What you Need to Consider Before Starting Botox and Fillers

Adonis, Aphrodite, Venus and the ancient gods all sought eternal youth, but just like the fountain of youth or the elixir of life, this concept is true only in myths.

Though the modern world has provided great support to our health and longevity, it has also proven that the true eternal beauty has nothing to do with your physical looks and more to do with your spirit, actions and who you are deep inside. Once you know truth from myth, we can tackle the question: How old should someone be to start fillers or Botox?

I cannot offer a definitive answer to this question, but I can help you find the answers and I can help you explore your options.

Let’s start with WHY?

Always start with addressing your skin problem and manage your expectations. Ask yourself WHY do I need the Botox or filler treatment?

If the answer is that you have concerns or insecurities about any of your features, then the right direction is seeking advice, researching the market and exploring your options. However, if you are after the ‘perfect’ look, you should know that such as a notion does not exist. Each one of us has been blessed with her own beautiful eyes, luscious hair and unique smile. Learn how to embrace yourself, and remember that your individuality is what makes you beautiful.

Second, WHAT are Botox and fillers?

Both Botox and facial fillers are effective methods of improving signs of aging. Both are safe products and are certified in the medical field. Their popularity has risen over the years, yet many still ask what the difference between them is?

Botox is a natural, purified protein that is used to temporarily relax facial muscles that cause lines and wrinkles. Botox is the original trusted and known product in the market and is the result of many decades of studies and extensive use in medicine. There is no downtime associated with the treatment; you may encounter some slight bruising and /or swelling directly after treatment due to the needle injection, but there are no long-term side effects. You can resume your usual activities straight away.

Dermal fillers are injectable material that is primarily used to fill in smile lines, or plump up the lips and cheeks. Dermal fillers help stimulate collagen production as well as plump and lift the skin to replace collagen loss, which helps your skin achieve a youthful look and eliminate signs of aging. The procedure takes around 30 minutes; discomfort is minimal with slight bruising or swelling that last not more than a day. You can expect to notice the effects for as long as 18 months after treatment, treatment with fillers is completely reversible.

WHO should perform the procedure? WHAT should I ask? HOW MUCH should I pay?

The only person that should perform this procedure is a certified, qualified well-experienced and trained Physician.

Before starting your procedure, secure the answers to the following questions:

- What qualifications does the physician have?

- Which brand do you use?

- Can you show me before and after pictures?

- What are side effects? What should I expect?

- What should I do after? What is the maintenance plan?

As for pricing, I advise you to research the market and ask around. Prices will differ according to the country or location, the brand used, and the of course the physician’s qualifications which play a major role.

Be careful: Never let the price be your only deciding factor, just keep in mind that more doesn’t mean better and less usually comes with consequences.

WHAT other options do I have?

So you are not ready or convinced that Botox or fillers are right for you, don’t worry, you have options to take care of the fine lines and details that will help heal and improve your skin. These could include:

1- Skin Resurfacing: removal of outer layer of the skin to minimize acne, scars and wrinkles examples are:

- Laser resurfacing

- CO2 Resurfacing

- Chemical peeling

- Micro-dermabrasion; diamond and crystal peeling

2- Skin tightening: these are non-invasive, cosmetic procedures that are clinically proven to help tighten loose or sagging skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles on your face & neck. Most popular treatments are:

- HIFU

- Thermage

- Ultratherpay

- Laser skin tightening

- LPG Endermolift

3- Collagen Stimulation Treatments

- Dermal rolling and micro-needling

- IPL and LED anti-ageing (Photo-facial)

- Mesotherapy and No-Needle Mesotherapy as a non-invasive alternative

- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)

4- Last but not least: Enhancing your skin care regimen

- You need to have a daily consistent skin care routine using suitable skin care products.

- Healthy lifestyle: eat healthy, work out and drink water

- Sun screen, sun screen & Sunscreen.

Finally the answer is:

In your 20’s: some dermatologists believe that you should start using preventative Botox in your late twenties. This is when your body stops producing collagen and expression lines start to appear during talking and disappear when face is relaxed. 

In your 30’s:

Depending on the genetics, sun damage, muscle movement and how much you took care of your skin, generally mid thirties is the age where the fine age lines start to become more prominent making it the most recommended age to start using Botox.

In your 40’s:

This is the age where you should definitely be doing Botox. In your 40’s your collagen content will decline drastically causing your skin to become thinner and lose volume which causes wrinkles to become more obvious.

Bottom line, there is no right or definitive answer for when to start using Botox and fillers, it all depends on what you believe and think is right for your needs. All you have to do is educate yourself, know what’s out there and DO NOT fall into the trap of EVERYBODY IS DOING IT!