Is It Harmful to Have Botox After the Age of 65?

As our skin ages, it gradually loses some of its elasticity and volume, resulting in lines and wrinkles. No one is immune to these signs of aging, but there are various ways to reduce them if you’d rather retain a more youthful appearance. Botox® has become one of the most well-known wrinkle reduction methods of the 21st century, and not just for those in the aging population. Indeed, many patients receive their first Botox injections in their late 20s or early 30s. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes that Botox injections are recommended for those under 65 years old. But does this mean that Botox is harmful or off-limits for individuals after they’ve reached the age of 65? Let’s discuss.

Botox After 65

How Botox Works

Botox is the popularized brand name for an injectable solution containing botulinum toxin, a substance that temporarily paralyzes targeted muscles by blocking nerve signals. There are other products with similar formulations on the market, including Dysport and Xeomin. When injected, these products relax the targeted facial muscles and prevent them from moving as freely as before. This ultimately helps prevent and reduce wrinkles, since the skin can’t fold as easily as before. The paralyzing properties of botulinum toxin can also be used on other areas of the body (like the armpits) to reduce sweating or control muscle spasms.

Is Botox Harmful in General?

We learn from a young age to avoid ingesting toxic substances. So, when presented with the option to inject a toxin in one’s muscles, some hesitation is to be expected. That said, the FDA approved Botox in 2002 for cosmetic purposes because studies indicated its relative safety. Like any other procedure, Botox injections come with their potential side effects and complications, such as pain and swelling at the injection site, headache or flu-like symptoms, muscle weakness, and more. It’s imperative to choose the right doctor to safely administer these injections and ensure your preparedness. When proper procedures are followed, the risk of any complications is greatly reduced.

Can You Use Botox after Age 65?

While it’s true that the FDA only recommends the use of Botox for those under the age of 65, the organization doesn’t prohibit those in the aging population from receiving Botox injections, nor does it speak to the relative safety or efficacy of doing so. Whether or not someone is deemed a good candidate for Botox isn’t merely decided on one’s age but also medical history, personal goals, and so on. Therefore, no matter your age, it’s important to talk to your doctor or dermatologist about this treatment. Some people decide against receiving Botox later in life for fear of how it might affect their appearance; while these treatments can yield enduring, natural-looking results, they can also come off as unnatural, especially when overdone. Others might decide that Botox simply isn’t worth it, since the FDA notes that after the age of 65, results might not be as effective or lasting as they would be in younger individuals.

The Bottom Line on Botox

So, is it harmful to have Botox after you turn 65? Not necessarily, no. There are risks associated with Botox and similar substances at any age, and these risks may or may not increase with age depending on your health and the medications you’re currently taking. Risks aside, it’s worth noting that those 65 and up might not receive the results they’re looking for after receiving Botox, which is one reason the FDA lists this age as their recommended cut-off. Ultimately, the decision to receive or reject Botox at any age rests with you and your doctor. At Premier Dermatology Partners, we can help you determine what age to start Botox if you’re interested, whether to consider another anti-aging treatment, how to prevent wrinkles via other means, and much more.

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