BOTOX® Checklist: 5 Signs That You’re an Ideal Candidate

We all get wrinkles throughout the course of our life, watching the lines develop from many different causes. If you don’t like the way you look with these creases, however, cosmetic treatments allow you to temporarily make your face look more youthful and refreshed without having to choose surgery. The popularity of BOTOX® as a wrinkle treatment has skyrocketed since it was first approved by the FDA for cosmetic usage in 2002. In recent years, the medicine still has a huge following among different age demographics. There’s a simple reason for this: Neuromodulators like BOTOX® specifically tackle the underlying cause of certain wrinkles. Although most patients generally see good effects from BOTOX®, explains the St. Louis-based injectors at West County Plastic Surgeons, some people make better candidates than others. An experienced injector can help you determine whether a neuromodulator is the right choice for you.

Here are five of the qualities that could make someone the ideal candidate for BOTOX®:

1. Your Wrinkles Are Caused by Your Facial Expressions

Wrinkles aren’t simply a result of chronological aging. Your facial movements also play a huge role in the development of lines. Of course, it isn’t possible for us to go through life with a completely still and robotic face, so these movements can’t be completely avoided. All of those fleeting facial expressions we make when we’re smiling, laughing, chewing, talking, or smoking involve facial muscle contractions that make the skin crease on the surface—and eventually these lines begin to deepen. BOTOX® is ideal for someone who already has moderate to severe wrinkles on areas like the forehead and around or between the eyes, such as crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead wrinkles.

2. You’re Aware of What the Procedure Entails

Even if people have heard about BOTOX® before—or at least recognize the name—they might not be aware of the specifics of the procedure. It’s important to know what the injectable is used for, how to prepare for it, any risks or side effects, how long it takes for the neurotoxin to start working, and what aftercare is like before you decide to have BOTOX®. If you’re planning to have injections before a wedding or another special occasion, as many people do, having a general idea about the timeline and risks will help you to know when to schedule your appointment.

3. You’re Physically Healthy

As with any other cosmetic treatment, physicians want to ensure that you’re in a good state of health before administering anything. Certain conditions might make someone unsuitable for this treatment, such as:

· Skin infections on the face

· A history of neuromuscular disease

· Being pregnant or currently breastfeeding

· Allergies to ingredients contained in botulinum toxin products

· Other severe illnesses

· Weakness in the targeted muscles

· Very thick facial skin

· Pronounced facial scars

4. You Have the Right Mindset

Before having BOTOX®, think about what kind of outcome you hope to achieve. Try to maintain realistic expectations. Injectables enhance your facial appearance, but they won’t necessarily improve your career, social life, mental health, or other areas. They also won’t make you look “perfect,” and the level of improvement varies among patients. Having realistic expectations goes a long way toward improving patient satisfaction with the results.

5. You’ve Considered or Already Tried Out Other Alternatives

Consider whether you actually need injectables to enhance your appearance. Maybe changing your lifestyle or your skincare routine could be what you need if you aren’t seeing deep wrinkles forming yet. Other people might decide that not having an aesthetic treatment at all will be better for them. And BOTOX® isn’t the only treatment for reducing wrinkles. There are many other options, including facial fillers, chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing, dermaplaning, microneedling, and surgical treatments like facelifts. These other methods could also be combined with neuromodulators to optimize results.

Are you interested in finding out more about injectables? For more details on BOTOX®, talk to the team at West County Plastic Surgeons of Washington University about methods for reducing facial wrinkles. Their injectors can provide more information on neuromodulators, fillers, and other anti-aging treatments. Call (314) 996-8800, or submit a contact form to request a consultation.