Although your dentist’s primary goal is to help you build and maintain a happy, healthy smile, many providers also offer a variety of cosmetic services to help enhance your appearance and improve your self-esteem. For instance, did you know that many are licensed to administer BOTOX® injections to help you preserve a more youthful smile?
But it’s natural to have questions about this service, and some older patients wonder whether they’ve waited too long for these injections to successfully reduce facial wrinkles. Continue reading to learn more about it so you know what to expect!
How Does BOTOX® Work?
This treatment utilizes a prescription medication derived from purified botulinum neurotoxin, which contains a chemical that can block nerve signals to the brain and prevent the affected muscles from contracting. In large, uncontrolled amounts, this can potentially cause paralysis or become fatal, but your dentist only uses small, safe dosages in their applications. Furthermore, your provider must undergo advanced training to become licensed to administer this service, so you can trust that you’re in good hands.
These injections can often be used to reduce the impact of facial wrinkles from the brow, forehead, lips, corners of the eyes, neck, and other areas, helping you look and feel like a younger, more attractive version of yourself. But the results aren’t permanent and tend to last for between 3 and 12 months because your body eventually metabolizes the active protein that makes this treatment effective. As a result, many people undergo periodic reapplications to help maintain the results over time.
What’s the Ideal Age to Get BOTOX®?
BOTOX® injections can help adults at different stages of their lives achieve their cosmetic goals to preserve a younger-looking smile. For example, some patients start treatment in their 20s to prevent facial wrinkles from forming mid-life. Meanwhile, those in their 40s or 50s can maintain fresher, rejuvenated skin as they age.
That said, this popular cosmetic upgrade isn’t typically available to those younger than 18, leading many patients to wonder if there’s also an upper age limit associated with this treatment. The truth is that these injections are FDA-approved for cosmetic use, but only for those between 18 and 65 years old, based on clinical safety and effectiveness trials.
Am I Too Old for BOTOX®?
You’re not alone if you’re worried you have too many fine lines for this service to be effective, but that’s not necessarily the case! It’s true that getting injections in your 20s and 30s can help prevent certain wrinkles from forming, but they can also help reduce the prevalence of imperfections later in life. However, if you’re 65 years or older, there’s a chance you may not be approved for this procedure.
But only your dentist can determine for certain whether or not you’re a good candidate for BOTOX®, and some providers approve patients on a case-by-case basis, so it might not be too late!
About the Practice
Patients at Soleil Dental Mesquite benefit from two dentists who are passionate about helping people of all ages build happy, healthy teeth and gums. Dr. Vazquez and Dr. Aldana collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services, including BOTOX® injections and other cosmetic procedures, to meet your unique needs under one roof. Their compassionate approach is paired with advanced technology to deliver more comfortable, accurate results you can count on. If you want a younger-looking smile, you can request an appointment on the website or call (972) 288-3200.