Can Starting Botox/Dysport Treatment Early Prevent Wrinkles?

Despite the annual onslaught on new services designed to eliminate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, Neuromodultor treatments (such as Botox® and Dysport®) – the granddaddy of them all –  is still the most popular. With more than 7 million injections administered every year, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, it’s the leading medically-administered procedure.

It’s also the go-to solution for diminishing the appearance of crow’s feet and frown lines among an increasing population. Once thought to be the exclusive domain of middle-aged women, Wrinkle and Line Reduction is now an aesthetic staple among twenty-somethings and men as well.

When it comes to Botox/Dysport, how soon is too soon? It may be earlier than you think.

While traditionally Neuromodulators have been used to treat existing lines and wrinkles, an increasing number of young people are using Botox and Dysport as a preventative measure before these signs of aging even start. If you're interested in minimizing the look of fine lines and wrinkles, you may want to consider using Botox and Dysport as part of your skincare routine.

Why you develop wrinkles

Many of the wrinkles you develop on your face are the result of muscle movements. The horizontal lines across your forehead are caused by certain facial expressions, like raising your eyebrows, while the vertical lines between your eyebrows are caused by squinting or frowning. Other facial lines, like those alongside your nose and around your mouth, are the result of muscular movements in your face, as well.

You’ve been using your facial muscles since birth, so it’s only natural that over time the elastic skin covering these muscles will start to show signs of use. By using Botox, the movement of these minuscule muscles is restricted, which has dramatic long-term effects in warding off the development of wrinkles.

How do Neuromodulators such as Botox and Dysport work?

Botox/Dysport is injected directly into the targeted facial muscles to temporarily reduce their movement. If you already have deep lines and wrinkles, this prevents you from using the muscle that's contributing to the development of those wrinkles and, in turn, smooths your skin almost immediately, eliminating the appearance of wrinkles.

But the benefit to starting Botox/Dysport early is that if you don't yet have frown lines or other facial wrinkles, or they're just beginning to develop, these neuromodulators can help. Here’s how:

• It prevents the overused facial expressions that contribute to the development of wrinkles (frowning).
• It diminishes your muscle contractions, which contributes to less bunching of the skin on top of these muscles, preventing folds from turning into wrinkles.
• When injected skillfully, it can relax the brow depressors, and therefore provides a slight brow lift.

What is the difference between Botox vs. Dysport?

Why does Botox/Dysport continue to be so popular?

Triple Board-Certified Dermatologist Hooman Khorasani, MD, who’s been using Botox and Dysport in his Manhattan practice for 15 years, explains the 3 key reasons for Neuromodulators on-going reign.  

1. Botox and Dysport treatments are quick and easy with minimal downtime

Derived from a purified form of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, Botox and Dysport are injected under the skin. It works by temporarily restricting movement of muscles used to make crow’s feet and frown lines. By preventing the formation of these facial lines, Botox and Dysport may also prevent them from deepening.

Treatment begins with the application of topical numbing cream (if desired). Because of this, and the fact that ultra-thin needles are used, the procedure is relatively pain-free. Most patients equate it to the feeling of a quick pinprick. Injections take only minutes, and there is no downtime. Most people do not experience bruising or swelling. For those who may, it is typically minor, temporary, and easily covered with makeup.

2. Botox and Dysport are safe

Botox and Dysport are safe when administered by a trained medical professional, such as Dr. Khorasani. These Neuromodulators have been evaluated in literally hundreds of peer-reviewed articles in medical and scientific journals and have been used safely in this country since early 2000. It also is approved for cosmetic use in dozens of countries worldwide.

3. Botox and Dysport are effective

Neuromodulators have a rare 95% approval rating on the RealSelf website, which polls patients about all types of medically-administered and cosmetic procedures. It’s important to note, however, that Neuromodulator treatment is a technique-sensitive treatment. To achieve the most natural and aesthetically appealing results, always choose a medical professional with extensive experience and satisfied patients when selecting a Botox provider.

Botox results usually appear within a week, and typically last up to four months. When treatment is discontinued, frown lines and crow's feet gradually return to look like they did before treatment.

Is Botox right for me?

It's important to note that although many patients are seeking wrinkle and line reduction in their twenties, we do sometimes see patients who authentically don't need and won't benefit from Botox treatment. In those cases, we simply educate the patient so they don't make an investment they don't feel good about. Not everybody needs Botox.

Should you consider incorporating Neuromodulators into your beauty regimen? Whether you're seeing deep lines and wrinkles already, or you're hoping to prevent them from ever appearing in the first place, a consultation with an expert never hurts. There's no obligation to move forward with treatment if you and Dr. Khorasani decide that you won't benefit from Botox or Dysport.  

Visit our Wrinkle and Line Reduction page to learn more about Dr. Khorasani's treatment options. To request a consultation, message us, or contact Dr. Khorasani’s Manhattan office by phone at 212-210-2127.