Looking to halt the signs of aging? Then Botox is your bestie. BOTOX, one of the most popular wrinkle relaxers, is a simple, common treatment to temporarily smooth moderate-to-severe forehead lines, frown lines, crow’s feet, and more. It has been FDA approved since 2002 and it’s become so mainstream that people are calling it “the next best accessory.” Also, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), an estimated 7 million injection procedures, including Botox, were performed in the last year alone. And that number just continues to rise. According to the experts, they’ve seen an influx of younger patients opting for preventative treatments sooner rather than later – as early as 25.
What Causes Wrinkles?
Wrinkles are caused by a combination of repetitive facial movements, skin laxity, chronic sun exposure and a loss of collagen that starts at the age of 25 and continues to break down at a rate of 1-2% per year. Together, these factors cause lines and folds to become more prominent. As we age, our bodies lose elastin and collagen (which keeps our skin hydrated, firm, and elastic). With repeated facial expressions over time, it becomes harder and harder for our skin to return back to its original “expressionless” state. As a result of aging skin, the dreaded “11’s” form between your eyebrows, lines around your eyes known as crow’s feet become more visible, cheeks start to lose their volume and nasolabial folds around your nose and mouth become more prominent.
Fine-Lines vs Deep Wrinkles When it Comes to Botox
Not all lines are created equal. In fact, there are big differences between fine lines and deep wrinkles.
Fine lines indicate the beginning of the skin’s aging process. They are shallow, small, and may be difficult to detect at first. Fine lines are often associated with repetitive facial movements, such as laughing, frowning, smiling, or squinting. Because they are still superficial, they respond to treatments much faster than deeper wrinkles do.
Deeper wrinkles form when fine lines aren’t addressed. As a result, the fine lines deepen and progress into facial folds and wrinkles. Wrinkles also tend to form in different areas of the face and neck, whereas fine lines frequently form around the eyes and mouth.
How Do Botox and Other Wrinkle Relaxers Work?
Botox works with our body to relax our overused muscles and prevent the signs of aging and future wrinkles from forming. First, you should schedule a consultation with a Master Nurse Injector and/or Certified Aesthetic Registered Nurse who will analyze your muscle movement and strength, and then identify the amount of Botox and areas of the face that need to be injected. It could be as easy as just a sprinkle, or maybe you have multiple areas you want to treat. Either way, the goal is to make you a better, natural-looking version of yourself. It is a quick, 10-minute treatment consisting of a few tiny injections, and within days there is a noticeable improvement to facial lines and wrinkles that can last for 3-6 months!*
When Should I Start Botox?
Understanding your skin as it ages becomes key in recognizing the need for early intervention with Botox. If you are reading this in your 20s you are probably thinking of Botox as something your mom does and not something that you have to worry about until you notice a difference in your skin. On the contrary…
20s: Ideally, 25 is the best age to start using a sprinkle of Botox to prevent fine lines from forming. Imagine doing a light clean up every day vs. doing a spring cleaning once a year. It’s easier to maintain than correct damage. Keeping up with your Botox little by little will keep your skin in a sparkling state!
30s: In your 30s you may start to notice that you skin looks drier and is not as radiant as before. This is because the reproduction of new cells produced by your skin is starting to decline drastically. More fine lines around your eyes and mouth may also start to look more prominent, refusing to disappear even when you stop smiling.
40s: Because your skin doesn’t produce natural structural elements in your 40s, as quickly as it did in your 20’s and 30’s, you may notice slight hooding of the eyelids, a loss of volume and reduced elasticity in the face, crepiness, and more pronounced laxity on the face, neck, and chest . Since cell turnover also slows down in your 40’s, your skin may also begin to lose some of its natural glow, resulting in a duller complexion.
Don’t fear aging, just start a relationship with your aesthetic nurse as early as you can.
Botox Treatment Areas Before and After
For more information and to schedule a Botox Treatment near you, schedule a free consultation with Stay Beautiful MedSpa located in Woburn, MA.
