Botox injections are the most widespread procedure in the world, with an estimated three million injections happening each year.
Most patients choose Botox to target existing wrinkles such as crow’s feet, forehead lines, or lip lines. However, a new trend has been emerging among patients in their 20s: preventative Botox before lines even show up.
While the treatment is highly effective for this goal, overuse can cause aesthetic and comfort-related issues, such as a loss of facial expression, often called a “plastic” look, and even a decline in skin quality over time.
In this article, we’ll go over some basic dos and don’ts, when you should consider starting, and how to spot potential Botox red flags.
When Should You Start Getting Preventative Botox?
Botox, or botulinum toxin, is an injectable treatment that works by temporarily relaxing or “paralyzing” the muscles responsible for repetitive facial movements, which leads to smoother skin.
While the right time to start depends on the individual, most candidates for preventative Botox are at least in their early to mid-20s. There isn’t a strict rule for when to begin, but it often comes down to how your face moves.
For example, you might notice that you naturally frown when concentrating, or that fine lines appear around your eyes every time you smile. Some people also develop early lines in the neck area. These are all areas where repeated muscle movement can eventually lead to deeper, more permanent wrinkles.
Because of this, preventative Botox focuses on the muscles you use the most. Those areas are identified and treated proactively, so that patients can slow down these lines from becoming more noticeable over time.
When it comes to the procedure of preventative Botox itself, it’s pretty similar to regular injections. The only difference is that instead of targeting wrinkles, an esthetician will strategically place injections where lines might form.
How Often Should You Get Preventative Botox?
While there isn’t one perfect answer for everyone, one thing is clear: you’ll need fewer sessions when using Botox preventatively compared to treating deep wrinkles. In most cases, treatments are spaced out every 4 to 6 months.
You can also pay attention to your own face and decide when it’s time for a touch-up. For example, you might notice your skin starting to settle back into its usual creases, or that your results don’t look as noticeable as before. In some cases, lines may linger for a bit after certain facial expressions, or you may see drooping in the eyelids or eyebrows.
Who’s a Good Candidate?
Preventative Botox can be a good option for those who are just starting to notice their first fine lines, or for patients who have very expressive faces and tend to frown, squint, or raise their brows often.
If you notice that certain movements are already leaving temporary lines behind, even when your face is at rest, that’s usually a sign you can start thinking about it.
Some things to keep in mind are that you should not be pregnant or nursing, and it’s important to come in with realistic expectations. Botox is one of those treatments that requires constant upkeep for lasting results.
In general, the treatment is considered safe for most people and doesn’t require downtime, which is part of why so many patients choose to start early.
Final Thoughts
At a time when smooth, healthy-looking, glowing skin is the beauty standard, Botox can fit nicely into the right skincare routine to help achieve those results.
However, too much too soon can end up working against you in the long run, both by creating an expressionless look and potentially wearing down the skin over time.
This is where a medical expert who understands these factors, rather than someone who may try to upsell you, can make all the difference.
At his clinic in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Dr. Bosbous has been performing these injections for his patients for years. You can trust him and his team to always aim for the perfect middle between your goals and what’s best for your skin in the long run.
If you’re in the Milwaukee area and are looking for a safe place to start, book your consultation today.