Hello and happy National Healthy Skin Month! In the month of November, we will be talking about a lot of skin related topics – from the good, the bad and the glam. Skin is our biggest organ and I hope to raise awareness on the importance of keeping our skin healthy and happy! I am inviting you to celebrate along with me here on the blog and Instagram. For every day in the month of November, I will be talking about a different skincare pearl on Instagram. Think: wrinkle prevention and treatment, autumn seasonal skincare, home remedies, cosmetic dermatology, and so much more! Blog posts will include one to two skin topics per week with in-depth discussion so be sure to follow along by subscribing.
Today we are going to look into a topic that is somewhat controversial and definitely a personal decision – Botulinum Toxin Type A, referred to as Botox. Before we dive in I want to say that this is not promoting that anyone needs a cosmetic procedure to be beautiful or valued. You, and you only, choose what makes you happy.
One of the reasons I want to have an open discussion about this is because it was brought to my attention that there are many women (and men) with a curiosity about getting Botox, but who don’t feel comfortable talking about it with others. Despite the lack of discussion, many people are making Botox a part of their regular maintenance, similar to going to the salon. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons there were 7.2 million Botox procedures done in 2017. That number is continually increasing each year as the stigma fades and more research demonstrates benefits on some minimally-invasive procedures.
What is Cosmetic Botox?
Botox is in a class of medications called neuromodulators. When injected, it works by preventing the underlying muscle from contracting. Overlying wrinkles are softened and the skin has a smooth appearance. Botox is FDA approved for those ages 18 to 65, and cosmetic benefits of botulinum toxin include reducing crow’s feet near the eyes and decreasing moderate to severe frown lines between the eyes (the glabellar area). It is also commonly used in other areas, such as the forehead and chin dimples.
What is Preventative Botox?
Over the past few years a newer trend has emerged, where people in their 20’s and 30’s begin getting routine Botox to decrease the prevalence of wrinkles forming later in life. This has often been referred to as “Preventative Botox”. By injecting Botox at the first signs of aging, the muscles are relaxed and deep wrinkles are prevented.
Again, preventative Botox is a personal decision. Everyone ages at different rates, and there are many factors that determine how we will age. Diet, skincare, hydration, lifestyle factors and genetics all affect our skin. All of these play a role in maintaining that healthy, glowing skin. Preventative Botox is not intended to devalue those factors, but can rather become another part of the anti-aging equation.
Similarly, there is also “baby Botox”, or “micro Botox”. This is the same Botox medication but used in much smaller doses to produce a more natural appearance. Baby Botox may also be diluted in order to disperse a smaller amount of medication to a wider area of the face. For those with only a few fine wrinkles or those only wanting minimal wrinkle reduction, this is an option to discuss with your medical professional.
The Botox Procedure
Before the procedure, you will discuss concerns and goals with your clinician. The skin is cleaned and several small injections are made. Injections feel like tiny needle pokes or mosquito bites. No sedation or anesthesia is required, and the procedure is done quickly. Afterwards it is best to avoid laying flat, leaning forward (no shoe shopping, friends) and exercising for at least four hours, or longer if directed. The result of the injection usually becomes apparent within two to seven days. Effects of the treatment generally last around three to four months.
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Why I Chose to Start Preventative Botox
After a childhood and young adulthood of bad skincare – tons of soccer games without sunscreen and South Padre spring breaks wearing tanning oil – my skin was starting to show signs of aging. Crow’s feet were becoming more prevalent and “sun spots” were making an appearance. It was my skin’s way of grabbing my attention. I have completely shifted the way I take care of my skin, from a cosmetic and safety standpoint.
While I cannot fully eliminate the damage that has already occurred to my skin, I have made the personal decision to reduce more destruction from occurring. I have done a lot of research and consulted with my dermatologist to form a plan. My fair skin is genetically pre-disposed to developing skin cancer so sunscreen and anti-oxidants have become a daily essential. Along with a healthy skincare routine, preventative Botox is one of the many ways I am giving my skin self-love and preservation.
Before and After Preventative Botox Photos
If you are a visual person, I want to include a few before and after photos. For reference, I used a total of 24 units, dispersing it between the crow’s feet, glabellar lines and upper eyebrow area. My preference was for a more natural appearance, so the results are subtle and not overly dramatic.
Photos with minimal to no makeup to give an authentic representation.
Before the procedure:
10 minutes after the procedure:
5 days after the procedure:
While I chose to go relatively easy on the amount of Botox, it did soften the crow’s feet enough to let those beloved laugh lines shine through but on a smaller scale. Overall I believe the procedure has given me a more rested and youthful appearance.
If you are considering doing Botox, I recommend speaking with a licensed dermatologist or plastic surgeon trained in Botox administration. Again, this is fully a personal decision that only you should decide! Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions. I invite discussion in the comments below.
Be sure to follow along in the month of November for more skin care topics during National Healthy Skin Month! There will still be regular blog posts too, so expect a month filled with content!
Live your life joyfully so,
Ashley
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