Deciding to get Botox injections is a deeply personal decision that will vary from one individual to another and be driven by one own’s priorities. Everyone ages differently! Some patients start in their early 20s if they have severe facial wrinkles. Botox helps smooth the lines that are causing them to look older and may be influencing their self-esteem or desired appearance. Someone in their 50s, who may be starting to develop moderate facial lines may not feel the need to have Botox until a later age because the facial lines are not as big of a priority to that individual.
Botox isn’t just about looking younger, sometimes the goal is having smoother skin, no matter what age you are. Botox is for everyone throughout all walks of life. That being said, Botox Cosmetic is FDA approved for the adult patients 18 years and older with moderate to severe facial lines associated with facial expressions.
What is Preventative Botox?
You may have heard the term “preventative Botox,” which refers to getting Botox Cosmetic injections to help prevent the development of moderate to severe facial lines. Often, when fine lines begin to appear across the face, patients want Botox to help prevent those lines from getting larger. We regularly perform this treatment, but there are considerations one must take into account before getting Botox on a recurring basis.
Every time we weaken a muscle or group of muscles, this gives the opportunity for the nearby or accessory muscles to “recruit” and start working harder than previously which can cause those muscles to move in a way they haven’t before or cause new lines to start showing up over time. Along with muscles recruiting, muscle atrophy, or weakening, can occur to the muscles that are regularly treated with Botox. Your facial muscles are just like any other muscle in the body, when they move and contract they grow and become stronger. When they are routinely treated with Botox to weaken them, they no longer contract with the same force and therefore do not grow and can become weaker over time. You can even reduce the size of the muscles if you are regular enough with your treatments.
This is all something you will have a conversation with your nurse injector about before you start getting Botox whether you’re 25 or 55. This is why you should choose your nurse injector wisely, and discuss your goals with them to come up with a pan to get you your desired results.
Remember, there is no “right age” to start getting Botox. It’s up to you, how you feel, and what’s important to you. Speaking with your provider may help you make this decision and find out if Botox is right for you!
