The moment at which you start with botox differs from person to person. One person notices at a young age that lines remain in place after frowning, while another only thinks about a treatment later. Still, a clear trend is visible: more and more people are considering starting with botox at a relatively young age. Not necessarily to treat wrinkles, but precisely to prevent them.
In this blog we explain when it is worthwhile to start with botox, what you can expect from a treatment and why we at Kliniek het Bolwerk always give honest advice about what is and is not necessary.
What exactly does botox do?
Botox is a muscle-relaxing agent that temporarily reduces the movement of certain facial muscles. As a result, dynamic wrinkles (these are wrinkles caused by the tensing of muscles), such as frown lines or crow’s feet, are softened or even made completely invisible. The skin gets rest, which means existing lines fade and new wrinkles are less likely to get the chance to become deeper.
The effect is temporary. After an average of three to four months, the muscle activity slowly increases again. After that you can choose a treatment again, but that is not mandatory.
When do you start with botox?
There is no fixed age at which you should start. What is more important is your personal skin condition, your facial expression and what you yourself experience as bothersome. In our clinic we see roughly three moments at which people consider starting with botox.
Some come as early as their early thirties for preventive botox. They notice that their frown line remains visible in a relaxed state too, or that the skin between the eyebrows already lies a little deeper. In that case a small amount of botox can ensure that the muscles relax and the skin stays smooth. This approach is also called ‘baby botox’: subtle, with preservation of natural expression.
Around the age of 35 or 40, there are often somewhat more visible signs of skin ageing. Wrinkles remain in place after movement, the skin around the eyes looks a little more tired or the forehead has fine lines that no longer disappear on their own. In this phase botox is not only preventive, but also corrective. The skin gets rest and the facial expression becomes softer, without you losing anything of your face.
After the age of 45, botox often becomes part of a broader approach. The skin loses firmness, there is sometimes loss of volume or slackening. In that case we always look at the overall picture. Sometimes we combine botox with other treatments, such as fillers or skin firming and maintenance with a skinbooster. Everything is aimed at improving the appearance, without unnatural changes.
Is it bad to start early?
Many people are afraid that they are too early, or that they are starting unnecessarily. Those concerns are understandable. At the same time, preventive botox with the right indication is precisely a way to prevent deep-lying wrinkles. The sooner you calm an overactive muscle, the smaller the chance that the skin develops permanent lines in that spot.
But that does not mean that you should just start. At Kliniek het Bolwerk we always look on critically. We only treat if it really adds something. Sometimes we also say honestly that botox is not necessary at that moment. A good result begins, after all, with good advice.
What can you expect from the result?
After the treatment it takes about three to five days before the effect is noticeable. The maximum result is visible after about two weeks. Your skin looks calmer, the wrinkles are softened and your facial expression often feels a little more relaxed. You simply continue to look like yourself, but then with a fresh, rested appearance.
The effect lasts on average three to four months. After that you choose for yourself whether you want to repeat it. Some people automatically schedule a new appointment, others wait until they notice that the effect is diminishing. That choice is very personal and you are not obliged to anything.
Why do people choose Kliniek het Bolwerk?
At Kliniek het Bolwerk it is not about quick treatments or big changes. We believe in a natural approach and in honest advice. Your face is unique and deserves a tailor-made plan. We take the time to look at what you really need, and perhaps even more importantly: what you do not need.
That means that we also readily say no to a treatment if we think it has no added value. We make no promises that we cannot keep and only proceed to treatment if it really suits your face, your skin and your wishes.
Finally
When you start with botox is a personal choice. For one person that is preventively around the age of thirty, for another only when wrinkles are experienced as bothersome. There is no right or wrong moment, as long as you choose an approach that suits your appearance.
Do you want to know whether botox is something for you? Or are you curious what a subtle treatment can mean for your skin? Then you are very welcome for a no-obligation consultation. We look together at what is possible, what is responsible and what suits who you are.
At Kliniek het Bolwerk every treatment begins with an honest conversation. Because sometimes the best advice is no treatment.
