Just as brands like Band-Aid have become synonymous with adhesive bandages, Kleenex with tissues, and Wite-Out with correction fluid, “Botox” has been the colloquial term for botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) injections since it was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the temporary improvement of moderate to severe glabellar lines (i.e. the frown lines between the eyebrows) in April 2002. Today there is a quartet of cosmetic neurotoxins on the market — Botox®, Dysport®, Jeuveau®, and Xeomin® — each contain the same active ingredient (BoNT-A), they are all classified as a neurotoxins “Tox” and are FDA approved to treat the same aesthetic concerns.
What are they and what do they do?
For starters, botulinum toxin type A is the primary active ingredient in each product. And, while BoNT is considered one of the strongest and most lethal toxins discovered to date, small doses of the neuromodulator have the ability to temporarily paralyze muscles to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles caused by facial expressions (think: frowning, squinting, smiling, and the like) by injecting it into the muscles underlying the affected area. In turn, the lack of muscle contraction prevents the face from forming lines and wrinkles.
The result? Smoother skin for three to four months
How Does Preventative Tox Work?
Most people wait until they start to see wrinkles before they seek Neurotoxin treatment, but preventative treatment uses Tox to treat wrinkles before they emerge. By injecting the muscles that typically cause wrinkles around the mouth, eyes, and eyebrows with Tox before they start to develop wrinkles, you are essentially preventing them before they happen.
The Tox slows down the use of those muscles, preventing lines from developing (or at least delaying the development of the lines). One of the most common places for preventative Tox is to the forehead and glabellar area. Preventative Tox can prevent deep lines, which can make you look older and tired and are harder to treat once they develop
When to Start Tox: How Young is Too Young?
If you’re looking for a hard and fast rule about when to start Tox, unfortunately there isn’t one. Although many people start getting preventive treatments in their 20s and 30s, there’s no one “magic” age when you should start getting it.
Instead, you should focus on your skin and its issues. Once you start noticing fine lines beginning to start, that’s when you should consider Tox. If you want to prevent the earliest fine lines from becoming full-blown wrinkles, preventative Tox can be the solution.
Tox is approved for patients who are 18 years and older and most experts agree that patients in their mid to late 20s and early 30s are at a good age for preventative Tox treatment.
Am I a Good Candidate for Preventative Neurotoxin?
Again, there’s no hard and fast rule about when you should start Neurotoxin, but earlier than your mid-20s is probably too early. Certain wrinkles are often genetic, so once you start noticing fine lines that mimic what you see in your older relatives, you might seek treatment.
If you are considering tox treatment, it’s best that you meet with one of our Graceologist for a facial consultation. If you purse your lips, furrow your brow, or your face is in a permanent frown, they can identify the areas to inject. This helps train your facial muscles to no longer fall into that habit, preventing the formation of deeper or more noticeable wrinkles.
The nice thing about preventative Neurotoxin is that it helps keep the muscle weak which means you do not need as much Neurotoxin as the older you get. Your Neurotoxin will last longer and need fewer treatments, as it doesn’t last forever, especially if it’s effective in preventing your wrinkles.
It’s also important to note that Neurotoxin won’t work for all wrinkles though. If your face is wrinkled due to sun damage or an unhealthy lifestyle, Neurotoxin can’t help you. You need to do your part to prevent sun damage, eat healthily, and take care of your skin to prevent these types of wrinkles. Neurotoxin is meant for wrinkles that you are genetically predisposed to.
Finally, Neurotoxin is convenient and affordable. Your appointment will last between 15 and 20 minutes and you’ll be on your way back to work or school. For those that have already begun using Tox you may want to consider one of our memberships which provides you with a per unit discount.
Final Thoughts on When to Start Neurotoxin
Although we can’t give you a definitive age when to start Neurotoxin, we hope this gives you a better understanding of how preventative Neurotoxin can work for and when it’s a good idea.
If you want to learn more or see if you’re a good candidate for Neurotoxin, get in touch today to schedule a free consultation.