Living life to the fullest means embracing its varied experiences and emotions. You can’t relish the highs without confronting the lows. Smiling, laughing, frowning and crying; it’s all rawness and realness that gives our existence meaning. The problem with all those strong emotions is the effect they have on your face. Over time, the facial expressions that come with these feelings produce laugh lines, crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles, and furrows between the brows.
Botox® has long been the solution for men and women looking to soften these fine lines and wrinkles. But what if you could fight off wrinkles before they set in? It turns out preventing the signs of aging is easier than seeking a remedy.
What is Botox®?
Botox® is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure used to reduce repeat muscle contractions in the face, relaxing targeted areas to stop the pulling that creates wrinkles. The injectable treatment works by temporarily blocking signals sent from the nerves to the facial muscles, smoothing wrinkles that form around the eyes and on the forehead.
How Does Preventative Botox® Work?
The concept of preventative Botox® is not a case of creating a problem just to require a solution; there are definite advantages to incorporating the treatment into your skincare routine at a younger age. Since wrinkles form because of repeated muscle contractions (facial expressions), slowly decreasing the use of these muscles early in life, before visible lines settle, can halt their development altogether. Preventative Botox® injections also help “train” targeted muscles to relax, further delaying wrinkles.
It’s an example of the old axiom: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In general, patients who use Botox® proactively will need fewer Botox® and anti-aging treatments later in life.
When is the Right Time to Start Preventative Botox®?
There is no carved-in-stone rule for when you should start using Botox® because everyone’s timeline is different. Elevé patients start preventative treatments as early as their mid-twenties, when lines first begin to show up around the eyes. Some people, however, won’t develop lines until well into their thirties. The number and severity of wrinkles can vary significantly from person to person. Sun exposure, genetics, skin color, tobacco use, sleep habits, and stress all factor into how skin ages.
At Elevé, our rule of thumb is simple: Start to treat lines when they first start to show! If fine lines linger when your face is relaxed after smiling or raising your eyebrows, then it’s time to consider preventative Botox®.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do treatments take?
Preventative Botox® treatments can be administered in just 15 to 30 minutes.
What can I expect after my Botox® appointment?
Botox® is a non-invasive, in-office procedure. Treatments are often performed over a lunch break, with no downtime required. Patients can resume normal daily activities immediately after an appointment. Though, intense exercise should be avoided for at least 24 hours to allow the Botox® to settle.
While rare, some patients may experience bruising or swelling, but symptoms can easily be reduced with a cold compress.
When will I see results?
In the case of some preventative Botox® treatments, no change is a good sign! The point of the procedure is to stop wrinkles from developing in the first place.
If fine lines are already visible, results will be quick. A smoother appearance will be noticeable within a few days, with full results developing gradually over the next 1-2 weeks.
How long do preventative Botox® treatments last?
Many patients enjoy results for three to four months. However, with continued use, fine lines can sometimes be minimized for up to six months.
The Best Results Come from the Best Aesthetic Team
Botox® is a skill-sensitive procedure requiring sound medical judgement. A provider’s experience can have a dramatic impact on the quality and longevity of the results. Elevé’s distinguished nurse practitioners, aesthetic RNs and injection specialists are educated in the latest anti-aging and skin rejuvenation treatments and will never approach Botox® as a one-size-fits-all solution. They’ve achieved results with clients of all ages and skin types and are ready to use that knowledge to help you love the skin you’re in for decades to come!
Set up a consultation to learn if preventative Botox® is right for you. Contact Elevé today: 715-847-0000
