The fact that BOTOX® is FDA-approved to treat existing lines and wrinkles* is exactly the quality that’s made it one of the most popular cosmetic procedures around. Yet, with its increased prevalence, more people are considering treatment before they show any major signs of aging, even as early as their 20s. Is there such a thing as preventative BOTOX®?
Stopping Wrinkles before They Start
There are three major contributors to the signs of aging in the face:
- Repeated muscle movements
- Cumulative sun damage
- Volume loss that occurs naturally as part of the aging process
Dynamic wrinkles are formed by making the same habitual facial expressions again and again, just like a napkin gets creased when it’s repeatedly folded along the same lines. These are the wrinkles that BOTOX® targets so effectively, most often the crow’s feet at the outer corners of the eyes and the frown lines between the brows.*
Since the way BOTOX® works is by temporarily paralyzing the muscles to prevent further movement, it makes sense to consider a preventative approach: why not keep them from moving too much in the first place? To this end, patients are contemplating treatments before seeing even a sign of a wrinkle.
While this approach does make some sense, there’s just one catch: BOTOX® is only temporary. The effects wear off naturally after several months, and require maintenance injections to keep wrinkles at bay.* Starting injections so much younger than the average patient means committing to a long treatment plan that may not be necessary. While BOTOX® may work preventatively, the best approach is to wait until there’s actually a problem before you start worrying about how to fix it.
*This information is for education only, and is not meant as a guarantee of results. Your results may vary.