Preventative Botox

Self-care is becoming more of a priority and more so than ever for women in their 20’s and 30’s. I’m so happy to see that skincare and anti-aging routines are incorporated into today’s lifestyle as healthy habits. Preventive Botox® is becoming a mainstay of this self-care regimen. Want to learn more? Let’s dive in!…

WHAT IS PREVENTATIVE BOTOX®?

Preventative Botox® is when a young person receives Botox to ward off permanent wrinkles. Let’s start from the beginning to review the science behind wrinkles and Botox®…

Wrinkles are formed by repetitive muscle contractions caused by normal facial expressions. These normal expressions of smiling, laughing, squinting, talking, etc. ARE CONSTANT which means that wrinkles WILL HAPPEN.

Over time, the repetitive contraction of these facial muscles pulls the skin in the same direction causing wrinkles which 1) can become deeper and deeper and 2) can even stick around even without expression:(

This is where Botox® comes in…

Botox® (OnabotulinumtoxinA) is an FDA Approved cosmetic injectable used to improve fine lines and wrinkles. Botox works to relax the facial muscles, thus reducing the contraction and preventing the wrinkle. Of note, Botox® works to improve the appearance of wrinkles caused by muscle movement. Once you see a line when the muscle is at rest, THAT is the start of a wrinkle so it’s best to start preventative Botox® before that line forms. Preventative Botox® can prevent wrinkles from forming AND from becoming permanent.

Have no fear if you’ve already started to see faint lines. When you catch these lines early, there is a high likelihood that the wrinkle can be completely eliminated. With early  BOTOX® treatments, many of these wrinkles can be prevented and/or treated completely. Now that we have the science and definitions out the way, let’s go thru the most commonly asked questions:

WHEN IS IT BEST TO START PREVENTATIVE BOTOX®? 

As mentioned, it’s best to start preventative Botox® before the lines happen!! If you’re young and have faint lines, that’s a good time to start too. I would say people typically start noticing early lines at rest in the mid-to-late-20s. It’s not uncommon for someone to make an appointment close to their 30^th birthday to have a refreshed look before they step into the next decade.

WILL PREVENTATIVE BOTOX® PREVENT ALL WRINKLES? 

No. As wrinkles have other causes including natural aging, sun damage and smoking to name a few, you need to do your best to keep these at bay. Some recs: Stay hydrated, moisturize daily, use a retinol at night, wear sunscreen every single day and don’t. smoke. EVER.

 WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PREVENTATIVE BOTOX®?

Well, the obvious is smoother looking skin and what comes with that is a boost in confidence and a more youthful appearance for years to come. You’ll save money too. You’re probably wondering how is this possible?… Younger patients usually do not need Botox® as frequently. Sometimes the results can last 5-6 months (opposed to only 3 months). And those who start early tend to need fewer units over time because their hyperactive muscles have essentially been retrained.

 WHAT ARE SOME COMMON AREAS FOR A PREVENTATIVE BOTOX® TREATMENT? 

Lines across the forehead, frown lines between the brows, crow’s feet, wrinkles at the top of the nose and lines around the mouth are most commonly requested. Odds are, if these areas are overactive, permanent wrinkles will develop.

HOW MANY UNITS FOR PREVENTATIVE BOTOX®?

Of course, all treatments are customized in my practice, but in general, the number of Botox® units needed often times matches your age. For instance, if you’re 27 years old, you would probably need around 25-30 Botox® units total.

HOW MUCH DOES PREVENTATIVE BOTOX® COST? 

The typical cost of a preventative treatment for a specific area falls in the $150-$300 range.

WHAT KIND OF UPKEEP IS THERE FOR PREVENTATIVE BOTOX®? 

One Botox® treatment will give you results only for that particular treatment. Once the medication wears off, your muscle contraction and wrinkles will return to their prior condition. Continued treatments on a regular basis (2-4 times a year) would be considered preventative treatments which will give you the best results over time. Since the muscles will be weaker over time, less frequent visits and lower doses are usually needed. Preventative Botox® only prevents wrinkles as long as it’s kept up.

 THE PAPER ANALOGY: 

Think of your skin like a piece of paper. If you keep folding a piece a paper, a crease WILL form. And as we all know, a sharp crease is impossible to remove.  It’s the same with wrinkles. Preventative Botox® works to temporarily relax the muscle so that the wrinkle doesn’t happen. Makes sense to start early right?

MORE ABOUT PREVENTATIVE BOTOX® AT CHICAGO AESTHETICS CLUB

We’ll help you sign up for Allē, a rewards program thru Allergan (the company that makes Botox®). At each visit, you’ll have points added to receive money off at future visits! At the time of publication: consultation is free. And our current promo is 10% off your first treatment!OR