Preventative Botox: Stop Wrinkles Before They Start

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Many people think Botox is an option just for people with wrinkles, but it can prevent them, too. Read on to learn about preventative Botox.

Worried about those wrinkles lining your face? They might seem small, but with time, those wrinkles will become more prominent.

in 2017, 7.23 million botulinum toxin type A procedures were performed. That made Botox treatments the most requested nonsurgical procedure of that year. In fact, Botox has been the number one nonsurgical procedure since 2000.

Don’t let your wrinkles gang up on you, be proactive. With preventative Botox, you can smooth your skin ahead of schedule.

Here’s everything you need to know about preventative Botox.

What is Botox?

Botox is the brand name. There are alternatives like Dysport and Xeomin, but “Botox” is the label often used for this type of treatment.

A neuromodulator, Botox acts on the body’s motor neurons to reduce muscle activity.

In 2002, Botox received the FDA’s approval for cosmetic use. But it’s actually been used for non-cosmetic treatments since the late 1980s.

How It Works

Usually, Botox works best for wrinkles that are caused by muscles contraction. These are also known as the “11s” you see between the brows. Crow’s feet and horizontal lines across the forehead are also common. 

Preventative Botox works by blocking signals from your body’s nerves. Otherwise, those nerves tell the muscles to contract, which causes your wrinkles. When the injected muscle can’t contract, wrinkles relax and soften.

Even when the product wears off, Botox can help you prevent wrinkles from forming. Keeping these facial muscles immobile teaches your face to avoid such movement in the future.

When to Start

Wrinkles form when our skin experiences the same movements over and over again. By starting preventative Botox at a young age, you can train your body not to make such movements.

Getting neuromodulator injections early can help you prevent these lines from forming. Many people consider getting Botox at 30 to prevent these lines from developing.

But there’s no exact age experts consider best to start Botox. Everyone’s face muscles work differently.

Some people experience more face movement than others. This causes wrinkles to form, even in your 20s. Other people have limited movement, so they wait until they’re older to start.

Your skin health is a factor, too. For example, sun damage and smoking can both increase wrinkle production. If you’re out in the sun a lot or smoke heavily, you might need preventative Botox earlier.

Before getting preventative Botox, you’ll likely require a 30-minute consultation appointment. The treatment itself requires five to 10 minutes.

Small treatments over a period of time can help you prevent wrinkles for the long-term. As you slow down muscle movements, you slow down wrinkles from forming.

Research Your Options

Do your research before you choose a Botox practitioner.

Check for someone who’s board-certified, such as a dermatologist, professional spa or plastic surgeon. Ask about their credentials. Head online for patient reviews.

During your consultation, explain your skin goals. Discuss your expectations to help you and the practitioner stay on the same page. They can also make suggestions so you experience the desired results.

Ask about their payment policy, too. If you need to cancel your appointment, you might receive a charge. Make sure to ask all your questions before you’re treated.

What it Costs

Botox treatments can range between $25 to $1,150, depending on what you want done. The national average for Botox treatments is $550.

Usually, you’re charged by unit or by the area you’re having treated.

For your forehead, you’ll likely need between 20 and 30 units. Each unit costs between $10 and $20. Areas that require fewer units, like the outer corners of your eyes, cost less.

Don’t automatically book the lowest-cost Botox treatment. Often, low prices aren’t a positive sign. If you don’t seek treatment from a professional, the Botox might be diluted.

Instead, choose a spa that specializes in these treatments. They’ll make sure you get the most effective preventative Botox for the right price.

What About Pain?

It’s OK to be wary about any treatment that involves needles. But Botox isn’t as painful as you might think. If you ever pierced your ears or had hair removal treatment, Botox is considered less painful by comparison.

Often, you’ll feel a slight, initial sting. This wears off quickly. There’s a slight numbing caused by the Botox.

If you’re still concerned about pain or have a low pain threshold, ask for a numbing cream beforehand. 

You might experience slight bruising around the injection site. This will fade within a few days after the treatment.

Redness and bumps, on the other hand, occur within hours of the treatment. However, these side effects are often minimal enough to cover with makeup.

Treatment Results

It’s important to understand you won’t seem immediate results.

Instead, the Botox needs time to relax the muscle. You might start noticing a difference after a few days and certainly within two weeks.

With time, your body metabolizes the Botox, causing it to wear off after four months. 

After-Care

Remember, bruising, redness and bumps are normal. Avoid blood thinners before and after your appointment, including:

  • Aspirin
  • Ibuprofen
  • St. John’s Wart
  • Ginseng
  • Vitamin E
  • Gingko Biloba
  • Fish oils

These items could increase your risk of bruising.

Avoid strenuous exercise and hot showers after your appointment. Both can cause an increase in blood circulation to your face.

Bye, Bye, Wrinkles

Say goodbye to those wrinkles before they get the chance to appear. Instead, choose preventative Botox and experience smooth skin in your adult years.

The sooner you start, the sooner you keep your skin looking young and healthy.

Call our spa today at (402) 391-4558 to start with your consultation.

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