Can You Be Too Young For Botox?
How Does Botox Work?
Botox works by relaxing the muscle which prevents the skin from contracting with muscle movement. This enables existing wrinkles on the face to relax and soften.
Recently, preventative Botox has gained popularity, particularly due to its visibility on social media. More and more people are turning to Botox not just to smooth out existing wrinkles, but to keep them from appearing in the first place!
By getting this anti-wrinkle treatment before wrinkles are even visible, you can limit the movement of key facial muscles, effectively ‘training’ them to avoid overuse. This helps to stop new wrinkles from forming as you age and to maintain a youthful appearance.
Am I Too Young for Botox?
Opting for preventative Botox in your mid-to-late twenties and early thirties will help avoid the need for as much treatment further down the line, when wrinkles are more noticeable.
You can legally receive botox treatments from the age of 18. However, it is generally inadvisable to get Botox before the age of 25 where collagen levels start to decline. The skin is still relatively young at this stage and so the procedure is largely unnecessary. A high concentration of Botox can weaken the muscles too much, causing them to contract in different locations and instead lead to faster ageing.
What is the Best Age to Get Botox?
There is no magic number! It can depend on a variety of factors, including lifestyle, skin type and even how dynamic your facial expressions are!
Preventative Botox targeted at crow’s feet or brow lines during your late 20s and 30s has great results and helps maintain a youthful appearance. As individuals move into their 40s and 50s, they tend to favour treatments aimed at lip lines and softening evident age lines.
When wrinkles are already present, it is worth noting that Botox injections are most effective when combined with other treatments. This approach helps achieve natural-looking results that align with each individual’s needs.
Where Can I Get Botox?
When you hear the word Botox, forehead Botox most likely springs to mind. It may be the most common site for anti-wrinkle injections, where many first notice signs of ageing, however, Botox injections can be used to treat various other things:
- A gummy smile
- Bunny lines on the nose
- Eyebrow lift
- To relax a downturned smile
- Teeth grinding and clenching
- Jaw pain, facial tension and chronic headaches (Masseter Botox)
- Migraines
- Excessive sweating.
For all types of Botox it is best to consult a professional who will advise you if you are an appropriate age for the procedure.
What Does the Treatment Involve?
A personalised consultation and full facial assessment prior to Botox treatment is necessary to establish whether it is the right option for you. The procedure involves several, small injections in the face, typically lasting 15 minutes. This may sound a little daunting but it is actually relatively painless!
What Are the Side Effects of Anti-Wrinkle Injections?
While you may experience mild swelling, bruising or discomfort at the injection site, side effects are exceptionally rare, allowing you to resume your daily activities with minimal downtime required.
In rarer circumstances, side-effects can include:
- Headaches and flu-like symptoms
- Droopy eyelids
- Pain, swelling and potential bruising to the area of the injection
- Crooked eyebrows
- Excessive tearing
- Drooling.
A very small percentage of people may experience an allergy to Botox and should consult a doctor if they are presenting signs of an allergic reaction.
Remember that Botox is a neurotoxin making it harmful if administered in high concentrations. Always trust a professional!
When Will I See the Results?
The results of Botox are not noticeable immediately but will become show after 2-3 days. Peak results usually occur at 2 weeks and at this point a complementary review will be offered to correct any asymmetry or to adjust the dose as required.
How Long Does Botox Last?
Botox tends to last around 3-4 months, depending on the individual and the area being treated. Patients tend to get Botox topped up 2-3 times per year.
Aftercare
There are few things to avoid post-Botox treatment:
- Massaging the area
- Wearing makeup
- Drinking alcohol
- Strenuous exercise
- Saunas
- Hot showers
All of these factors will increase the chance of bruising and soft tissue infection.
How Much Does Botox Cost?
The price of Botox varies depending on the number of areas being treated, but at Dr. Ed’s clinics in Altrincham, Hale and Harley Street, treatments start from £200.
If you’re interested in exploring Botox injections, Dr. Ed Robinson offers comprehensive consultations to discuss the procedure in detail and determine the best approach for your individual needs.
Contact us at 0161 399 0631 or book an appointment online through the link at the top of this page.
Dr Ed has a clinic in Altrincham, near Manchester, and Harley Street in London.