Botulinum Toxin can be used as a preventative treatment to help slow down the formation of facial wrinkles. This wrinkle prevention procedure is becoming increasingly popular for younger patients to assist in combating premature ageing. It is commonly  known as “Baby Botox”, as the treatment involves lesser volumes of Botox and focuses on much smaller, more specific areas of the face.

But how does preventative Botox work? And does it work more effectively than using wrinkle-reducing injections once wrinkles have begun to form?

How Does Preventative Botox Work?

First of all, it’s important to note that preventative (baby) Botox works in the same way as standard Botulinum Toxin. Botox is a neurotoxin which when injected into a muscle, blocks impulses from the nerve to the muscle. This puts the muscle into ‘hibernation’ for around 3-4 months. Although this might sound scary, Botox is a perfectly safe procedure which doesn’t permanently alter your facial functions or appearance.

Over time the effects of the product will begin to wear off  and normal nerve processes will resume in around 12-16 weeks. Botox works only on the muscle which is being injected, this means that the surrounding muscles function as normal so your face should never be left looking “frozen” or expressionless.

The purpose of Botox is to relax the muscles in your face and prevent you from making forceful expressions which can increase the chances of dynamic wrinkles forming. Dynamic wrinkles form due to muscle movement, unlike static wrinkles, which form naturally over time due to the deterioration of skin elasticity.

What’s the Difference Between Botox and Baby Botox?

As discussed above, the way in which Baby Botox works is the same as conventional Botox. The main difference is that smaller amounts of product are injected into the muscle allowing for more facial movement than with Botox. This does however mean that the longevity of the treatment can be reduced. With less product in the muscle, many patients find it wears off quicker than standard Botox and therefore more frequent sessions may be required to maintain results. 

Am I Too Young to Have Preventative Botox?

We usually recommend preventative Botox to patients in their late 20s and early 30s who are conscious about limiting the possibility of wrinkles forming. To find out whether Baby Botox could be a viable option for you, or whether standard Botox would be more suitable, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’ll invite you for a consultation and assess the condition of your skin before we perform any wrinkle-prevention procedures.

How Often Will I Need Preventative Botox?

Botulinum Toxin is effective for roughly 3-4 months for most people. Preventative Botox may require more frequent sessions, as smaller amounts of product are injected, it can wear off slightly quicker than a more substantial dose. 

Most patients find that their Botox lasts a similar amount of time no matter which area of the face is treated. If a specific area of the face is more prone to movement (i.e forehead), it is likely the area will be injected with more Botox to ensure results last longer and therefore future treatments can be performed in all areas at the same time. 

Regular Baby Botox procedures  may help to reduce the amount of treatments needed over time. After repeatedly having this treatment, the muscles in the injected areas can become trained to relax and do so with lower doses and more extensive rest periods between appointments.

I’m Still Unsure. Can I Back out After Speaking to a Professional?

Of course! You’re welcome to come for a no-obligation consultation with one of our medical specialists and take the time to decide whether you would still like to go ahead with your treatment . 

We value you over all else. If you’re not comfortable with having treatment done, we will not pressure you into doing so. 

Contact us today for a consultation, and don’t be afraid to ask us every question on your mind! We’re here to discuss the process, offer advice and provide a comprehensive overview of Preventative Botox so you can make an informed decision.