It can be difficult to feel confident about your appearance when you are struggling with fine lines and wrinkles. Unfortunately, over-the-counter products usually aren’t enough to correct the appearance of your age-related concerns by themselves. That’s where certain injectable treatments can make a big difference. At The Mack Cosmetic Center in Tampa, FL, we know that Botox is a simple treatment that can easily relax fine lines and wrinkles on the face so you can look years younger.
At What Age Should You Start Getting Botox?
Botox is approved for use in people as young as 18. However, the right age to start using this neurotoxin injectable may depend on certain factors, such as the condition of your skin and your overall goals for your treatment. There are a few age ranges where using this treatment will produce the best results. For example, people in their 40s and early 50s may have the most significant results.
That said, it’s common for younger people to use this injectable as a way to prevent lines and wrinkles from worsening. People in their mid-20s to late 30s who have early visible signs of aging may be able to use this treatment to slow the aging process overall.
Where Can You Use This Treatment?
When Botox in Tampa was first approved, it was only ever used on the forehead and between the eyebrows to smooth the appearance of frown lines. However, new research has made way for new uses for this neurotoxin injectable treatment. There are several areas of the face where this injectable can be used, including:
Mouth Corners
Marionette lines and downturned lip corners can give the impression that you are stern or unhappy. Lines and wrinkles that form around the outer corners of the mouth are dynamic signs of aging, meaning that they form from repeated facial expressions. Treating the corners of the mouth is one of the most popular treatment areas. This treatment relaxes the muscles around the mouth to release tension that causes wrinkles to form.
Upper Face
Wrinkles on the forehead and between the brows often form as a result of stress, squinting, and other facial expressions. Wrinkles on the upper face can become very severe very quickly because the skin on the forehead does not have as much volume as other areas of the face. In fact, wrinkles in this area of the face tend to develop earlier than in other areas.
Eye Corners
Treating crow’s feet can be particularly challenging due to the proximity of the eye – dermal fillers usually aren’t an option for the treatment of crow’s feet. Wrinkles and lines at the outer corners of the eyes can be caused by smiling or squinting over a lifetime.
This neurotoxin can be injected into tense muscles around the eyes that cause the skin to crinkle, which then smooths the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Additionally, this treatment is commonly used to correct drooping eyebrows or “hooded” eyebrows.
Nasolabial Area
The nasolabial area is the zone from the outside of the nose to the corners of the mouth. Again, this is an area of the face where wrinkles tend to form as a result of repeated facial expressions, notably smiling. Wrinkles in this area can also be caused by volume loss in the skin.
But if you have used a dermal filler for these wrinkles without achieving your desired results, then you may want to consider using Botox in this area to smooth the appearance of lines and wrinkles around the nasal area.
Lower Face
This treatment can be used to smooth the appearance of wrinkles on the chin and jaw area. For chin wrinkles and chin dimples, in particular, this neurotoxin can release tension in facial muscles that contribute to wrinkles.
Gummy Smile
This treatment can also be used to treat a gummy smile. Gummy smiles are caused by extra tight muscles above the mouth that pull the lips away from the teeth when you smile. While some people find gummy smiles endearing, others do not. This neurotoxin injectable can relax tight muscles and even make the upper lip appear more full.
How Does This Treatment Work?
The basic principle behind Botox is the use of botulinum toxin A to block the normal communication between motor neurons in the brain and the muscles in the face. In only a few simple injections, this treatment can interrupt the transmission of movement signals, which allows the muscles in your face to relax. When tense muscles in the face relax, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles can reduce because the skin will no longer be pulled into a crease.
Is This Treatment Safe?
Yes! This treatment has been safely used for years by patients who want to look younger. As an FDA-approved treatment, this neurotoxin injectable has passed several clinical trials and studies. This treatment is well-tolerated by most people. However, you should inform your provider if you have a history of severe allergic reactions, which may determine whether or not this treatment is an ideal match for you.
Can Everyone Use This Treatment?
If our skin experts have determined that you are eligible for this treatment based on the condition of your skin and your treatment goals, then you are qualified for this treatment. This injectable is commonly used by both women and men – in fact, men make up about 10 to 20% of all Botox Tampa treatments annually. This treatment is appropriate for all skin tones and skin types, even people who have sensitive skin.
Will You Need Multiple Appointments to Treat Multiple Concerns?
One of the best things about a non-surgical injectable treatment is the fact that you will be able to treat multiple areas of the face all at one time. There is no need to schedule multiple appointments just to treat different areas of the face. If you have multiple appearance concerns, then the best thing you can do is let our skin experts know during your consultation so we can help you build your treatment program.
How Soon Will You See Results?
In general, the results of this treatment will show up about one to three days after your appointment. Everyone responds slightly differently to this treatment, so the onset of your results will depend on your biology. Your initial results will improve over the course of the next one to two weeks. At that point, you will be able to enjoy your ideal results for several weeks.
How Long Will Results Last?
The results of this treatment can last for four to six months at a time. Clinical studies suggest this treatment can last for six months, but some real-world evidence has a shorter or even longer timeframe. Ultimately, the longevity of your results depends on your body, how fast you metabolize the neurotoxin, and even factors such as your age. Some first-time users of this product may only have results that last for three to four months.
How Often Should You Have This Treatment?
The best way to judge when you should have your next appointment is by keeping an eye on your results. While a calendar might let you know how long it’s been since your last treatment, the calendar is only an estimate. When you notice the results of your treatment are starting to fade, then it’s time to schedule a new appointment. For most people, that means scheduling a treatment once every three to four months based on the longevity of your results.
Do Results Look Natural?
Yes! It’s one of the biggest misconceptions about this treatment that your results will somehow appear unnatural, but the truth is that your results will be subtle and natural-looking. Of course, how your end results look will depend on your preferences and your treatment plan. You can certainly achieve more dramatic results by using a greater amount of neurotoxin during your treatment. Our skin experts will go over all of your treatment options to help you decide your ideal aesthetic preferences.
How Long Will Your Appointment Take?
Like many other injectable treatments, your appointment will be very fast. Most of the time, your treatment appointments will only need 20 to 30 minutes before you can be on your way. After your appointment, there will not be any downtime and you will be able to resume most normal daily activities with very few restrictions.
Feel Confident Again
Fine lines and wrinkles will happen whether we like them or not. But with the right treatment, you can slow the aging process down and look younger for longer. Contact The Mack Cosmetic Center in Tampa, FL to schedule your consultation appointment today.