Botox: it’s been the gold standard of non-surgical wrinkle treatments for more than a decade. It’s a household name, and just about everyone has heard of it. Because it’s so popular, it’s easy to assume that it’s the right treatment for just about anyone who’s worried about wrinkles. Here’s the thing: Botox is safe and effective, but it’s not the right option for everyone. Here are a few things you might want to consider to determine whether you’re a good Botox candidate.
Your Wrinkles
You might be surprised to learn that Botox doesn’t work on all wrinkles. Why? Because of what happens beneath the skin after a Botox treatment. Some wrinkles are formed after years of facial movements, such as smiling, squinting, frowning, or furrowing your brow. These wrinkles are known as “dynamic” wrinkles. Once the injection process has been completed, the botulinum toxin formula that makes up Botox gets to work. It affects the facial muscles and prevents them from making their full range of movement. This smooths out existing dynamic wrinkles, making the face appear more youthful for 3-4 months at a time.
Botox is approved for “crow’s feet” around the eyes and frown lines, but many surgeons offer it “off-label” for other dynamic wrinkles. However, the treatment won’t work on “static” wrinkles that are caused by collagen and volume loss. For those wrinkles, dermal fillers are a better option.
Your Health
Although Botox has a proven track record of safety, there are some people who should not receive the injections. Anyone with allergies to botulinum toxin products or any ingredients in Botox should avoid the treatment. People with a skin infection in the area of treatment or those who are pregnant or nursing are also not eligible for Botox treatments. If you have any muscle or nerve conditions or you’re taking prescription medications, you’ll need to discuss your medical history with your plastic surgeon to make sure it’s safe for you to have Botox treatments.
Your Age
Botox is approved for people over the age of 18. The most common age to have Botox cosmetic is age 30 and onwards, with no upper age cut off. However, in the last few years, some people in their late teens and early 20s have started getting Botox treatments to help “fight off” aging, with a preventative benefit.
Your Goals and Expectations
Botox cosmetic treatment takes about three to seven days to start working, so you’ll need to do a little bit of advanced planning if you want to have results from Botox for a special occasion.
People who are the most satisfied with their Botox results are those who want the convenience of a minimally-invasive treatment and don’t mind having injection sessions every few months. For those who don’t mind a little downtime and want results that last longer, a different treatment or cosmetic surgery may be a better choice. Your goals and expectations will help your surgeon guide you to the best procedure for your needs.
Are You a Botox Candidate?
If you’re interested in Botox and you have dynamic wrinkles, chances are that you’re a good Botox candidate. However, it’s important to consult with a skilled plastic surgeon to ensure that it’s a good fit for your needs. A one-on-one consultation will allow you to ask questions and understand your candidacy. It’s crucial to choose an experienced surgeon for your Botox treatments. This will help to ensure that your results and safety are top priorities.
If you’re looking for an expert in Naples, FL to help you reach your aesthetic goals, Dr. Anurag Agarwal, Dr. Richard Maloney, and Dr. William Ross can help. The surgeons at the Aesthetic Surgery Center are known for their skill and experience in Botox and other treatments. They work with each patient to customize each procedure to their specific needs. For more information, call (239)-594-9100 or contact the office via email.