As most of our patients know, BOTOX® Cosmetic is an injectable that works by weakening or immobilizing the facial muscles that cause deep expression lines and furrows, especially around the forehead and eye area. BOTOX® is effective because it is often the repetitive action of the muscles squeezing the skin that causes the wrinkles. Stop the squeezing and you stop the facial lines from forming.
It is thought that perhaps patients can “unlearn” to create those facial wrinkles. After several rounds of BOTOX® injections—the toxin is effective for about 3 to 6 months—patients learn not to use those muscles, eliminating the need for future BOTOX® injections.
Now, according to an article published by the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, younger and younger patients are getting BOTOX® injections for a slightly different reason:
“Some doctors say that many of the younger patients getting Botox don’t quite need it to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles just yet. Instead, they’re getting preventative Botox to avoid the wrinkles from forming in the first place.”
Is this a new trend? It’s hard to say. Because it’s so new, there have been no studies to show if this strategy is even effective. We recommend that you consult with an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Dr. Michael Sullivan is a certified national BOTOX® trainer with Allergan.
