Is It Harmful to Have Botox After the Age of 65?
Botox has become a household name, and for good reason. What was once a high-end cosmetic treatment option only for the rich and famous has become more affordable and accessible to everyday people after decades of proven results. But is this injectable only meant for people of a certain age? If you’re over 65 and considering whether or not you should have Botox, let’s clear things up.
Getting Botox When Over 65
Can You Use Botox After Age 65?
Simply put, yes. As long as you are in good health and don’t have any serious medical conditions that might be considered contraindications, you can absolutely use Botox even at age 65 or over. The only real difference lies in what you can expect.
If you started using Botox earlier in life and have continued with regular treatments, you may find that you have far fewer wrinkles than most people by the time you reach 65. As long as your dermatologist continues to deem injectables safe for you specifically, there’s no reason to stop.
So what happens if it’s your first time trying Botox, and you’re 65 or above? Whereas those who start using Botox in their 30s and 40s may receive more preventative benefits from starting Botox early, those who try injectables for the first time later in life may just find they need more to do the trick. Let’s explore why.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox uses an active ingredient from the botulinum toxin to cause muscle paralysis. The amount of toxin used is measured and regulated by the FDA. Once injected via a needle, Botox blocks the nerve impulses responsible for the facial muscle contractions that occur when making expressions like smiling, frowning, and squinting. When these impulses are blocked, the facial creases that would occur during these types of movements don’t take place, and thus, over time the wrinkle smoothes out.
Botox is temporary, meaning that it will need to be readministered from time to time. One treatment typically lasts about 2 to 5 months. The benefit of starting injectables like Botox early is that the wrinkles don’t have much time to form in the first place – maybe a few years. Multiply that by a few decades, and you may find that by 65, you need a lot higher dosage of Botox, and many more wrinkles treated (since each facial crease is treated individually.)
What Else Can Help with Wrinkles?
Many times, dermal fillers can be used in conjunction with Botox for even better results. While Botox is a product that will block the muscle contractions responsible for causing the wrinkle, dermal fillers use hyaluronic acid to promote collagen production and regeneration of skin cells, which can help “fill in” the wrinkle. So if you’re 65 or over, you might find that combining these two cosmetic treatments is the best route for you.
Contact Vanguard Dermatology
Are you 65 or older and interested in giving Botox a try? If you’re located in the greater New York City area, contact Vanguard Dermatology today for an appointment with one of our board-certified specialists.