BOTOX® Cosmetic eases dynamic expression lines and softens the appearance of wrinkles. But this popular neuromodulator is increasingly being used as a “prejuvenation” treatment to stave off the signs of aging before they manifest.
If you are curious about this “preventative BOTOX” approach and want to know when and where to begin (and why!), we cover it all in this blog post.
BOTOX Basics
Let’s begin with a quick primer on BOTOX. This injectable treatment is a neuromodulator derived from botulinum toxin A that modulates (interrupts) the neural signals that cause the muscle to contract.
As a result, the injected muscle will soften, giving the skin a relaxed, rested appearance. BOTOX specifically targets dynamic wrinkles caused by repetitive movements to restore a more youthful look. Patients can typically enjoy these improvements for 3 to 4 months, with most choosing to get maintenance treatments to “top-up” their results.
BOTOX Cosmetic has FDA approval to treat:
- Horizontal forehead lines
- Vertical frown lines (glabellar lines or “11s,” which form between the eyes when frowning)
- Lateral canthal lines (crow’s feet)
In addition, BOTOX has several “off-label” uses, including:
- Lifting a sagging brow
- Improving a gummy smile
- Softening a square jawline (masseter reduction)
- Smoothing “bunny lines” on the nose
- Treating vertical neck bands
- Reducing the appearance of lip lines
In the hands of a qualified board-certified dermatologist, these off-label uses are safe and can produce significant cosmetic improvements.
When To Start BOTOX
Some men and women will begin BOTOX for wrinkle prevention as early as their 20s and 30s. Everyone shows their age differently, so there is no “right” age to start BOTOX. We encourage you to remember that BOTOX will not stop wrinkles from ever forming—instead, it will slow the rate at which wrinkles develop and may cause them to be less pronounced.
The New York Times describes one dermatologist’s view of preventative BOTOX as creating a new “baseline” for aging later in life. While wrinkles will still develop, they will form on smooth, supple skin that has remained relaxed and uncreased with years of “prejuvenating” treatments.
BOTOX Concerns by Decade
Below, we cover signs of aging and cosmetic concerns that BOTOX can address—whether you are in your 20s or 60s.
BOTOX in Your 20s
Visible signs of aging can begin showing as early as your 20s. You may start to notice creases on your forehead, between your eyebrows, on your nose (bunny lines), or around your mouth (nasolabial folds). Your skin may also lose some of its firmness and elasticity as collagen production decreases.
BOTOX can prevent these lines from deepening, which can indirectly help with skin elasticity by relaxing the muscles and limiting excess movement.
Most common treatment areas:
- Forehead lines
- Frown lines
- Bunny lines
- Nasolabial folds (smile lines)
BOTOX in Your 30s
Fine lines and wrinkles will start to become more noticeable and may deepen, especially around the eyes and forehead. Expression lines may persist even when your face is at rest due to decreased skin elasticity and resilience.
BOTOX can smooth these dynamic wrinkles and prevent them from becoming more pronounced. For patients whose brow lines may be sagging, a strategic injection can relax the muscle and brighten the eye area. This temporary brow lift can make patients appear more rested and alert while delaying the need for a permanent surgical solution.
Most common treatment areas:
- Forehead lines
- Frown lines
- Bunny lines
- Nasolabial folds
- + Crow’s feet
- + Brow line
BOTOX in Your 40s
Wrinkles start to get more pronounced during your 40s as fine lines progress into deep wrinkles and new wrinkles form, especially around the mouth and chin. You may also notice signs of aging in the neck as vertical bands become more prominent.
BOTOX can ease the appearance of these deeper wrinkles. However, a combination approach with dermal fillers can provide a comprehensive “liquid facelift” effect. A nonsurgical, liquid facelift targets both the loss of volume that comes with aging as well as dynamic and static wrinkles (wrinkles that are present even when the face is at rest).
Most common treatment areas:
- Forehead lines
- Frown lines
- Bunny lines
- Nasolabial folds
- Crow’s feet
- Brow line
- + Marionette lines (vertical lines that run from the outside of the mouth to the chin)
- + Vertical lip lines
- + Platysmal bands (neck bands)
BOTOX in Your 50s
By your 50s, wrinkles will become more profound and widespread, with both static and dynamic wrinkles prominent. As skin becomes increasingly lax, jowls may also begin to develop.
BOTOX can improve the appearance of jowls if the skin only has mild laxity and can still be used to target dynamic wrinkles. However, its role in turning back the clock may be more limited than other treatments. Dermal fillers and nonsurgical skin tightening procedures like Ultherapy® can enhance the effects of BOTOX while simultaneously addressing other age-related concerns.
Most common treatment areas:
- Forehead lines
- Frown lines
- Bunny lines
- Nasolabial folds
- Crow’s feet
- Brow line
- Marionette lines
- Vertical lip lines
- Platysmal bands
- + Jowls
BOTOX in Your 60s and Beyond
Static wrinkles and pronounced sagging typically become dominant in patients aged 60 and over. BOTOX may again play a supporting role in treating dynamic expression lines, but other therapies may be more effective for treating specific concerns. A surgical facelift may also be appropriate—and BOTOX can be safely used as a “top-up” treatment for the patient’s revitalized, more youthful appearance.
Most common treatment areas:
- Forehead lines
- Frown lines
- Bunny lines
- Nasolabial folds
- Crow’s feet
- Brow line
- Marionette lines
- Vertical lip lines
- Platysmal bands
- Jowls
BOTOX at Any Age
BOTOX preventative “tweakments” help slow the development of dynamic wrinkles and soften existing lines before they deepen. It is an effective, highly versatile treatment; however, for older patients, additional modalities can produce more extensive facial rejuvenation results.
To learn more about how BOTOX can help you achieve your cosmetic goals, please request a consultation or call us at (585) 272-0700.
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