The face of Botox is rapidly changing. What was once regarded as an anti-aging tool for adults in their late 30s and early 40s is now becoming a mainstay treatment among younger individuals. More patients in their 20s and early 30s are requesting preventative Botox injections to stay ahead of the curve and avoid age-related lines before they are even visible. Here, Dr. Kevin Bounds explores this growing trend in more detail.
“An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Cure”
For some younger patients, Benjamin Franklin’s wise words are an inspiration to face the aging process head on and start Botox injections earlier in life. By getting a jump start on preventative Botox treatments, patients in their 20s and 30s can ward off fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, forehead and eyebrows before they become deeply etched into the skin.
On the whole, individuals in this age group — often referred to colloquially as “millennials” — tend to invest a lot in personal care products and treatments. Like boutique fitness classes, luxurious skin care products, microblading and lash lifts, Botox is one of many tools of the trade that help millennials look and feel youthful and attractive for as long as possible.
Botox Basics
Botox is an injectable made from botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxin that temporarily weakens facial muscles. When injected into targeted muscles, Botox inhibits repetitive muscle movement and prevents the ensuing dynamic wrinkles and fine lines. The result is smoother, softer and more youthful-looking skin.
The most common anti-aging uses for Botox include treating forehead wrinkles, vertical lines or “11s” in between the eyebrows and crow’s feet at the corners of the eyes. Botox can also be used on wrinkles around the lips and mouth.
Patients of all ages love Botox because the injections can be administered without greatly interrupting their daily routines. The injections take less than half an hour to administer, and no recovery downtime is required.
Younger patients typically see great outcomes with fewer Botox injections and treatments. By starting Botox at the first hint of wrinkles, or even before wrinkles form, millennials can avoid the need for more invasive aging treatments later in life. Over time, the targeted facial muscles are “trained” not to constrict into expressions that cause dynamic wrinkles; and, any wrinkles that do form are not nearly as prominent as they would be without preventative Botox.
Pick Your Provider Carefully
Whether you are 25, 45 or 65, or seeking Botox for the first or tenth time, it is wise to approach any cosmetic treatment with caution. Choose a provider who demonstrates a high degree of artistry, an innate understanding of facial anatomy and a firm commitment to patient safety.
Dr. Bounds has been designated an ExpertInjector™ by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). Let him give you the benefit of his experience treating thousands of patients with Botox. Young, middle-aged or older, your age doesn’t matter — when you are in the hands of an experienced professional, the treatment benefits are very real.
Let Dr. Bounds assess your needs today. Call or email Plastic Surgery of Virginia Beach to request a consultation with Dr. Bounds.
