You wake up, walk to the bathroom, flip the light on and look into the mirror. You notice one thing and one thing only. No, it’s not the fabulous energy you radiate or your intoxicating charm (though, let’s be honest, it really should be). Unfortunately, it’s those wrinkles that you can’t help but think about that are making you lose sight of your shining qualities — from a crease on your forehead, to lines on your cheeks, to the wrinkles where your upper and bottom lip meet and the crow’s feet at the sides of your eyes. Those minor imperfections prevent you from realizing that you can take on the day and absolutely crush it.
You put a little makeup on (or a lot, you do you 💄) and hope no one notices. But even if your makeup skills could give a top YouTube beauty guru a run for their money, the thought persists: Everyone can see my wrinkles. Eventually, the day comes to an end, your makeup is washed away and you’re left right back where you started: staring in the mirror obsessing over those tiny lines.
We Understand the Struggle.
Seeing wrinkles on puppies? Adorable.
Finding them on your own face?
Can anyone honestly say they like their wrinkles? No matter one’s age, they aren’t a welcome sight.
However, there is good news. Scratch that, GREAT news.
Yes, Botox.
No, Botox isn’t just for mature ladies and Real Housewives (though it’s a wonderful option for them too) — Botox can be used at a variety of ages to reduce any bothersome wrinkles you’re fixated on and even help prevent new ones from popping up.
Years of smiling or frowning can build up creases in your skin and produce unwanted wrinkles, causing facial expressions to appear permanently imprinted on your face. That means wrinkles can simply occur because you have an expressive face (which is most certainly not something to be ashamed of, even though it may feel like an unfair punishment). How well you take care of yourself also plays a role. Perhaps you don’t have the best diet, or you don’t wear sunscreen as frequently as you should, or maybe you haven’t developed the best skin care routine. Botox could be the start of getting back on track to a healthier, younger-looking face.
Wrinkles caused by facial movements are referred to as dynamic wrinkles. Botox is an effective solution for these types of wrinkles, which can be found around the eyes, mouth and forehead. Static wrinkles are wrinkles that are caused by gravity and the breakdown of the skin’s natural support structure. They’re defined by a loss of volume and are treated with dermal fillers, as opposed to Botox. If you’re worried about movement-related wrinkles, even if they’re just in their early stages, Botox could be a great choice.
Botox in My Twenties? Say Whaaat?
Although it may sound like an odd treatment to have at such a young age, it’s more common than you might think. In fact, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Botox has seen a 28 percent increase since 2010 for people in the age range of 20 to 29.
Preventative Botox is often performed on patients in their 20s who’ve noticed minor lines beginning to form. These lines are the onset of an aging face and produce anxiety in many. By introducing preventative Botox to these worrisome lines early, the possibility of them developing into something even more alarming can be lessened. Botox temporarily prevents muscles from contracting where it’s applied. With these muscle movements paused, the skin appears flatter and tighter, and deeper lines don’t have a chance to become ingrained. Slowing down muscle use early on in adult life can minimize the chances of superficial fine lines becoming Grand Canyon crevices.
And just in case you’re worried… yes, you can still smile, and you’ll be even happier knowing that your smiling won’t be deepening those lines after you’ve received preventative Botox.
And It’s Not Just for Wrinkles!
Botox is also a great option for treating a variety of other things you may believe to be flaws. If you want to get rid of your gummy smile, a small injection of Botox can make you selfie-ready at all times. Or if your eyebrows don’t have the high arches of your dreams, Botox can be injected strategically to lift them while also improving any lines found on your forehead. If it’s a slimmer jawline you desire, Botox can be injected to relax the masseter muscles and create a more defined ‘V’ shape.
Botox is also used for non-cosmetic reasons. For example, it can combat sweating issues by inhibiting overactive sweat glands. And the benefits are not exclusive to your pits — if excessive sweating is plaguing your palms, soles or scalp, Botox can help all of these problem areas. Botox has also been found to be beneficial in combating acne by lessening the production of oil.
Clearly, Botox has numerous possibilities, and many of them have nothing to do with age! Young or old, Botox can benefit you.
Sometimes Botox Is the Best Option…
…and sometimes, it isn’t. It doesn’t come down to the age you are or what you think you “should” be doing to take care of your skin. If you’re just out of college and years of all-night study-fests have left you with frown lines that are prematurely aging you, come in for a Botox consultation. If you’ve devoted your life pampering your skin and have been #blessed with great genes, you may find that your complexion stays smooth and taut well into your 30s. In that case, Botox may not be what you need, but you may benefit from another treatment instead — like a luxurious Barrett Signature Facial to thank your skin for a job well done.
No Matter the Age, Or the Issue, Botox May Help
Botox is a minimally-invasive treatment that has a variety of functions. Whether you’re concerned about wrinkles making you look older than your actual years, or you’re tired of your lips exposing your gums with every smile or you’ve got a bit of a sweaty situation, Botox could help.
If you’re considering Botox and would like to schedule a consultation, there’s no reason to hesitate. Dr. Barrett is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in aesthetic procedures for the face and body. We invite you to visit us at Barrett Plastic Surgery to learn more about the possibilities of Botox and find out if it’s right for you. Give us a call at (310) 598-2648 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation at our Beverly Hills office today!