Key Facts On How Age Influences The Results Of Botox

Botox, the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment globally, promises a more youthful and refreshed appearance. And though Botox has become synonymous with age-defying beauty, this magical serum’s relationship with age is more complex than simply turning back the hands of time.  

The way Botox works on different areas of our face and body over time is a fascinating journey worth exploring. Besides its medical uses, Botox has proven versatile in the cosmetic field. It is used for wrinkle relaxing, jaw slimming, lip flip, glass skin, Nefertiti neck, and sweat reduction. It’s hard to imagine so many applications from one injectable neurotoxin – truly the elixir of youth! 

The results and reasons for seeking Botox can vary with age. But is there an optimal age for getting Botox for more lasting and aesthetic results? Here are the facts on how age influences Botox results. 

1. Preventative Botox: Better Than “Cures” 

In recent years, many younger individuals in their late 20s and early 30s are opting for Botox treatments. Often termed “preventative Botox,” the intention is not to reverse signs of ageing but to prevent them – targeting the muscles responsible for expressions like frowning and squinting. 

By “training” your facial muscles with Botox, you can prevent them from developing the habit that leads to more pronounced wrinkles. The advantage of preventative Botox is that it weakens the muscle, reducing the amount of Botox you’ll need as you age.  

In short, Botox aims to reduce the formation of dynamic wrinkles before they become permanent static wrinkles –something that works better on younger individuals with few or shallow static wrinkles.    

The beauty world is divided on this, but it does make sense for those who are in the habit of squinting or staying out in the sun without SPF. After all, unprotected skin exposed to the sun gets wrinkly, even when you are young.   

2. Wrinkle Relaxing: Aging Is Not Proportional To How Much Botox Is Needed 

The effects of Botox usually last 3-4 months because it takes this long, on average, for the body to metabolize it and produce neurotransmitters. This substance is what enables the muscles to contract. Once the muscles temporarily paralyzed by Botox start contracting, the lines and wrinkles return.    

A person in their late 40s may need 50 units of Botox to treat the glabella (11s), the forehead, and the crow’s feet. Surprisingly, studies showed that instead of using more Botox on the glabella and forehead over time, these areas needed less to smoothen them. Only the crow’s feet needed more Botox as one got older.  

Researchers think the older muscles in the area between the eyes and the forehead got weaker with age, thus needing fewer units. Try these tips for prolonging the effects of Botox! 

3. Botox Doesn’t Work On Static Wrinkles 

All too often, we see patients who had been injected doses appropriate for their beauty needs but end up complaining it didn’t do much for the wrinkles-which couldn’t be further from the truth, but difficult to explain!  

Botox is ineffective on static wrinkles that stay on your face even when your face has a neutral expression. Regardless of age, Botox only works on dynamic wrinkles or those that become evident or deeper when you smile, squint, or raise your eyebrows. However, the skin would look smoother because static wrinkles are shallower in younger people.  

For static wrinkles, treatments like microneedling, radiofrequency (RF) and laser treatments may be more effective since they promote the growth of collagen.  

4. Anti-Aging: Botox Won’t Replace Lost Volume Regardless Of Age 

The injection of Botox on younger or older skin refreshes it. However, the effect on younger skin may look better, not because of the injected Botox per se, but because the very skin itself is plump, supple, and firm.  

As skin ages, it loses volume due to decreased production and quicker degradation of collagen, fibrin, and hyaluronic acid, the structural components responsible for the skin’s smooth and firm appearance.  

Fat repositioning, bone remodelling, and the shrinking of facial muscles cause the face to become flatter and more angular over the years. Hollow cheeks and jowls aren’t treated with Botox. Simply having Botox and collagen induction with skin treatments won’t be enough in this case. However, well-placed hyaluronic acid fillers or Sculptra can enhance the benefits of Botox. 

5. Lip Flip: The Older, The Fewer Units May Be Needed 

The Lip Flip, a recently appreciated application of Botox, is a fast procedure where a few units are injected to the sides of the lips to relax the lip muscles and create a slightly fuller upper lip. It does not enlarge the lips but can reduce the gummy look. However, younger people may be more animated, so that the effects may wear out sooner.  

On the other hand, older adults may have weaker muscles, so the effects can be more pronounced and even lead to overly relaxed muscles, making talking and eating more difficult. Lips lose volume over time, and if the lips have thinned out significantly or are wrinkled, fillers may be more appropriate than a Botox Lip Flip. 

Conclusion 

There are a lot of inaccuracies surrounding Botox. How it acts is the same at whatever age. How much is used and how long it lasts would depend on how fast it is metabolized, the strength of the muscle, the volume of the muscle, and the injected dose.