When is the right age for a person to start Botox or Xeomin injections?
As injectors, we are asked that so many times that I have started to lose count. There is not one definitive answer. It depends on the individual because there is no magic number dictating what age is appropriate and every individual is different. What I can tell you is that treating the wrinkles before you get them is more effective. So, why is it more ideal to start early as a preventative? Well for starters you will require less product to treat if you don’t already have the lines and secondly, it prevents the lines from forming. Your wallet and selfies will thank you later…I promise!
Another great answer for the right age is when those lines start to bother you and I have individuals that start in their twenties and some that start many years later, and that’s ok! Only the individual can choose when that time is right for them.
So, what is Botox and Xeomin?
I have been asked by family, friends, patients and new people that I meet “What is Botox?” and “Can I put it in my cheeks or buttocks?” I cannot make that last one up, haha!
First of all, Botox and Xeomin are a class of medication called neuromodulators, which does not add volume like fillers. We will get into what fillers are a little bit later. Neuromodulators, like Botox and Xeomin are placed in the crows feet area at the corner of your eyes all the way to the forehead. So, there you have it ladies and gents Botox is not for the buttocks or cheeks!
Neuromodulator is a big word, so what does it mean!?
At Fleming Island Plastic Surgery, we offer only Botox and Xeomin (And yes there are many brands out there, but these are our two favorite!) Botox and Xeomin are two different brands by two different companies that have similar active ingredients. These neuromodulators are used to temporarily improve the appearance of lines that occur at rest and prevent new lines by blocking the neuromuscular activity of the muscles. Basically, it relaxes your muscles that the medication is injected into so that those lines do not occur. With less muscle activity, the lines improve with disuse, however, the product’s effect only lasts about 3 months. It is not permanent; therefore, you do have to be retreated every 3 months for best results.
Alright, where is this magical substance injected?
Typically, we inject neuromodulators to treat areas with repetitive motion such as raising the eyebrows, frowning (with the eyebrows) and squinting. The repetitive motions result in horizontal lines of the forehead, elevens (the vertical lines in between our brows) and lines around the eyes. There a few other places that it can be injected but those are considered “off-label”.
Are the results immediate?
No, it takes about 5-7 days for the injections to take full effect. The injections themselves are quick and painless because we use a very small needle. We inject small doses at multiple injection sites. You will notice decrease in movement in about a week so you will not see the effects right away. The effect will last 3 months, but with more regular treatment the better your results will be. It is a commitment to maintain wrinkle free.
Common misconceptions #FakeNews
Another misconception I have heard is that once you start Botox you have to keep getting it because you will look worse when you stop. This is #FakeNews!! Neuromodulators cause your muscles to relax which improves those pesky lines, but when you are used to getting regular treatments for years and then stop. The lines can come back if not treated and you may notice it more. So, if for some reason you get off track with your treatments, don’t stress we can get you right back to wrinkle free when life slows back down!
#FakeNews Continued… “But Maria, I saw on this movie that you can’t move your face!”
Botox seems to be used in plenty of movies and in a joking manner. Also, the media like our favorite celebrities seem to overdo things which can cause you to have the wrong idea.
At Fleming Island Plastic Surgery, we focus on giving you a natural subtle look, nothing too overdone. Botox will not prevent you from making facial expressions or cause you to start drooling out of the side of your mouth, haha!
People wont even know you had it done, unless you tell them, and we kind of hope you do tell your best friends. Botox is a great secret weapon to keep you wrinkle free in all those selfies! So, share the gift of being #WrinkleFree!
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