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How to Use Botox for Wrinkle Prevention

Like it or not, facial lines and wrinkles are all part of getting older. As we age, our skin becomes thinner and loses some of its elasticity, resulting in these visible impressions. In recent years, however, it has become possible to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and even prevent their future formation. For several decades now, Botox® has reigned as the most sought-after treatment for removing and preventing wrinkles, particularly around the eyes and forehead.

Here we’ll discuss when, how, and whether to use Botox for wrinkle prevention.

What to Know About Botox

What Is Botox and How Does It Work?

Botox is a branded treatment that derives its name from its primary component: botulinum toxin, a neurotoxic protein that temporarily paralyzes muscles by interfering with neurotransmission. A Botox injection carefully targets specific facial muscles to reduce their range of movement to minimize the skin’s natural folding during particular expressions (i.e. smiling, furrowing the brow, etc.). While Botox is the most renowned version of this treatment, other brand names like Xeomin and Dysport rely on the same ingredients and principle to reduce and prevent wrinkle formation.

When to Seek Botox for Wrinkle Prevention

Both genetic and environmental factors determine when an individual will begin to experience wrinkles, along with the location of said wrinkles, their depth, and so on. Generally speaking, though, wrinkles start to form in one’s late twenties to mid-thirties. As is the case with most things, the best way to prevent something is to get a head start — this is why an increasing number of people now seek Botox injections as early as in their twenties. For some, this course of action may be beneficial, but for others, receiving Botox this early on might not be necessary. Indeed, while Botox can help reduce eye wrinkles and other lines in a relatively short amount of time, wrinkle prevention via Botox involves a higher level of commitment. Simply put, Botox injections wear off over time. Even if you begin receiving injections in your twenties, proper wrinkle prevention will require that you receive subsequent injections about every four to six months and stick with this program.

In other words, while Botox can certainly help you keep wrinkles and lines from forming and stop existing wrinkles from deepening, you need to commit to receiving multiple injections over an extended period of time to experience the best results. Ultimately, you must speak with your dermatologist to determine what course of action is right for your skin, lifestyle, and goals.

Is Botox the Only Option for Wrinkle Prevention and Reduction?

As you discuss these matters with your dermatologist and conduct your own research on wrinkle prevention, you’ll learn that there are many other wrinkle reducing treatments out there aside from Botox and its analogues. If Botox isn’t right for you for whatever reason, you might consider receiving dermal fillers, a different type of injection that provides the skin with hydration and support to fill out wrinkles and lines. Your dermatologist might also recommend using products containing retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acids, hyaluronic acid, and/or collagen to restore your skin’s appearance. Laser resurfacing, dermaplaning, and chemical peels are other cosmetic procedures that can help stimulate your skin’s collagen production and reduce signs of aging.

Whether you’re looking to reduce the wrinkles you have or prevent wrinkles from forming, Botox is one of many options that might be right for you. At Premier Dermatology Partners, our cosmetic dermatology experts are well-versed in all things wrinkle prevention. To learn more about our providers and all the services we offer, contact us today.

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