Maintaining a youthful visage sometimes requires the use of anti-wrinkle injections. If you choose such treatments, it's best to find a provider with a sound knowledge of facial anatomy, such as your dentist. Dentists are also qualified to assess whether such injections are suitable for your case. Here are some indications as to whether Botox could work for you.
Preventative Injections
Although you can technically use preventative injections from the age of 18, it isn't wise to do so. Using injectables too early may cause your muscles to atrophy, which causes ageing to look worse later. However, if you're in your mid-twenties to early thirties, your dentist can assess whether preventative injections could work. They'll examine your fine lines and ask you to make some facial movements. If they feel that preventative injections are suitable, they'll advise on the areas to have them in. Using injectables as a preventative technique can mean you need fewer injections as you age. As such, the effort you put in now can translate to amazing results later.
Treating Wrinkles
There's no real upper age limit for anti-wrinkle injections. However, if your wrinkles are deep, you'll need to adapt your expectations with regards to what to expect. Each injection temporarily relaxes the muscles where wrinkles appear. For example, the ones surrounding your eyes. If your wrinkles are fine, they could smooth them out altogether. But if they're quite deep, you may only see a slight reduction in their appearance. It's also important to note that this treatment is most suitable for wrinkles due to ageing. You may not benefit if sunbathing, smoking and other lifestyle choices have resulted in wrinkles. As such, it's important to be honest with your dentist when they ask you questions about your contributing lifestyle factors.
Contraindicating Conditions
There are some conditions that act as a barrier to having anti-wrinkle injections. For example, if you're pregnant, your dentist is unlikely to perform the procedure. There isn't enough evidence to demonstrate whether injectables are safe for use during pregnancy. This is worth bearing in mind if you're currently trying to conceive. Similarly, you may be unable to use the injections if breastfeeding. Some other conditions that affect the nervous system and its role in maintaining your muscular function could act as a barrier too. For example, multiple sclerosis. Your dentist will assess your suitability on a case-by-case basis and may advise using other treatments if they feel you're not a suitable candidate.
For more information on anti-wrinkle injections, contact a professional near you.