Main image courtesy of Showbiz Cheat Sheet.
As we age, our skin begins to lose its elasticity, which results in noticeable lines and wrinkles on our face. Because the body’s natural production of collagen also decreases, our skin starts to look less firm than we’re used to. Although there are additional factors that can contribute to the wrinkles we notice on our facial skin (such as sun exposure and tobacco use), the main reason is because of aging.
While we can’t turn back the clock on the aging process, there are treatments such as botox that can help lessen or even eliminate the wrinkles we see on our face. But how do you know when is the right time to get botox, and where can you get it? In this 2022 botox guide, we’re going to discuss:
- What botox is
- When you should get botox
- Where you can get botox
What is Botox?
What exactly is botox and why do people get it?
Botox treatments are a popular way to soften and even eliminate wrinkles. Image courtesy of iStock.
You’ve probably heard of botox before, but may be wondering what exactly is it? Botox is the brand name of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which is injected into the skin in order to reduce or eliminate wrinkles. There are other brand names, but botox is the common name we use to refer to any injection of the toxin botulinum. Although you may think that botox is only used to help get firmer, smoother skin, it is also useful for treating other conditions such as:
- Severe underarm sweating
- Neck and shoulder muscle spasms
- Chronic migraine
- Overactive bladder
- Uncontrollable blinking
Botox is a very popular way to help manage wrinkles because once it is injected into the skin, it prevents the signals that are sent from the nerves to the muscles. This means that the muscle at the injection site cannot contract, causing the wrinkles to soften and even disappear. Most people like to have botox injected into their foreheads, the outer parts of their eyes (crow’s feet), and their frown lines, since these areas typically are the first to see wrinkles.
Botox injections are done without anesthesia and have just a minor discomfort from the needle. It usually takes around 7-14 days to see the results, and the effects of your botox injection can last from three to six months. Since the botox eventually wears off, you will need to re-treat areas, however, the wrinkles that do return may be less noticeable.
When to Get Botox
What age is the best time to get botox?
What age you decide to get botox depends on the severity of your wrinkles. Image courtesy of Stocksey.
In order to answer when is the “right” time to start botox injections, you really need to first look at the stage of your wrinkles. Because everyone’s skin is different, some people may start to notice dynamic wrinkles(wrinkles that occur when you make facial expressions) sooner than others, and want to start to treat them before they develop into static wrinkles—which are wrinkles that appear even when your face is at rest. At what age you start to notice the progression of dynamic wrinkles into static wrinkles can vary. Dermatologists recommend that in order to get the most benefits out of botox, you may want to start injections when your dynamic wrinkles are about to change into more static wrinkles. But what that age is can vary from person to person.
By the time we reach 30, our collagen levels start to naturally reduce, so this might be the right time to discuss botox with your doctor. However, what age you decide botox is right for you is entirely up to you and your doctor.
In your 20s
If you do want to start preventative botox treatments in your 20s, make sure you speak with your doctor to see if you have dynamic wrinkles that can benefit from this treatment. Just because you’re getting preventative botox where those dynamic wrinkles are, doesn’t mean you won’t ever get wrinkles there. With preventative treatment, you can soften the wrinkles that do develop, allowing you to need less botox as you age.
In your 30s
If you start in your 30s, you’re likely to have dynamic wrinkles that are progressing towards static wrinkles. This is when you may start to notice more fine lines even when your face is at rest. Since this is the age when collagen levels start to decrease and our skin becomes less elastic, this might be the right time for you to start botox.
In your 40s
If you want to start botox in your 40s, instead of using it as a preventative measure, botox is used to treat the more defined wrinkles. You know your wrinkles are more static when makeup tends to settle in them. The deeper your wrinkles are, the more units of botox you’ll need to soften them.
In your 50s
At this age, botox can still help soften the lines and wrinkles, but you may need additional treatments to make a noticeable difference.
Where Can You Get Botox?
Where you get botox depends on your specific needs
Where you decide to get botox depends on where your wrinkles develop. Image courtesy of Crello.
Once you’ve decided that botox injections are for you, it’s time to discuss with your doctor where you’d like to have them. Typically, people choose to get injections where they’re noticing the most wrinkles, or where they’d like to prevent dynamic wrinkles from getting deeper. These areas include:
- Forehead
- Between the eyebrows
- Top of the nose
- Crow’s feet
- Smile lines
- Lip lines
- Jawline and neck
- Chin
If you’re looking for someone qualified to administer botox injections, consider making an appointment with Dr. Elizabeth Wakim, who offers both botox and dermal filler treatments.
At what age you decide to get botox is up to you, and depends on what your skincare goals are. Whether you decide to try preventative injections, or are looking to soften deeper wrinkles, botox could be just the treatment you need.