic lines begin to appear, I advise my clients to proactively treat them with a sprinkle of Botox (less is more!).
So, if you’re 30 and wondering if you’re too young? Take a peek at your facial lines (and check in to see when mom and dad started to notice static wrinkles). You’re likely not too young - especially if you have a super expressive face!
No Needles Yet
As with most skincare services, Botox is not a universal treatment. If you’re not seeing dynamic wrinkles just yet, your skin might be too young. An in-person consultation is recommended to assess whether you might need preventative Botox.
If you’re not seeing any wrinkles and/or a professional recommends against Botox, I do recommend other preventative skincare services and practices in your 20s and 30s to delay any future wrinkle development: a medical grade skincare regimen that’s high in antioxidants (hello C Glow), daily SPF, results-oriented facials, hyaluronic acid, and topic retinol products (Perfect Change Serum) that stimulate collagen and hydration.
Lastly, if you’re under 18 and wondering if you’re too young? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Botox is FDA-approved for individuals 18 and older.
Botox Beauty
The following motto definitely rings true when it comes to Botox: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of a cure. Preventative Botox is priceless. Your future self will thank you!
Best,
Dr. Zoe
Book your preventative Botox treatment with me today.
*Note: Regardless of age, those who suffer from an autoimmune or neurological disease, currently take aminoglycoside antibiotics and/or are pregnant or lactating, should not receive botox.
