Should I Start Using Botox®?

Should I Start Using Botox®?

BY LESLIE LEE AESTHETIC CREATOR

This is a common question my patients ask and it’s very important to address. I like that more and more people want to stay well-informed about the latest cosmetic techniques, knowing that each individual needs customized treatment. I love when my patients ask me questions because it shows they are researching each process and want to learn about aging intentionally with non-invasive beauty treatments.

When it comes to the use of neurotoxins commonly referred to as Botox®, there are other types such as Dysport and Xeomin. Many people think that you should consider it only when you can visibly see wrinkles on your face. In the consultation process, I educate patients on what I believe there are two ways to treat with neurotoxins: “preventative” toxins and “treatment” toxins. Preventative toxins are used before a resting line develops. “Treatment” toxins on the other hand are used when the line is there at rest. You look mad or like you are frowning all the time. There are many different uses for Botox®; Some people use Botox® for a brow lift, lip flip, teeth grinding, or strong neck bands. The most commonly treated are Frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet. With that, Let’s dive into how Botox® could be beneficial at any stage of life.

The Sweet 20s and 30s

At this age, many people think that there is no need to worry about the skin at all. However, this is the stage when we start losing hydration all over our skin, not only in our faces. We also will start to see the consequences of sun damage to our skin. This is why we utilize “preventative” Botox® in the 20s and 30s. “Preventative” Botox® is recommended when you can see where the line may develop and treat with a toxin before the line becomes “static.” The term static refers to lines that stay there at rest, think frown lines making someone look angry. In prevention treatments, we treat lighter, which means we may not do the full FDA-approved amount of Botox®. For the frown line, the FDA-approved amount for the frown lines is 20 units, we might inject 12-16 in the frown. This is a great tool to achieve natural, refreshed-looking results while keeping the lines from deepening.

Applying Botox® earlier is a preventative measure to avoid getting fine lines and wrinkles by relaxing the muscle and the overlying skin. If you are in this stage, is very important that your injector is honest with you if you need preventative Botox® and educates you on the dose and frequency that you specifically will need and why. If the lines never fully develop, they are easier to maintain. Great injectors may also educate you on at-home care for your skin to make sure you are getting the best results possible.

The Fabulous 40s and Beyond

The age to start using Botox® is very individual. There are no rules to follow when it comes to the “right” age to start. It is important to pay attention to your lines of expression and wrinkles AND how you feel about them. As soon as you start to notice them or when they start bothering you, it’s time that you visit a trusted injector and identify which type of treatment could be the best for your type of skin and daily activities.

In the fabulous ’40s and beyond we tend to use “treatment” Botox®. This is because most people have well-developed lines and wrinkles. For best results, those lines need to be able to relax for a longer period of time meaning we would fully treat with the FDA-approved amount of Botox®. We have to do this every three months for a least one year to get the line to look better and better. As a rule of thumb, most neurotoxins last around 3-4 months. Most clients do not mind their age, they just want to look and feel GOOD for their age. Our goal is to assist clients in looking and feeling their best.

Always consult your doctor before any beauty treatment, non-invasive because it is important that your skin is in healthy condition. Many things can affect the needed dose of Botox®, such as body weight, medical conditions, and, medications. Being well-informed and disciplined with any treatment is the key to having the best results. For more information and support on aging gracefully, please reach out to hello@aestheticcreator.com. We would love to be a part of your journey.