Botox is one of the most popular aesthetic treatments in the world. For those who want to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, especially on the upper face, this neurotoxin injectable is usually a good option. However, is there a best age to get this treatment? Learn everything you need to know about this popular neurotoxin treatment before you schedule an appointment at Oceana Luxe Medspa Corpus Christi, TX.
What Is the Best Age to Get Botox?
Botox is generally approved for use in individuals aged 18 and older. However, the best age to use the neurotoxin treatment will ultimately depend on your treatment goals. For example, some people use this neurotoxin injectable to prevent the development of wrinkles, while others use this injectable to address wrinkles that are already moderate to severe.
Preventative
For people who want to use this neurotoxin injectable to prevent the worsening of fine lines and wrinkles, the best age is typically in their late 20s to early 30s. The earlier you use this neurotoxin treatment, the more effective it will be for delaying the development of dynamic wrinkles. Essentially, this works because a neurotoxin injectable will freeze the muscles in your face, reducing the tension that causes the skin to pull together and etch wrinkles onto the skin.
Anti-Aging
People who want to use this neurotoxin injectable to reduce visible signs of aging may be able to use treatment between the ages of 40 and 60. If you want to diminish the appearance of existing fine lines and wrinkles, using a neurotoxin injectable at this stage will reduce the tension in the face, which can make wrinkles appear deeper or more severe. As a note, however, using Botox at this age will not iron out wrinkles the same way other aesthetic treatments, such as dermal fillers, can.
What Can You Expect From Treatment?
Your neurotoxin treatments can usually be completed in about 20 minutes. For most people, a single treatment session is powerful enough to diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles for several months. Several small injections will be made directly into the muscles of your face that contribute to wrinkles. During your treatment, you may have the option of using a local anesthetic or topical numbing cream to keep your skin comfortable during your appointment.
How Does This Neurotoxin Work?
Whether it’s Botox, Dysport, or some other neurotoxin injectable, all neurotoxin treatments work the same. For this particular treatment, the active ingredient is a purified form of botulinum toxin A, which works as a mild muscle paralytic that will essentially freeze the muscles in your face. On a deeper level, botulinum toxin A also disrupts the communication between motor neurons in the face and signals from the brain.
This is a significant reason why it isn’t easy to build a tolerance to neurotoxin treatments. Additionally, the fact that neurotoxin treatments only affect motor neurons is why you will still be able to feel all sensations in your face and skin.
Where Can You Use This Treatment?
This neurotoxin injectable is primarily formulated to be used in the upper face, where dynamic wrinkles are most likely to develop. Specifically, this treatment is designed to diminish the appearance of horizontal forehead lines, frown lines between the eyebrows, and crow’s feet. However, you may also be able to use this treatment on bunny lines, lip corners, and more.
It’s important to understand that the main determining factor for where you can use Botox is the type of wrinkles you want to treat. This neurotoxin injectable is specifically formulated to target dynamic wrinkles, which are caused by tension in the facial muscles. Static wrinkles, on the other hand, result from collagen depletion. This is why many patients use neurotoxin injectables with dermal fillers to produce ideal results.
Using Neurotoxins to Treat Other Concerns
Along with treating fine lines and wrinkles, sometimes neurotoxin injectables can be used to treat other concerns. For example, Botox is approved to treat migraines, excessive sweating under the arms, and overactive bladder. Although your aesthetic expert will not be able to use this treatment to address these other concerns, you can always speak with your primary care physician or another specialist about using neurotoxin injectables to improve other aspects of your well-being.
How Long Do Results Last?
The results of this neurotoxin treatment will usually last for three to four months. The first time you use this neurotoxin treatment, you may find that the results last closer to three months, while those who have been using this neurotoxin treatment for several years may notice results that can last longer than four months. Ultimately, this will depend on how well your body processes the neurotoxin treatment and other factors that can affect the longevity of your results.
What Can Affect How Long Results Last?
Many factors can determine how long your results will last. For example, your genetics, the severity of your fine lines and wrinkles, and the general elasticity of your skin will all determine how long the neurotoxin injectable can diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Skin that is healthy and has adequate elasticity will usually produce longer-lasting results, whereas skin that has a lot of laxity will produce shorter results.
Other factors that can determine the longevity of your results can include your general activity level, medications you are taking, and other activities that may cause the botulinum toxin formula to break down more quickly. Essentially, people who engage in high-intensity exercise several times a week will have a faster metabolic rate that will break down the neurotoxin formula a bit more quickly than those with a lower-activity lifestyle.
How Should You Prepare for This Treatment?
To prepare for your appointment, you will need to revise the medications and supplements you are taking. For example, you may be directed to discontinue over-the-counter medications such as Advil and Ibuprofen for three to five days before your appointment, along with high amounts of vitamin C, vitamin E, fish oil, and some other supplements. During your consultation, you should discuss the medications and supplements you are taking.
You may have to reschedule your appointment if you have an active skin concern on the day of your treatment. For example, people with sunburns, cold sores, fever blisters, rosacea flare-ups, or any other autoimmune skin disorder, such as eczema or psoriasis, will need to reschedule their treatment. You should not use tanning beds, laser treatments, or chemical peels at least two weeks before your appointment.
What Should You Do After This Treatment?
After this treatment, it’s very important to avoid laying down for at least six hours since keeping your head elevated will help the botulinum toxin formula settle more easily in your skin. You should avoid bending down, leaning over, or placing any pressure on your skin, as well.
You also need to avoid exercise for at least the first 24 to 72 hours, depending on the specific instructions you receive after your treatment. You may not be allowed to wear makeup for 12 to 24 hours, and you will need to avoid direct contact with the sun, tanning beds, hot tubs, or saunas. You may start taking your normal medications and supplements at least 24 hours after your appointment.
Is This Treatment Right for You?
This treatment is generally a good match for those who have mild to moderate dynamic wrinkles, particularly on the upper face. This treatment can be used by people of any age, skin tone, and skin type, although it may be more effective for preventing wrinkles in younger people. This treatment is well-tolerated by most people.
Who Should Not Use This Treatment?
People who should not use this neurotoxin include those who are taking anticoagulants, antibiotics, or medications for autoimmune disorders. You cannot use this treatment if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or planning to become pregnant in the next few months. If you have a neuromuscular condition, you may not be a good candidate for this treatment.
Freeze Dynamic Wrinkles to Look Younger
Dynamic wrinkles can make you look several years older, especially if you are prone to frowning. However, a neurotoxin treatment can diminish your wrinkles or be used earlier in life to slow down the development of wrinkles. If you think this treatment is ideal for you, get in touch with Oceana Luxe Medspa Corpus Christi, TX to schedule a consultation.
