When Do I Need Botox?
Have you started noticing that frown or forehead lines linger longer than they used to? Do you notice new wrinkles even when your skin is relaxed? It may be the time to consider small doses of botox so that small wrinkles don’t gain hold and etch permanently into your skin.
The age at which wrinkling becomes noticeable is different for each person. For many, small lines become visible in the late 20s to the late 30s. This early stage of aging is where small doses of botox are the most helpful, says Esana’s Dr. Deborah Pan. “Once the line is too deep and etched into the skin, then more aggressive measures are needed and may not be completely successful in full reversal of the wrinkle.”
Botox is a drug made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Like many natural products, in large doses, this toxin can be deadly. However, botox has proven to be a successful and valuable therapeutic protein when it is used in the correct dosage and frequency. While the drug has become extremely popular to prevent wrinkles, doctors have found botox can help for a variety of clinical conditions, from migraines to overactive bladder.
Botox injections work by weakening or paralyzing certain muscles or by blocking certain nerves. In the face, for example, this will stop a frown wrinkle from appearing. The injection can take up to 72 hours to have an effect. The results last about three to four months, depending on what is being treated. The most common but rare side effects are minor pain, swelling, or bruising. Rarely, individuals may also experience a droopy eyelid, headache, or upset stomach. Botox is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Multiple scientific studies have shown that botox injections are extraordinarily well tolerated. “I have found that side effects are very few, localized, and temporary, but the upside benefit is invaluable” says Dr. Pan. As with all cosmetic procedures, the injection of botox is the most safe and successful when given or supervised by a board-certified, skilled plastic surgeon. Botox is now available under three brand names: Botox Cosmetic ® and Dysport ®.
If you are interested in reversing the first signs of aging, botox can be a highly effective step in retaining a youthful, smooth appearance.
