As patients are beginning to get botox and fillers at younger and younger ages, it's important to know how both injectables can benefit you depending your on age so you can get the most out of your investment.
Botox and fillers serve a multitude of purposes. If you're younger, they can be incredible preventative tools that can help you look younger longer. And if you're older and noticing the signs of aging, they're a great way to turn back the clock a bit. But there's a fine line between too much and not enough, so here's a guide to help you determine how each injectable will give you the most benefit.
In your 20s...
Botox in your 20s is almost entirely preventative, but it's still necessary for some patients who furrow their brows frequently and are starting to notice a slight line forming between them. Tiny spot treatments of botox in your 20s will be helpful because, if done properly, it might lead to you needing less anti-aging treatments down the road. But be careful not to go overboard and freeze your face—young faces are meant to move and express naturally. We suggest small spot treatments like frown lines at this age, or microtox (aka baby botox) because it will keep your skin quality great and help reduce movement without you appearing frozen.
Fillers in your 20s are typically not necessary for wrinkle reduction, but perfect if you're looking for contouring or lip plumping. Fillers are best for patients in this age group who are looking to fill out their lips or add contour to their chin.
In your 30s...
During your 30s, you may start to notice that your expression lines are still visible...after you've stopped making the expression. And that's perfectly normal! But if you're concerned about the crow's feet that might be ever so slightly visible, or the frown line that's just a little too pronounced for your liking, starting botox at this time is the perfect way to get rid of them. Expanding the treated area to your crow's feet, glabella (the space between your brows), and maybe even the bunny lines on your nose or the dimpling on your chin. You'll probably be able to get away with treating small areas, and freezing your whole face is typically not recommended. Baby botox is also beneficial in this age group if you're not noticing any significant signs of aging.
Fillers in your 30s will usually provide the same benefits as they did in your 20s, with most patients using them for lip plumping and facial contouring.
In your 40s...
Once you reach your 40s, it's pretty common to start noticing more pronounced lines and wrinkles forming around your eyes, forehead, and mouth. At this point, botox should be a regular part of your routine, and you will notice a significant reduction in wrinkles if this is the first time you've tried it. Most of the wrinkles should be resolved with botox.
You may also start noticing that the structure of your face is starting to sag, dark circles may be forming under your eyes, and your lips might be losing some of their volume. This is all just a natural result of volume loss and lower levels of elastin and collagen. Filler will help eliminate shadows that are creating unwanted dark shadows around your eyes, and they can help lift cheeks and reduce the appearance of marionette lines. If wrinkles are still very visible after botox, spot treatments of filler will help erase them.
In your 50s and later
When you've reached your 50s, 60s, and later, prominent lines, wrinkles and sagging are commonplace. By now, botox should be a regular part of your routine and fillers can help add volume and slight lifting. Around this time, if you're still noticing heavier jowls and sagging and fillers aren't resolving it completely, pairing your injectables with some non invasive lifting options will help enhance the results of your injectables even more. Treatments like Ultherapy or Thread lifts will stimulate collagen and elastin production while providing you with a visible lift, and they could even extend the time between your injectable appointments.
Some Extra Tips About Botox & Fillers
There are some interesting ways in which botox and fillers are used that aren't as commonplace as wrinkle prevention, treatment, and plumping. Botox and fillers can also provide medical and body sculpting benefits that many people might not know are treatable with injectables.
- The Lip Flip: you might not hear much about this effective and quick procedure, but it might be the perfect fit if you want a slight lip plump but you aren't interested in trying filler. The Lip Flip relaxes a small area of the orbicularis oris muscle (the muscle that surrounds the lips), and the result is that your lip flips slightly outward, creating the illusion of fullness.
- Jawline Contouring: it's well known that an undefined jawline and chin can be augmented with filler, however, did you know botox can also play a part in the shape of your face? The masseter muscles located on the sides of your face that control your jaw and chewing can grow with time, making your face look square and wide. Injecting botox into the masseter weakens it (it won't prevent you from being able to chew, don't worry!). Over time the muscle mass will decrease in the area and your square jawline will look like a more flattering oval.
- Hyderhidrosis: botox isn't just for aging. Hyperhidrosis (aka excessive sweating) can be resolved with botox, and it's arguably much better for you than pore-clogging, aluminum-filled anti-perspirants. Botox can help block the signals triggering the sweat glands in your underarms, helping to slow or stop perspiration in the area.
- Acne Scars: Some acne scars present as atrophic (aka depressed or sunken) scars that can make the texture of your skin look rough and bumpy. Injecting filler into an acne scar can help raise it so that the scarred skin is flush with the rest of your face, making it impossible to see.
- Body Sculpting: looking for slight body augmentation without surgical or non surgical procedures? Filler, primarily Sculptra or Radiesse, can add volume to narrow hips or rejuvenate crepey skin on your hands.