“When should I start using botox or fillers?” This is a question I get in my practice all the time. The short answer is as soon as you feel ready, because the truth is the younger the better! Botox and fillers are amazing preventative and corrective treatments. The younger you begin, the easier it is to correct any fine lines and prevent new ones from forming. With that being said, of course it is never too late to start! I see injectable patients ranging in age from 20-80 years old!
Botox vs. Fillers
I’m only going to cover this briefly because I have an entire blog dedicated to this question! (Botox 101 & Fillers 101)
Basically, Botox is a muscle relaxer. It stops the muscles from contracting so hard which helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Over time, the contraction of the muscle causes the skin to crease – just like a piece of paper that has been folded for a long time – so in order to erase and prevent those kinds of wrinkles we need to treat the muscle under the skin. This is why topicals or lasers will not treat the lines between the brows aka “11” lines, horizontal forehead lines, or crows feet around the eyes. This is a Botox area. We need to relax the muscle, so the skin on top can become smooth and tight.
Eventually the body will metabolize the botox and the muscles will return to working as normal. It usually lasts about 3-4 months in most people. Generally we can administer less botox over time since the muscles become slightly weakened from not using them. Since your forehead muscles don’t do much heavy lifting like your biceps or quadriceps would this isn’t an issue!
Filler is another injection treatment in which a gel-like substance is injected under the skin to fill out volume that used to be there. If there is any sagging or drooping in areas of the face that used to be taunt or more lifted, a filler can be used to restore that volume and lift the face back up! Fillers slowly metabolize and “break down” over time so in order to maintain you need to retreat every 1-2 years
When injectables are done tastefully you will not ‘look like plastic’ or ‘look crazy’ with either treatment! You will look just like you and in general people won’t even notice a huge change rather something like “you look so rested!” or “Did you change your hair!?” The filler should be undetectable because we are just correcting deficit and filling in volume where you are deficient and actually need it!
People should not be able to pinpoint exactly what you had done, they will just notice that overall you look more refreshed. It’s all about just ‘softening’ areas and winding the clock back a few years. The goal is to look at the face as a whole and make you look and feel beautiful.
What age should I get Botox or Fillers?
Like I mentioned before this decision is different for everyone! As a rule, it’s a great time to start treating with Botox when your lines become “static” which means they are present without motion. If your face is totally relaxed and you’re seeing some thin fine lines, then that’s a good sign it’s time to start! On the other hand, Botox can also be used to treat migraines! This might have nothing to do with fine lines at all!
Luckily Botox works for prevention as well as correction! I often hear people say “you’re too young, you don’t need it” but that’s exactly it – the younger you start preventing the BETTER! The whole purpose is to PREVENT and treat lines from forming! I tell all of my younger patients that it is never too early to start to take care of your face and skin. Even if its using one great product, or getting botox just twice a year – ANYTHING is better than nothing! You’ll thank yourself later.
If you’re already in your 30s, 40s or beyond don’t feel like there is no hope. Like I said Botox works for prevention and correction. So even if your lines aren’t so ‘fine’ and maybe they are a little deeper Botox can reduce them, maybe even back to nothing!
I have personally used Botox since I was in my mid twenties. It can be placed in a very natural way that still allows for movement and should not ever make your brow heavy – in fact it should lift you up.
Botox is one of my favorite & most high satisfaction treatments!
Fillers can be used the same way- very natural and just to correct deficit or add a little definition to specific features. Filler can be used to add contour in the cheeks, fill in hollow under-eyes, or add shape and definition to the lips. A lot of times this sagging or hollowness is simply genetics or aging, or a combination of both. If you see someone on TV who has obviously had way too much filler – then that is what you are looking at – overdone. Either the patient asked for that or the provider overdid it.
Give yourself permission to look and feel your best!
Botox and fillers aren’t for everyone! If you’re not interested in either that’s totally fine.
The other day a good friend of mine and I were talking about how we actually look better in our 30s than we did in our 20s because we started making skincare itself a priority. Investing in your skin WILL make your skin look younger, brighter, tighter and glow! It is truly remarkable what the right treatments coupled with medical grade skin care for maintenance can do to totally change your skin.
The transformation may not always happen overnight, but if you stick with the plan your best self is right around the corner. You deserve to feel beautiful and flawless in your own skin, and if a few treatments can help you get there then you deserve nothing less!
More Info
If you think one of these treatments sounds up your alley check out one of my other blog posts!
Botox 101
Fillers 101
Which Botox Area Should I Have Treated?
Bruising and Swelling After Cosmetic Injections, What to Expect
Botox and filler is a technical art. It should be gently tailored to each individuals anatomy, needs, & goals. Make sure you do your research when working with any provider! I save a lot of before and after photos in my “botox”, “injections” and “treatments” “testimonials” highlight on my Instagram page if you ever want to check them out!
XO
Racquel
