Why I got Botox | In My Twenties

My favorite injectable treatment are wrinkle relaxers a.k.a. neuromodulators a.k.a. Tox! Or Botox, Dysport, and Jeuveau. Spoiler alert, I started this treatment in my twenties! (I want to thank the particular nurse who first injected me, you know who you are!) I’m not the only one who’s started early: according to The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the number of women (who make up 90% of botox users) who get injections between the ages of 19 and 34 has risen by 41% since 2011.

One of the most common questions patients (and strangers!) ask me is: “When you look at me, which treatments do you recommend?” Hands down, 10/10 times, I recommend wrinkles relaxers and a good skincare regime (read my previous blog post to learn where to get started). “Botox injections”, yes everyone has their own opinions about it. If your opinions are different than mine, let me try to persuade you…let’s take a moment to combat the stigma of neurotoxins:
1) I’m not putting a chemical made from botulism in my body! All neurotoxins are purified proteins, purified being the key word, yes it is safe! 
2) I don’t want to look fake and frozen like those celebrities! If injections of any kind are done by an experienced injector, you will never need to worry about looking “fake” and “frozen”. Looking too frozen is the result of too much neurotoxin which may be due to the Injector OR simply the preference of the patient.
3) I don’t need them! Yes you do! But why?? BECAUSE ITS PREVENTATIVE. We need it to target the initial signs of aging.
The new trend is starting treatment in your 20’s to prevent those dynamic wrinkles from starting. Those are the wrinkles that make us look and feel tired and stressed. When repetitive movements are being made constantly to specific areas on your face, the crinkling skin to these areas, are areas that are actually losing collagen. Losing collagen will eventually lead to visible, static (permanent), lines that remain when your facial expressions are at rest.

(Neurotoxin treatment to the glabella area)

For the population who are starting later in life…better late than never! For anyone, at any age, who has already developed deep lines and wrinkles, it is important that I set expectations for these lines: Botox’s active ingredient temporarily freezes the facial muscles to keep you from repetitively contracting them thus deepening AND worsening those lines. When you start a Tox, you will not worsen those lines, Botox or Dysport or Jeuveau may in fact help to soften the lines, but may never make those lines disappear (a common misconception). If your end goal is smoother/wrinkle free skin, then it will be important to incorporate other treatments and services to your regime (ie: microneedling, chemical peels, and again good skincare). 

For anyone, with any lines, I recommend retreating with a wrinkle relaxer at a minimum of three months. Even if the product has not completely worn off and your muscles are still slightly paralyzed, it is imperative to be re-treated. Remember, our goal is to PREVENT lines and/or STOP our current lines from getting WORSE.

(Botox (1992), Dysport (2009), Xeomin (2010), Jeuveau (2019))

There are multiple neuromodulators on the market. Botox is the most common and has been FDA approved for forehead, frown lines, and crows feet since 1992. Since its arrival we have seen Dysport (2009), FDA approved for the glabella (the area between the eyes); Xeomin (2010), FDA approved for the glabella; and the newest tox Jeuveau (2019), FDA approved for the glabella. There are slight differences between the four neurotoxins. Some are due to their mechanism of actions, their indications, and/or duration of action. Everyone’s preferences is based on which flavor they like the best… kind of life coke and pepsi! Can you taste the difference? What’s my preference? Easy, Dysport, I love the natural results it provides, and I also love how it paralyzes my muscles within two days! Who doesn’t like a quick onset of action?

Keep this in mind: any wrinkle relaxer dosing and placement is based on the expertise of an experienced Injector. A good, experienced Injector will allow movement to your forehead and will never distort your smile because too much was placed to your crows feet (around your eyes). Please people, do not buy your Tox on Groupon! While ‘shopping’ for a Medspa or Injector, keep this in mind, “cheap botox is never good, and good botox is never cheap”. You are paying for the expertise of your Injector, not the product. Your face is a precious masterpiece and should be taken care of by an experienced Injector/Practitioner. Click here to schedule your FREE consultation to learn more.

(You can inject a neurotoxin anywhere there is a muscle. The majority of these areas shown above are considered ‘off-label’, so please see an experienced Injector for your ‘off-label’ treatments)

Common questions I get asked below:

(YES! I get injections to my underarms to prevent sweating!)

Where do you (Lauren) get your Tox?
I prefer Dysport, I inject the glabella, between my eyes (the 11’s), my forehead, around my eyes (crows feet), and the sides of my nose (bunny lines) this helps my underage wrinkles. I also treat my underarms for sweat (yes, sweat!)

When can you expect to see results?
You may begin to notice results within 24 to 36 hours for treatment of moderate to severe frown lines. Results may vary and can take up to 14 full days.  The best outcomes stem from maintenance treatments approximately every 3 to 4 months.

How long does it last?
Botox lasts for about 3-4 months. Other wrinkle relaxers like Dysport or Jeuveau can last up to 5 months. (This also depends on the person and their metabolism). 

Does it hurt?
Wrinkle relaxers requires several small pricks to adequately paralyze the muscles. I use a very small needle gauge to prevent any added discomfort and bleeding/bruising. 

Do you numb the area prior to injecting?
I do not numb. The treatment is very quick and painless (depending on your injector, hehe).

How much does it cost?
I charge these treatments based on the area(s) being treated. That includes 1 touchup treatment (if needed).

How do you recommend a certain wrinkle relaxer to someone? 
While Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau’s purpose is the same, they all work slightly different from each other and differ for all kinds of people. Try one? Try them all! And you can pick your favorite too! 

If you have any specific questions please feel free to email. I will post any further questions/comments below. 

XO,
Lauren