Not your mother’s Botox: the preventative treatment that’s sweeping Millennials

Forget all that you knew – or thought you knew – about Botox or other recommended treatments.

Gone are the days when Botox-lovers are solely frozen-faced, older patients hoping for a miracle for their deep wrinkles. Now, more and more young people – some in their 20s – are flocking to dermatologists for a softer look that uses smaller amounts of Botox, Dysport or Xeomin for more natural-looking results.

It’s a look that’s dubbed “Baby Botox” or “preventative Botox.”

Be proactive – not reactive

For many young people today, Botox isn’t about treating existing wrinkles; it’s about preventing them. Botox works by blocking the signals from the nerves to the muscles to reduce the amount of muscle activity in injected areas. This helps lessen existing fine lines, as well as counteract the development of new wrinkles. If you are particularly expressive, early Botox treatments may help train your muscles to not form deep expression lines as you age.

And today’s generation is catching on: the 2019 Plastic Surgery Report found that 112,083 patients ages 20-29 received Botox or a similar treatment (Dysport® and Xeomin) in 2019 – and 30-39-year-olds represented 19% of all Botox/Dysport/Xeomin procedures that year.

But it’s not just Botox; when it comes to their younger patients, dermatologists have also noted an increased interest in building skincare regimens that prioritize their skin’s health. Pre-aging regimens can include injectable treatments like Botox, as well as antioxidants, collagen-building topicals, anti-aging retinol and sun protection – a topic that used to be problematic for many tan-loving teenagers. The CDC found that only 5.6% of US high school students reported using an indoor tanning device in 2017 versus 15.6% of high schoolers in 2009.

So, who should get Botox – and where?

Ultimately, if you are over the age of 18 and are starting to become bothered by your fine lines and wrinkles, you’re possibly an eligible Botox candidate. There are a few conditions that exclude patients from Botox eligibility, including:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding moms
• Allergies to any of the ingredients in Botox
• Current infection in the desired injection site
• Neurological disease

While Botox works for most young adults with goals of wrinkle prevention and treatment, it isn’t a one-size-fits-all procedure. Everyone is different – and only a trained and licensed injector will be able to determine patient eligibility, as well as the appropriate amount and proper placement of injections.

When it comes to Baby Botox, the most common injection sites include the forehead, glabella and brow area, and corners of the eyes. By using Botox sparingly in specific places, younger patients receive a natural look that still allows them to show expression. Some patients also opt for less-traditional Botox placement, including the muscle above your lip to create the illusion of a fuller lip.

Results typically last for 3-4 months, but this varies depending upon the patient.

Finding a Botox injector

It’s important to note that while Botox is a quick treatment with little downtime, it’s still a medical procedure. You want to make sure that you go somewhere trustworthy, reputable and safe.

Here are some tips for younger patients interested in Botox:

1. Don’t search for a deal: Botox isn’t the time to scour the Internet for a Groupon or shop around for the cheapest rate. You want to make sure that you’re receiving authentic Botox that’s unexpired – and not diluted with other unknown ingredients.
2. Do your research: There is an art to administering Botox and you want to make sure your injector knows what he or she is doing. If Botox isn’t injected properly, it can lead to poor results – such as lopsided smiles and drooped eyelids – that you’re stuck with for the next few months. A skilled injector will help ensure you get the results you desire.
3. Take a look at your injector: Most Botox appointments include a consultation. When you go, study your injector’s face – because chances are, he or she has received Botox themselves. Do you like the way it looks? If not, it’s best to head elsewhere!

At Dermatology Consultants, we have licensed and skilled injectors who are trained in administering Botox for optimal results. If you’re young and thinking about age prevention, reach out to schedule a consultation with us to see how we can help.