Signs of aging start to creep up on everyone, no matter how young. When it comes to keeping wrinkles, crow’s feet, and frown lines at bay, BOTOX® could be a step in the right direction for you, but when should you start to consider getting BOTOX®? BOTOX® was once thought of as a procedure reserved only for celebrities and the wealthiest Americans who wanted to hang on to their youth, but now, younger patients are relying on the treatments to cure and prevent signs of aging. Many who are interested in the procedure may want to receive BOTOX® treatments before wrinkles are visible, the age of which varies from patient to patient. So what is the right age for BOTOX® treatments? Do preventive procedures in your 20’s make more of a difference than treatments in your 40’s? We’re here to answer these questions and more about when to start getting BOTOX®. As it turns out, that depends on what you’re looking for.
BOTOX® Breakdown
Over six million BOTOX® treatments occur each year, making it a favored non-surgical cosmetic treatment. Made of purified toxin protein from the Clostridium botulinum bacterium that is extracted in the lab and packaged separate from any active bacteria, BOTOX® is used for a variety of FDA approved medical reasons beyond cosmetic purposes. Such procedures include chronic migraine, ocular strabismus, overactive bladder, and more. Research and clinical trials are being performed in order to test many of the other ways in which BOTOX® can help patients with varying needs.
When used cosmetically, BOTOX® is injected superficially into the patient’s skin with a tiny needle, in areas where wrinkles and fine lines are created by dynamic facial expression muscles. Once injected, BOTOX® takes effect over the course of three to seven days to soften the appearance of wrinkles. The effect lasts 3 months on average, with repeat treatments enhancing smoothness as the muscles are kept gently weakened over time.
Ideal Ages
Back to the question at hand: when is the right time to start BOTOX® injections to improve the look of fine lines? As mentioned earlier, this depends on you and how you want BOTOX® to benefit your skin. More sun damage may lead you to start treatments in your late twenties to early thirties, while different skin types or lucky genetics could allow you to wait until age 40 or above. There is no specific age that will benefit everyone, so it all depends on skin type and what your dermatologist determines are the ideal options for you personally. A good dermatologist will consider your skin type, history of sun damage, lifestyle factors, personality, and other issues beyond just age.
BOTOX® in Your 20’s
There are a few things to consider if you want to start in your mid-twenties or earlier. If you have completely smooth, wrinkle-free skin and spend energy and time protecting from sun, you may get away with very little to no BOTOX® at all and not lose out on any opportunity. If you more time in the sun or have used tanning beds, are a smoker, or are showing early signs of wrinkles due to family tendency, talking to your derm about light BOTOX® that won’t break the bank may be of benefit.
BOTOX® in Your 30’s
Depending on how often you have unprotected exposure to the sun, more defined wrinkles can start appearing in your early 30’s. This may also be a good time to consider BOTOX® as a preventive measure. If you smoke regularly or live in higher altitudes you experience more strain on your skin, so 30’s may be a good time to look into starting treatments.
BOTOX® in Your 40’s
By the time patients reach age 40, wrinkles are typically more defined because the skin starts thinning and elastin and collagen start breaking down more visibly, which means this may be an ideal age for many. Once lines have etched in and are visible at rest and even remain when you stretch the skin with your fingers, it’s time.
Really, when to receive BOTOX® depends on you, your lifestyle, and your skin genetics. If you have an interest in BOTOX® or want more information before taking the plunge, we can help. Dr. Jessica Krant can provide information on the procedure, how it will impact your skin, and the results you will see after treatment. As a BOTOX® expert, she can make you feel comfortable in a low pressure environment and answer all of your questions. Dr. Krant has a reputation as being very conservative and will make sure you don’t feel “frozen” or have that “BOTOX® look”. Contact Dr. Krant today to learn more about BOTOX® and to schedule a consultation to find out if BOTOX® is right for you.
Leave A Comment