BOTOX is the number one nonsurgical cosmetic treatment in the world. Every year, millions of people get injections. But why are neuromodulators so popular, and what is the best age to start? At CAS MEDISPA in Bloomington, IN, we offer botulinum toxins to adults of all ages, as long as they are healthy and don’t have any contraindications. Read on to find out more about the treatment and to find out whether you’re a good candidate.
What’s the Best Age for Getting BOTOX
It’s impossible to determine the best age for getting botulinum toxin injections because every patient is different. Some people have thin lips or wrinkled skin in their 20s, either due to genetic factors or because they didn’t take good care of their bodies early in life. They might benefit from neuromodulators before they turn 30.
Others want to prevent premature aging, so they get injections before their lines and wrinkles become static or deep. Those who live a healthy lifestyle might not need to get treated until their late 30s or early 40s. The best way to find out the ideal age for getting botulinum toxin is to reach out to the clinic and book a consultation. We have years of experience working with a wide range of patients, so we can identify potential issues and come up with a Botox treatment plan.
In Your 20s
There are several reasons why someone might get botulinum toxin in their 20s. Although this substance is often used to address the early signs of aging, it is also a great way of plumping up the lips. The active ingredient relaxes the muscles. When injected into the tissue around the mouth, the lips curl slightly outwards and appear more voluminous. This is ideal for people who have thin or uneven lips due to genetic factors.
Sometimes, patients come to us in their late 20s because they exposed their bodies to large amounts of sunlight when they were younger. These people often have fine lines and wrinkles before their peers, so they need treatment earlier. It’s best to start getting botulinum toxin before the signs of aging are very pronounced, since the injectable addresses dynamic wrinkles, not static ones that don’t disappear when the face is in neutral.
In Your 30s and Early 40s
Most people start having neuromodulator injections in their 30s or early 40s. At that time, the signs of aging are more pronounced, and patients start to become concerned about lines and sagging. However, the skin is still supple enough to respond to treatment, and many wrinkles haven’t yet become static. This means that botulinum toxin injections are very effective for people in this age bracket.
Every person’s body is different, so the initial consultation is important when determining whether injections are necessary and where they should be placed. When you first come to see us, we’ll analyze your facial features and let you know what wrinkles you might develop in the next few years. Then, we’ll come up with a treatment plan that addresses your unique problem areas.
In Your Mid-40s and Beyond
Sometimes, people in their mid-40s and beyond ask us whether Botox injections are no longer effective for them since they already have some static wrinkles. Fortunately, these patients can still benefit from neuromodulator treatment, although it might need to be combined with other methods like dermal fillers, a facial, and microneedling.
Most patients over 45 have to get greater amounts of botulinum toxin than those who are younger. However, the combination of neuromodulators and dermal fillers can effectively address both static and dynamic wrinkles. Because the lips tend to become thinner over time, many older patients get botulinum toxin injected into the area around their mouths. Injectable treatments reduce the need for plastic surgery.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Most people are good candidates for botulinum toxin. Because Botox treatment doesn’t involve an operation or general anesthesia, it is appropriate for those who have mild to moderate health conditions. People with cancer, severe heart disease, or autoimmune issues need to speak to their primary physicians to find out whether they are good candidates.
We don’t treat women who are pregnant or breastfeeding because there is too little evidence that botulinum toxin is safe for them. Those who have a fungal infection or skin condition at the treatment site have to wait until their condition has improved. We always check what medications patients take because drugs that thin the blood need to be paused before and after BOTOX.
What Conditions Can Neuromodulators Address?
Neuromodulators are best known for reducing the visible signs of aging, like wrinkling and fine lines. They are often injected into the forehead, around the mouth, and in the area between the nose and the mouth. Botulinum toxin immobilizes the muscles in the treatment area, so the facial expressions that lead to wrinkles and sagging skin can no longer be created.
The treatment works best on static lines, which disappear when the face is neutral. Once the wrinkles have become permanent, the patient has to combine treatments to achieve the desired results. Botulinum toxin is also used to treat uneven or thin lips. It is a great option for people who want to change the shape of their lips without adding too much volume.
What Is the Treatment Like?
Neuromodulator treatment is extremely gentle, and it only takes around 30-45 minutes. When you first come to see us, expect to spend around one hour at the clinic. We start by numbing your skin and carefully marking the injection sites. Botulinum toxin injections are technique sensitive, so we spend some time making sure we target the correct area.
Then, we carefully inject the substance under your skin. Because your tissues are numbed, the process isn’t painful. Once we’re done, you can get cleaned up and leave the clinic. Because you aren’t anesthetized during the treatment, you don’t have to stay for observation, and you can drive yourself home right away.
Preparation and Aftercare
We never allow patients to book botulinum toxin appointments without first speaking to them about their health history and the substances they regularly take. Drugs and supplements that thin the blood have to be paused for at least a week before treatment. It’s also best to stop smoking and consuming large amounts of alcohol since these substances delay the healing process.
After your session, you can resume almost all your regular activities. Keep your treatment site away from direct sunlight, and always wear sunscreen when you go outside. Don’t participate in activities that heat your skin too much during the first 48 hours. Avoid jacuzzis, saunas, hot showers, and strenuous exercise.
Expected Results
Almost everyone experiences excellent results after botulinum toxin injections. Although patients might already feel different when they walk out of the clinic, the active ingredient takes a few days to settle and immobilize the muscles. After one to two weeks, the final outcome of treatment becomes visible.
The body breaks down and excretes botulinum toxin, so the results of the treatment aren’t permanent. Most patients have to come back to the clinic three or four times a year to maintain their smooth complexion. Because each session takes under an hour, the time commitment required to retain a youthful glow complexion is minimal.
Prolonging the Results
Not all patients see the same excellent results after botulinum toxin treatment. The most successful ones take great care of their bodies every day. They eat a healthy diet that allows them to maintain their weight and delivers vital nutrients to their tissues. They also drink plenty of water or herbal tea to keep their skin moisturized. One of the most important factors is the amount of sunlight exposure.
UV rays are extremely damaging, and continued exposure harms the cells and reduces the body’s ability to maintain youthful, healthy skin. If you have normal skin, use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. If you have sensitive skin, apply a product with an SPF of 50 or more. Ask us about the best sunscreens on the market. Some products contain toxic chemicals and should be avoided.
Retain Your Youthful Glow with Injectables
You can get BOTOX at any age. If you exposed your skin to a lot of sunlight in your youth, or you’d like to prevent premature aging, you might be a good candidate in your 20s and early 30s. However, you can still start treatment if you’re in your mid-40s or beyond. Give us a call at CAS MEDISPA in Bloomington, IN to find out more about neuromodulators and to book your first session.