Botox has grown in popularity over the years to become the go-to wrinkle treatment for men and women of all ages. In fact, some patients are coming in for their first (or second, or third) Botox injection as early as their 20s. Do 20-somethings benefit from early Botox treatments? For some concerned about the early appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, the answer just might be yes!
How Botox Works
Botox is a prescription medication that can be used for both medical and cosmetic purposes. In the aesthetic realm, Botox is referred to as a “neuromodulator,” along with Dysport and Xeomin. The medication works as an effective anti-aging treatment by relaxing facial muscles that lead to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
Botox injections involve minimal discomfort and take just a few minutes to complete. Results are generally seen within 2-4 days after treatment and may last 3-4 months before a subsequent treatment is required.
Where Botox Works
Botox primarily works on the following areas:
- Horizontal forehead wrinkles
- Vertical lines between the eyebrows (frown lines)
- Fine lines in the outer corners of the eyes (crow’s feet)
The medication can also work to correct asymmetries along the brow line, which is a common use for the treatment in younger patients. Young adults also like to nip early lines in the bud or ward off the formation of those facial wrinkles for as long as possible, which is why Botox is getting requested more and more by 20-somethings.
Benefits of Early Botox
Women in their 20s might begin to get Botox treatments for any number of reasons:
- Corrects asymmetry to the face, such as an eyebrow droop
- Diminishes the appearance of frown lines, which are often the first to form
- Relaxes the effects of facial expressions that can lead to the formation of lines
- May “train” facial muscles so the formation of lines is less likely
- Could ward off the need for more invasive anti-aging procedures for a longer time
Women that are seeking Botox at an earlier age may find that frequent frowning or scrunching of the nose is starting the formation of wrinkles prematurely. This is particularly true of fair-skinned women that have already experienced signs of sun damage that could accelerate the signs of aging.
Find Out If You Are Ready for Botox
Botox has been approved by the FDA for cosmetic use in patients between the ages of 18 and 65. Many physicians that administer Botox injections prefer to look at the condition of a patient’s skin, rather than age, when determining whether Botox is appropriate. My rule of thumb is, if the line is present while the face is at rest (i.e. a neutral position), then Botox is indicated. It is also important for a practitioner to carefully assess a patient’s desire to have Botox at a younger age to ensure it is for the right reasons.
When patients start Botox earlier, they often just need 2-3 treatments per year to maintain positive results. Keep in mind that the treatments will need to be continued to keep up the more youthful look and will likely need to be performed more frequently as a patient gets into the 30s or 40s. If you are ready to make that commitment, contact us today to find out if Botox is right for you.
You can get in touch with us at our San Diego office at 858-943-2443 or in Carlsbad at 760-472-5088.