Everyone will develop Wrinkles as they age; it is inevitable. You can even start developing wrinkles as early as your 20s, depending on different factors. For instance, a lot of sun exposure without sunscreen can cause collagen and elastin, important proteins in your skin, to break down. Without these proteins, your skin isn’t as elastic and youthful looking.
Other factors, such as smoking and genetics, also play a role in wrinkle development. Most wrinkles form because repeated motions, like making facial expressions, cause the skin to fold and crinkle. These repeated motions break down collagen and elastin, just like the sun. However, your genetics may cause this break down to happen faster or slower. If you smoke, this breakdown will also happen faster.
While there is no way to stop wrinkles completely, you can take steps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and even slow down their development. One of the fastest and easiest ways to minimize wrinkles is Botox®.
How Botox® Stops Wrinkles
Botox® uses botulinum toxin Injections to block nerve signals from reaching the muscles in the face responsible for expressions. While you can still make an expression, fewer small muscles will move, so your skin won’t fold or crinkle as much.
This has two benefits. FIrst, it will minimize the appearance of existing wrinkles within just a week or two after your Botox® injections. You will experience those results for 3-4 months and can have repeat injections to keep wrinkles at bay.
Second, getting Botox® before you have wrinkles or before wrinkles are deep, actually helps slow down and prevent wrinkles. That’s because Botox® keeps your muscles relaxed so collagen and elastin are not broken down as quickly by facial movements. Maintaining regular Botox® appointments throughout your 20s and 30s can help you continue looking young as you enter your 40s.
What to Know Before Your Botox® Appointment
If you choose Botox® for wrinkle prevention or reduction, you should know that the appointment takes about 30-45 minutes in your cosmetic surgeon’s office. Fortunately, there is no downtime, so you can return all your normal activities immediately.
Your aesthetician or physician will use a tiny needle to carefully inject Botox® in very specific places. You can ask for topical numbing creams to help reduce any discomfort from the injections, though most people don’t report any pain. While some people have side effects like redness or swelling after their injections, these side effects are rare and typically only last a day or two.
Over the next week after your Botox® appointment, the injection will start taking effect. You’ll see your skin start to relax and wrinkles start to disappear. Many people report feeling more confidence in their appearance after receiving Botox®.
Just because you can’t stop wrinkles completely doesn’t mean you have to live with them. At The Spa and Laser Center in Virginia Beach, we help you look younger and feel more confident. Contact us today at 757-965-7444 or online to schedule your Botox® consultation.
