BOTOX® Cosmetic is a prescription injectable that temporarily relaxes the muscles responsible for certain facial expressions. It is FDA-approved to improve the look of frown lines between the brows, forehead lines, and crow’s feet, which form from repeated muscle movement.
Smile lines, for example, develop from repetitive use of the muscles of the face to make a smile, which leads to creases and wrinkles. Other factors can influence the likelihood of developing wrinkles, including genetics, sun exposure, and routine skin care.
BOTOX® can soften the look of these lines by limiting the movement of the muscles that create them. If you’re wondering when to consider BOTOX®, here are a few things to keep in mind.
What to Know About Starting BOTOX® Early
Frequent contraction of facial muscles, skin tone, sun exposure, genetics, diet, hydration, and other factors influence the likelihood of developing wrinkles. Some people ask about using BOTOX® before lines become visible. This is not an FDA-approved use and it has not been proven to prevent wrinkles, so it is something to discuss with your provider.
Results from BOTOX® typically last a few months, although this varies by person and treatment area. Your provider can help you decide when treatment makes sense for your lines and goals.
Is There a Right Age for BOTOX®?
Expression lines that stay visible when the face is at rest are often what lead people to ask about BOTOX®. It’s normal to see facial lines when the muscles are contracting to form a frown or smile. Lines that remain after the face returns to neutral are a common reason to schedule a consultation.
You can test this out by standing in front of a mirror, forming a certain expression (such as raised eyebrows or a smile), and then letting your face return to normal. If your face completely returns to normal and there are no visible lines, BOTOX® may not be needed right now.
There isn’t a set age for when BOTOX® becomes appropriate. Every person’s features and aging process is different. Some people may not notice lines that linger after an expression until their 30s or later, while others notice them sooner. The bottom line is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, and your provider can help you decide what fits your situation.
Addressing Current Wrinkles
Often, the most prominent facial wrinkles are on the forehead and around the mouth. Some individuals have a very expressive face, which can cause them to form forehead wrinkles sooner than others. The same is true for smile lines. Frequent smiling and laughing can cause laugh lines to develop early on. For lines on the forehead, between the brows, or at the corners of the eyes, BOTOX® injections can help soften their appearance. Your provider can explain which options suit lines around the mouth.
Visit The Bliss Room
Our providers at The Bliss Room develop custom treatment plans based on each client’s needs. Call the spa today to schedule a consultation about BOTOX® and whether it suits your goals.