Preventative Botox : Does Baby Botox Really Work?

Now of course we are not talking about giving babies Botox®. But what exactly does preventative Baby Botox® mean and should you start now? That’s what Nurse Reeya is here to help you find out. 

What is Botox®?

Botox® is the most well known brand of botulinum toxin type A, a muscle relaxing injection that can technically be used anywhere on the body. Other common botulinum toxin brands in Canada are Dysport®, Xeomin®, and a newly introduced brand called Nuceiva® or “New Tox”.

All of these brands work with the same mechanism of action - relaxing a targeted muscle of the body. In super scientific terms, botulinum toxin type A prevents acetylcholine from being released at the end of neural transmitters (in neurons) which normally allow muscles to contract. By preventing the acetylcholine from being released, muscles are unable to contract making them weaker. Because muscle contraction causes wrinkles, weakening them will prevent the wrinkles from forming or getting worse. As the effects of Botox® begin to wear off, our muscles regain strength through contractions, and our wrinkles reappear, which means it’s time for your next Botox® appointment!

The slow return of muscle strength often begins at the 2 month mark (post treatment). You will likely be ready for your next dose at the 3 to 4 month mark. Consistent treatment schedules ensure desired results while maintaining your safety as the number one priority.

What is the difference between Baby Botox® and Botox®?

Baby Botox® is like a “sprinkle” of Botox® across the face to prevent fine lines from appearing. This method of injection is often used in clients aged 30 years and younger to treat as a preventative measure. The ability to create facial expressions is maintained with this technique, however lines appear softer and the forehead may appear smoother than before. There are often more points of injection across the forehead and around the eyes with Baby Botox® to ensure there is not total relaxing of a muscle. Baby Botox® is the perfect way to start your Botox® journey and to prevent fine lines from getting deeper with age.

Is Baby Botox® the right treatment for me?

So now that you know what Baby Botox® is, should you be signing up? On average, once you turn 25 you will begin losing collagen and elastin, and your facial fat pads will begin to drop. As a result of natural processes along with environmental factors (sun exposure, sleeping position, alcohol use, etc.), signs of aging will begin to appear on the face. If you are in your 20s and are considering starting a Baby Botox® treatment, a likely appropriate time is when you notice some fine lines and wrinkles that aren’t going away when your face is at rest. Another good indicator is when your lines are visible with make up, as the concealer or foundation settles into those lines. With consistent use of Baby Botox®, it may be possible to erase those lines from the face, leaving you with a smooth finish.

If you are in the 30+ age group, you have likely experienced at least a little bit of aging. You may have some crows feet around your eyes in pictures, or even a lot of expressive movement in your forehead and in between the brows that just isn’t going away when your face is at rest. If this is you it’s definitely the time to get your full Botox® treatment done. At this point we are preventing those lines from getting any deeper and hoping that we can erase fine lines that are visible when your face is at rest.

For all of my clients 40 years and older you are at the perfect age to be using botulinum toxin. At this point, if you’ve kept up with really good skin care and overall good cosmetic practises, it’s likely that you don’t have very deep lines at the beginning of your 40s. However, if your goal is to have a smooth forehead and little to no visible lines, Botox® should most definitely be used. Botox® will also help provide an overall refreshed look.

What should I expect at an appointment?

At your appointment, Nurse Reeya will go over your natural anatomy and desired goals. She will explain the entire treatment to you. This includes product choice, your goals, potential side effects, and aftercare. You can expect to have your picture taken to upload into your medical chart. You will be asked to disclose your medical history, current medications, and allergies. After your Botox® or Baby Botox® treatment is complete you will be reminded of your after care. Your total time at the clinic will vary from 20-50 minutes.

Botox® and Baby Botox® treatment results are not immediate. It will take up to 14 days to see your treatment results.

The best way to learn more about Baby Botox® is to book an appointment with Nurse Reeya here. You can set up a consultation, both in person or online and have all of your questions answered!

Nurse Reeya can’t wait to have you at her clinic!