Botox^® is, hands down, the most popular wrinkle reducer on the market today, with Xeomin^® and Dysport^® rounding out the top three. But when you think of people looking to turn back the clock with these popular injectable neurotoxins, a more mature clientele may initially come to mind. But, believe it, or not, Botox injections for people in their 20s and 30s is quite a bit more common than you may think. In fact, it’s actually a growing trend these days. But why?

Just like with most medical conditions, prevention is the best medicine when it comes to the outward signs of aging. And who wouldn’t want to prevent the telltale signs of aging before they make their unwelcomed debut? Now that more and more younger adults are rushing to get Botox to stop wrinkles before they start, it’s coined a new phrase that’s making waves in the aesthetic industry – prejuvenation.

While all three toxins can create great transformations in patients by performing similar functions, there are a few differences between them. The main difference between Xeomin and Botox or Dysport is that Xeomin contains only one ingredient – botulinum toxin A. The manufacturing process is slightly different with all three, which translates to some potential, subtle differences in results.

Xeomin is uniquely purified and does not contain any additives. A benefit of this pure-form injectable is that the body is less likely to become resistant to it. There are some patients who have developed antibodies to Botox and Dysport. The number of units used for best results averages 20 units of Xeomin or Botox per visit and 40 units of Dysport. The neurotoxins diffuse differently, in part because Botox and Dysport have protective proteins clustered around the active part of the molecule. Xeomin, on the other hand, has no protective proteins. Botox and Dysport, however, are not interchangeable because they’re both dosed and injected differently.

Why the trend in prejuvenation?

Wrinkles and fine lines are the result of constant facial expressions over time. When we’re young, our skin still has the youthful resiliency to be largely unaffected by these consistent facial expressions. But before you know it, those lines that show up on your face when you laugh, squint, frown, or scowl eventually appear in the mirror even when your face is relaxed.

Though most younger adults don’t display the visible signs of aging yet, the word is out that Botox can be utilized as a preventive measure in maintaining a youthful appearance. By starting injections early, fine lines and wrinkles can be stopped dead in their tracks so you sail into the years ahead looking younger than if you took no preventative measures at all. And in taking notice of the rising popularity of this injectable treatment among 20 and 30 somethings, much more marketing tactics are being targeted to a younger crowd.

How does Botox work?

Botox is a neuromodulator, which means it relaxes facial muscles. When neuromodulators are strategically injected into the underlying muscles, the contractions of the muscles are temporarily reduced, eventually allowing lines and wrinkles on the surface to effortlessly be smoothed out. Depending on the patient, results can last up to four months.

What specific areas can Botox effectively treat?

Botox is used to treat the following areas of the face and neck:

• Forehead lines
• Glabellar lines (frown lines between the eyebrows)
• Crow’s feet
• Lines around the mouth
• Downturned mouth
• Bunny lines on the nose
• Neck bands and lines

How is treatment with Botox carried out?

Botox is administered through a series of injections in the desired areas where you wish to see improvement. Treatment typically takes only about 10 to 15 minutes. Discomfort is typically minimal. Most patients report that injections feel like a slight pinch, so no local anesthesia is needed. There is also no downtime with Botox injections.

Is Botox right for you?

Everyone’s skin is different, which means we all age at our own pace. Several factors play into visible aging, such as lifestyle habits, ethnicity, individual skin type, and, of course, genetics. These all play a role in the aging process for our skin. For example, a smoker’s skin will age more rapidly than a non-smoker, as well as someone who regularly drinks alcohol or spends a lot of time in the sun. For some individuals, starting Botox injections earlier in life can be quite the attractive solution, especially for women, who tend to show the signs of aging faster than men due to hormonal changes throughout their lives. Whatever your reasoning, be sure to speak with a reputable provider before getting Botox injections.

Are you ready for your own prejuvenation with Botox in the D.C. area?

With such dependable, subtle results, it’s no wonder so many men and women are flocking to get this age-defying injectable. Neurotoxins are a temporary solution that often yields amazing results. So whether you’re part of the 20s and 30s crowd, or you have a little bit more mileage, we’d love the chance to get to know you and learn about your own beauty goals. Call us today at (240) 907-5009 and allow us to help lead you on the path to more confident you!