Botox: Not Just for the Young at Heart

More people than ever are turning back the clock with Botox – even those in their twenties are taking advantage of the non-surgical procedure. Unheard of in the 20th century, it is now the world’s most widely performed cosmetic procedure. Depending upon age, a Botox treatment can last for several months, can be repeated again and again and is totally reversible. It is largely popular because it's seen as less radical than cosmetic surgery.

One reason why botulinum toxin – the poison from which the trademarked Botox takes its name – is gaining popularity among the under-30 crowd is because treatment at the onset of facial aging will prevent deeper wrinkles in the future. Botox works by blocking nerve signals to facial muscles. If a patient starts at a young age, he or she will need treatments less often. In fact, younger patients can go up to year between Botox injections.

Many dermatologists will prescribe an individual regimen of skin care for their patients, utilising Botox in association with other non-surgical procedures such as dermal wrinkle fillers and medical grade skin products. “Medical grade” products contain a much greater concentration of active ingredients than products sold over-the-counter.

Another factor contributing to the widespread use of Botox is the lack of debilitating side effects. Most side effects are relatively minor and temporary. The most common is bruising at the site of injection, which is not a side effect of the toxin. It results from improper technique by the clinician administering the treatment. Side effects which have been observed include inappropriate facial expression, i.e., drooping eyelid, double or blurred vision, crooked smile and inability to shut eyes. Headaches, fatigue, difficulty in swallowing, ague or flu-like symptoms, allergic reactions and inflammation or puffiness at the injection site are also possible but usually short-lived.

In America, over one million patients have received Botox treatments. While those in their forties use Botox and dermal fillers such as Perlane, Restylane, New-fill and Hylaform to diminish nose-to-mouth lines and augment lip fullness, younger patients seek Botox treatment as a pre-emptive measure against the aging process of their facial skin. In one extreme case, the mother of an eight year old girl in California lost custody of her daughter after injecting her with Botox in preparation for a beauty pageant.

Dermatologists worldwide have benefited greatly from Botox; once patients enter the doctor’s office they are exposed to other cosmetic procedures that might be available. It’s a boon for the dermatologist’s practice as well as for patients of all ages.