Botox® has become a household name in anti-aging skin care strategies, in part because many men and women alike can be excellent candidates for this injectable wrinkle treatment. One of the most frequently asked questions about Botox®, though, is whether there is a right or wrong time to start this procedure. Read on for an overview of how Botox® works and how to decide when is the best time to plan your first session.
How Botox® Works
Botox® is a type of neuromodulator that is used to smooth away the appearance of lines on the forehead and near the eyes. It works by temporarily relaxing the muscles in your face that create what are called dynamic expression lines. Dynamic lines are those that form only when you make a facial expression. Static lines, on the other hand, remain on your face even while at rest. Over time, dynamic lines and wrinkles can become static. There is some evidence that Botox® may help to prevent static wrinkles from forming in the future if used long-term and early enough (Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery).
This begs the question, “When is the right time to start getting Botox® treatments?” More so than your numerical age, your lifestyle factors and skin condition will play the biggest roles in determining the answer to this question. For example, someone who lives in a warm, sunny climate like Miami and doesn’t use sunscreen will likely notice the first signs of photoaging on their skin sooner than someone who lives in a cooler climate, spends more time indoors, and uses sunscreen. Other factors such as smoking, eating and exercise habits, and genetics can also play a role in the rate of skin aging. In short, there is no right or wrong time to start Botox® treatments, although the earlier you start, the better your chances of experiencing fewer lines and wrinkles in the future.
Planning Your First Botox® Session
If you’re considering Botox®, the first step is to choose an experienced and skilled provider and set up an in-person consultation. He or she should be able to assess your skin condition, listen to your wants and goals, and determine if Botox® is a good fit for you.
One of the biggest benefits of Botox® and other injectable wrinkle treatments is that they only take about 20 minutes to complete and do not require downtime afterwards. This is why these kinds of treatments are often referred to as “lunchtime” procedures, as they can easily fit within your lunch break and allow you to return back to work and other normal activities right away.
Most people enjoy the same smooth look for about four months, although this can vary from person to person (Allergan). Because these effects are only temporary (although there may be some long-term preventive benefits as mentioned above), you will need to schedule Botox® sessions spaced several months apart to maintain the same results. However, because each treatment session is relatively short, most people find that Botox® is easy to fit into their regular schedules.
In Summary
While there isn’t a right or wrong time to get your first Botox® treatment, it can be beneficial to start at the first signs of wrinkles, which often occurs in a person’s mid-twenties. If you’ve already missed this mark, though, don’t panic. Botox® and dermal fillers can still produce excellent results and help you achieve the smoother, more youthful look you want.
Your dermatologist may also recommend pairing your injectable treatment or combination of treatments with the right skin care routine for your unique skin type. Retinoid-based products can be a great complement to professional skin treatments, but be sure to check in with your dermatologist about the best way to introduce this ingredient to your skin after having had injections.
Have additional questions about Botox® or other anti-aging skin treatments? Feel free to post them in the comments below or share them on our Facebook page. We may even feature your question in one of our future blog posts!