Did you know 87% of Americans have a fear of getting older? While many dread the process of aging, it does happen to all of us, eventually. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything to prevent it.
You may already take care of your body by following a healthy diet, regularly exercising, and sleeping well at night. Anti-wrinkle injections are yet another way you can maintain your youthfulness, particularly when it comes to your skin. Anti-wrinkle injections can help prevent signs of aging by targeting facial wrinkles, giving you vibrant, smooth-looking skin.
Yet, you may be wondering—how exactly do anti-wrinkle injections work? In this guide, you’ll learn all about the benefits, treatment, and recovery process for these types of injections.
What Are Anti-Wrinkle Injections?
First, it’s helpful to understand exactly what anti-wrinkle injections, otherwise known as botox, are. Commonly confused with filler, these injections are used to treat what’s known as dynamic wrinkles. Filler fills in the area underneath the skin to create more plump skin that’s caused by a loss of volume.
Dynamic wrinkles are lines on your face that appear after repetitive movement. You may have heard of smile lines or crow’s feet—these are wrinkles that appear after years of smiling and laughing. Now, that’s not to say you should stop enjoying life and having facial expressions. But, anti-wrinkle injections can help stop these muscles from moving which helps the skin relax and prevent wrinkles from forming.
Another example of dynamic wrinkles are lines that may form between your eyebrows or on your forehead. This is typically seen on someone who spends a lot of time out in the sun. The good news? You can get these in any of these problem areas like in the forehead, between your brows, around your eyes, and the corners of your mouth and neck.
Benefits of Anti-Wrinkle Injections
Anti-wrinkle treatment is more affordable than surgery, and it is also less risky. It needs less recovery time as each anti-aging treatment session is easy and quick.
Plus, the results aren’t permanent although they do last a long time for non-surgical treatment. Anti-aging isn’t the only purpose for anti-wrinkle injections, either. Botox can address a variety of conditions like excessive sweating (usually injected in your armpits), migraines, or even what’s known as ‘gummy smile’.
Gummy smile is when an excessive amount of gum tissue shows above your top teeth when smiling. This can be caused by many things like poor dental health, genetics and anatomy, tooth eruption, or certain medications. Whatever the cause, though, anti-wrinkle treatments can address it.
How Do Anti-Wrinkle Injections Work?
Now you know that anti-wrinkle injections—or botox—are different than fillers. But, how do anti-wrinkle injections work? Below is a breakdown of the treatment process, recovery time, and more.
Treatment
To give the smooth, wrinkle-free appearance many want, anti-wrinkle injections work by using a neurotoxin to block signals between the muscles and the nerves. When this ingredient is injected into the affected area, it’s able to prevent the muscle from receiving communication that would cause muscle movement.
That way, the muscles don’t move, which in turn, allows your skin to relax. Thanks to this process, the appearance of wrinkles like fine lines and crow’s feet can be drastically reduced, especially if the treatment is repeated over a long period. This process is also referred to as neuromodulators, which simply means normal muscle movement is prevented.
Botox vs. Filler
Both botox and filler are non-surgical procedures that promote younger-looking skin. However, there are some differences that separate one from the other.
Filler applies to the skin in a different way by filling in areas underneath the skin that are affected by age-related fat loss. This can be caused by the loss of collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin are two proteins that contribute to the youthful appearance of skin.
It’s helpful to know the difference between the two so that you can determine which may be right for you. Each treatment works well depending on your personal skin type, texture, and age. The best treatment for you also depends on the end result you’re seeking.
Recovery
You may be wondering—what’s the recovery process like for anti-aging treatment? You’ll be happy to know that it isn’t anything too severe.
First, it’s helpful to know whether anti-wrinkle injections hurt. Because everyone has a different pain tolerance, it’s hard to predict whether you will find botox injections painful. Although, for the vast majority of people, anti-wrinkle injections feel like a tiny pinch like a bee sting.
Most people don’t need anesthetic, and ice is usually helpful for reducing pain and discomfort. And, the good news is there isn’t really a set recovery time for botox injections. You can return to work and resume your normal daily activities immediately after treatment.
It is important, though, to be careful to not rub or massage the area that’s been injected immediately following treatment. This is to prevent the treatment from migrating to another part of your face.
Cost
It’s important to know that anti-wrinkle injections are based on their price per unit. So, the exact price you can expect to pay will depend on how many units you want or how many units are necessary to achieve your desired result. Men typically need more units than women, and it’s also helpful to know that different areas may need varying amounts of dosing.
For example, smaller areas of the face with less active muscles won’t need as many units. Larger areas may need more, but only a trained professional will be able to give you an estimated cost based on the amount of botox you’re seeking.
How Long Do They Last?
Because anti-wrinkle injections are such an easy, quick, and mostly painless procedure, it’s helpful to know how long they last. Typically, you’ll see the most effects of the botox in the first three to four months immediately following treatment. This number depends on a variety of factors like the dosage, your skin’s condition, and the degree of muscular movement in the injected area.
Some patients observe that the affected muscle’s strength naturally decreases from the injection’s forced state of relaxation. This is the best result you could ask for because you won’t need as many sessions to achieve your desired result.
It’s also important to know that, unlike filler, botox cannot be reversed. While the effects can drastically diminish—and disappear altogether—if treatment isn’t repeated, there isn’t a removal process for botox.
Filler can be dissolved by using a reversal agent. But for botox, you must let the injections wear off naturally which may take longer for some.
Are They Safe?
Botox has been extensively researched and tested. That doesn’t mean just anyone can administer these. Anti-wrinkle injections should only be given by a certified health professional in a sterile environment.
If you want to avoid unwanted effects, it’s best to go with a trusted, experienced doctor.
At What Age Should You Get Anti-Wrinkle Injections?
While there isn’t a specific age that everyone should get anti-wrinkle injections, there is something to be said for starting early. By getting injections as early as in your 30s, you may be able to drastically halt the aging process. This is especially true for those who are at a greater risk of experiencing wrinkles either due to their genetics or lifestyle.
Starting early means you can smooth out lines before they become too deeply ingrained. Another reason that it may be a good idea to start early is that by receiving botox treatment earlier on in a patient’s life, you can prevent the need for more extensive or invasive anti-aging procedures like a facelift.
Yet, anti-wrinkle injections can be used at any age. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal goals and preferences.
Get an Anti-Aging Consultation with Dr. Deuber
Now that you know the ins and outs of anti-wrinkle injections and how anti-wrinkle injections work, it’s time to consider whether this treatment is right for you. Whether you suffer from fine lines now, or simply wish to use botox for other health reasons, it’s a great treatment for many. The bottom line is: If you’re feeling less confident due to aging or issues with your skin, botox injections may boost your self-esteem by improving your appearance.
Book a consultation today with Dr. Deuber. With years of experience performing a wide variety of cosmetic procedures, you’re in safe hands!