Botox used to have a bad rap. Or is it associated with perpetually happy smiles a little hint too much excitement or an unattainable (but still pursued) standard of beauty. Today, Botox is back and better than ever. And more than that, our collective cultural relationship with beauty treatment has changed. Little by little, we are learning how to apply relationship with our appearance it’s more about following what feel good and take the pressure off of looking a certain way. And for many of us, this means diving into the world of preventive Botox.
In the same vein as design skin care regimens Satisfy our love of wellness products and routines that keep us balanced and energized, your approach to beauty and health deeply personal. And while we take a stance on aging includes all the knowledge, experience, and wisdom your mind and body has accumulated over the years (and far better than alternative methods), there’s no shame in looking Find out ways to help you love the skin you have. If preventive Botox is on that list, you’ve come to the right place.
I talked to Dr. Alexis Parcells, MD Get the scoop on the buzzing skin-care phenomenon that’s being picked up on social media, discussed on podcasts, and covered on health and wellness websites. Let’s dive in to find out if there’s truth to the fiction, and whether preventative Botox is as effective as it sounds.
Featured image of Michelle Nash.
Let’s start with the question everyone wants to know: Is preventive Botox really worth the hype?
Botox prevents exactly as it sounds — the injections are supposed to prevent wrinkles before they form. Dr. Parcells explains that preventive Botox is growing in popularity among both women and men in their 20s and 30s. She analyzes how it works, saying that Botox paralyzes “specific muscles in the upper body.” faces, thereby inhibiting their movement.” All of the facial expressions we make day in and day out (Dr Parcells cites for example “raising eyebrows or closing eyes”) over time lead to the fine lines and wrinkles that come with aging. chemical.
“Once those lines form, it can take several Botox treatments over several months or years to improve or clear up,” says Dr. But preventive Botox comes with the promise of good news, as it effectively “inhibits muscle movement BEFORE lines and wrinkles form,” Dr. Parcells assures. Essentially, proactive preventive Botox treatments stop these lines from developing in the first place.
For Botox treatments to be truly preventive and effective, when should we start?
As with many cosmetic treatments, the answer to this question varies widely, and is sometimes very common. “Botox is FDA approved and available to patients 18 years of age and older,” says Dr. Parcells. “Most patients usually start using Botox in their 30s and some even in their mid-20s.”
If you’re looking to start your Botox treatment earlier, Dr. Parcells recommends pausing your plan. While you can certainly get preventative Botox treatments in your early 20s, she notes that it’s “unlikely that the lines that have formed will appear at rest.”
How often should you have a preventive Botox treatment?
Preventive Botox treatments are not only expensive, they can take a while to show results and require frequent follow-up visits to maintain. “Botox can take up to two weeks to work,” notes Dr. Parcells. “Most men and women achieve their desired look in 10-12 weeks. For best results, treatments should be done three to four times a year,” she says.
How Much Preventive Botox Treatments Price?
Unfortunately, the miracle we just described above will come at a heavy cost. Of course, the price depends on a number of factors, including where you live and the part of the face being treated. Parcells says there will be fees ranging from $400 to $2500 per treatment.
Which areas of the face benefit most from injections?
With expensive treatments, you should be strategic about the facial areas you’re focusing on. “Botox is FDA approved for forehead lines (forehead muscle), the glabellar complexand around the eyes (oris orbicular muscle), Dr. Parcells said. While you can get Botox treatment for other concerns, Dr. Parcells notes that these injections are considered “off-label”.
What are the downsides of injecting earlier? Are there any risks?
Before you drop a paycheck or two for preventative Botox, it’s important to know that the benefits and outcomes of the treatment are largely anecdotal and as Dr. Parcells quotes, “there are no long-term studies.” on the effects of preventive Botox.” As for risk, Dr. Parcells says that although studies have not been done to support these claims, in theory, frequent, repeated Botox treatments “could cause muscle weakness” over time and make the body thinner or looser.”
What should you consider when seeing a clinician?
Conducting any significant treatment should be done with a lot of reflection and research done in advance. Dr. Parcells stresses the importance of working with a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist. She offers a seemingly obvious, but important, reminder: “Remember, this is your face.” During your consultation, make sure you feel comfortable with your doctor, “reading real patient reviews and asking to see before and after photos,” says Dr. Parcells.
In her own practice, she’s adamant about following up with new patients to make sure they’re satisfied with her results. It’s also a good sign, that your plastic surgeon or dermatologist will be available to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have.
