Millennials are some of the freshest faces to seek out BOTOX®, dermal fillers, and other skin treatments, causing some to wonder why such young people are spending time and money on anti-aging medicine. Prevention is often cited as the main reason for this trend, along with chasing the Hollywood standard of beauty. But is it really worth the expense, time, and commitment to get BOTOX so young? The answer may surprise you.
The pros & cons of getting BOTOX in your 20s
As with anything, there are multiple sides to the story, and what works for one person may not work for another. Generally speaking, there are a few specific pros and cons of having injectable treatments at a younger age.
A few benefits of starting BOTOX early
Slow wrinkles before they start. Starting BOTOX early may help delay the appearance of wrinkles on the brow and around the eyes by inhibiting your ability to make the facial movements that lead to these lines. Some people develop forehead creases early in life because of the way they express themselves or the natural quality of their skin; in these cases, BOTOX can absolutely help prevent the deepening of expression-wrinkles you can already see when your face is at rest.
Maintenance treatments can provide longer-lasting improvement. Start BOTOX now, and you may use less later in life. Because the muscles of your upper face are impacted by BOTOX, many patients require less product or even less frequent touch-ups after multiple treatments.
BOTOX is a very safe, minimally invasive anti-aging option. Injections are performed on an outpatient basis and take only 15-20 minutes, making them a great fit for the millennial lifestyle. However, just because BOTOX is safe does not mean you should seek out treatment if it is not appropriate for your needs. BOTOX is not an option for everyone, particularly in the younger age group.
The cons of trying BOTOX in your 20s
You can't fix what isn't broken. Younger faces naturally have fewer wrinkles, so the effects of BOTOX are often minimal rather than transformative. Patients in their twenties normally have sufficient facial volume and skin thickness, meaning that wrinkles and other signs of aging often aren't as apparent, and a dramatic effect is less likely to be achieved. Only you and your provider can assess if the cost is worth the result.
BOTOX is a commitment. For optimal results, it's important to maintain an ongoing relationship with your provider and have maintenance treatments performed regularly, particularly if BOTOX is being used to prevent the deepening of wrinkles.
Your safety and the success of your results will depend on choosing the right provider. Finding someone who is experienced, qualified, and has a good aesthetic sensibility takes time and research. Unfortunately, many spas or untrained providers offer BOTOX injections, but you might receive diluted BOTOX or poor results. It's imperative to choose a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist to perform your treatments.
Do what's right for you…with the guidance of a physician
Every patient is different, and there are many factors which contribute to the success of any professional anti-aging or skincare treatment. If you are interested in trying BOTOX or another injectable treatment, be sure to share your concerns and goals with your provider, who can help determine the right options for you.
If you are in or around Hagerstown and curious about BOTOX, please contact us. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Henry Garazo performs all injections at Plastic Surgery Services and can help you design a treatment plan that is safe and appropriate for your needs.
