BOTOX® is known for its effectiveness reducing the appearance of wrinkles, but does BOTOX® prevent aging? The injection of this filler freezes facial muscles to decrease signs of aging, and many patients choose it over other more permanent procedures.

However, recent studies show that BOTOX® is not as “temporary” as many might think. It turns out BOTOX® could actually make your skin more elastic and resistant to wrinkles in the long run.

What is BOTOX® and how does it work?

BOTOX® is a prescription drug known as botulinum toxin that’s injected into facial muscles. Although BOTOX® is the most well-known brand name, Stallworth Facial Plastics offers Dysport, Jeuveau, and Xeomin as alternatives. According to the BOTOX® Cosmetic website, these injections are “the first and only treatment FDA-approved to temporarily make moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines look better in adults.”

To learn more, check out this past blog where Dr. Stallworth answers some of the most popular questions about BOTOX®.

How does BOTOX® help with aging?

A Canadian study was published in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery by dermatologists Dr. James Bonaparte of the University of Ottawa and Dr. David Ellis of the University of Toronto. According to Healthline, their study found that the powerful effects of BOTOX® might actually help with aging.

When tested with a Cutometer (a device that sucks the skin and measures how much it rebounds to its previous position), unsurprisingly results showed that skin was 30% less elastic at age 70 than it was at age 20. When skin is less elastic, it looks older and is more prone to wrinkles.

However, when BOTOX® is administered and functioning at its most powerful capacity, the drug has the potential to increase elasticity by 30 percent, making skin less prone to wrinkles in general. Hence, its assistance in reducing the appearance of aging!

Don’t overdo it. 

Although BOTOX® has the potential to help with skin elasticity and slowing the effects of aging, its maximum effects typically last three to six months. Overuse of BOTOX® injections to the same area could also weaken your skin and flatten it out. As those muscles become weaker, they may start to affect surrounding muscles used to make facial expressions.

Get BOTOX at Stallworth Facial Plastics! 

If you’re ready to find out if BOTOX® is right for you, contact us today for an initial consultation with Dr. Stallworth by calling 210-997-3223.