It is no surprise that our skin changes as we age. However, these changes can leave us feeling unlike our true self. The good news is that there are a number of options available to treat sagging, fine lines, wrinkles, and a range of other age-related concerns.
With that being said, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. When it comes to maintaining a youthful visage, preventative care is incredibly important. While many people avoid sun exposure and start a good skin care regimen at a young age, few have thought about the benefits they might gain from preventative Botox.
Despite misconceptions, Botox isn’t just for those who are 40 and older. There are a few reasons you might want to consider Botox treatments at a much younger age. What is preventative Botox and what benefits does it offer?
Botox: Perception and Reality
There’s a common misconception that you don’t need Botox until later in life, when frown lines and crow’s feet have turned you into someone you no longer recognize in the mirror.
In the past, Botox was largely reserved for middle age or later, but these days, preventative Botox is becoming a lot more popular.
Today, people in their 30s (and even their 20s) are starting to recognize the benefits of early Botox treatments.
While wrinkles can be related to factors like genetics, sun exposure, and smoking, they can also form because of repetitive, small muscle contractions that occur when you smile, frown, or otherwise display emotions on your face.
With preventative Botox, you can start to address wrinkles in the early stages, before they even become noticeable.
How is Botox Preventative?
Botox is generally seen as a reactive treatment. In other words, once you start to notice fine lines and wrinkles and then you seek treatment to minimize or eliminate these telltale signs of aging. So how can Botox be preventative?
In a nutshell, it can slow or halt the progression of wrinkles by preventing small lines from becoming deeper and harder to treat.
Botox injections are designed to block nerve signals, relax muscles and stop them from contracting. This smooths the skin overlying the muscle, minimizing the appearance of wrinkles while keeping them from developing further.
Can I Get Botox in My 20s?
YES! Anyone age 18 or over can legally get cosmetic Botox treatments. Everyone ages differently, due to a range of influencing factors, from heredity to lifestyle to the environment. It is therefore conceivable that some people may feel the need for Botox as early as their 20s.
Volume Required for Effective Preventative Botox
Typically, a dermatologist might administer between 10 and 50 units of Botox, depending on the areas being treated, the patient’s needs, and the history of treatment.
If you start Botox at a younger age, it’s likely that you’ll require no more than about 30 units per treatment at most.
When to Start Preventative Botox
The time to start preventative Botox is now, before you develop fine lines and wrinkles and before they get worse. No matter your age, the later years of life do not hold a monopoly on wrinkles and other signs of aging.
Whether you’ve already noticed creases forming on your forehead or heredity dictates that you’re likely to develop crow’s feet around your eyes, you can begin preventative maintenance early to stave off these signs of aging and retain a youthful appearance longer.
If you’re interested in Botox, there’s no need to wait until fine lines and wrinkles start to make their mark. Contact Dr. Beverly Fischer today at 410-308-4700 or online to schedule your consultation.
