Do Preventive Botox Treatments Live Up to the Hype?
Most people think of Botox treatments as a way to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles or lines that have already formed due to the effects of aging. Because of its effectiveness, Botox has consistently remained the most popular cosmetic procedure year after year, according to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
It is most popular among patients between the ages of 40 and 54 that wish to minimize the signs of aging. In fact, patients within this age range represented more than half of all Botox patients performed in 2017, according to ASPS.
Our surgeons at Jefferson Plastic Surgery have seen this trend at our own practice. However, we are also starting to see younger patients who wish to undergo Botox treatments to prevent the effects of aging before they even begin to show on the face.
Can Botox prevent aging if you start treatment at a younger age? Is it actually safe to do so? Read further to find out more about this new trend.
How Botox Slows Aging
Botox works by relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkles. By preventing the muscle contraction that occurs with facial expressions, lines and creases are slower to form.
At What Age Can You Start Botox?
Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of Botox for adults between the ages of 18 and 65, that is an overly broad recommendation.
Our surgeons believe that a better guideline for determining the appropriate age to start Botox treatment should be on an individual, case by case basis.
Some people tend to show lines and wrinkles on their face in their 20s, usually as a result of excessive sun exposure or smoking. Both of these can dry out the facial skin, leaving it looking tough and leathery.
Some patients in their 20s and 30s may wish to undergo Botox treatments to correct facial asymmetry, such as one side of the mouth drooping lower than the other.
Keeping all of this in mind, our surgeons generally recommend not starting most Botox treatments until you are in your late 20s.
Side Effects of Botox Treatments
As with any cosmetic procedure, Botox does have some potential side effects that should be carefully considered before undergoing treatment. In most cases, any side effects are relatively mild and will go away within one to two weeks. These side effects could include pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection sites; headache or flu-like symptoms; or dry eyes or excessive tearing.
However, if your symptoms persist, you may have an allergic reaction to Botox, in which case, you should come back to see us immediately. Signs of a possible allergic reaction include droopy eyelids, uneven eyebrows, a crooked smile, or drooling.
There is no reason why you should not be able to use Botox injections as a means to stave off the aging process by starting treatment in your 20s or 30s. Our staff can book a consultation appointment for you to talk to one of our surgeons to see what might work best for your specific needs.