Botox, the popular injection used to treat wrinkles and fine lines, has been around for quite some time. However, there has been a growing trend of young people, as young as 18, seeking Botox injections as a preventive measure.

Experts, however, caution against this trend, warning that it could lead to some severe complications.

What is Botox?

Botox, also known as botulinum toxin, is the most popular cosmetic procedure in the world. It is a purified neurotoxin that temporarily paralyzes the muscles that cause wrinkles.

Botox was initially used to treat muscle spasms, but in 2002, the FDA approved it for cosmetic use to treat wrinkles and fine lines.

The trend of young people getting Botox injections

While Botox injections were initially meant for older people who wanted to get rid of wrinkles, there is now a growing trend of young people opting for Botox injections.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of Botox treatments performed on people aged 19-34 increased by 28% between 2010 and 2015. Young people, especially those in their 20s and early 30s, are getting Botox injections as a preventative measure to stop wrinkles from forming in the future.

The risks of Botox injections in youth

While Botox injections are generally safe, they can cause some severe complications, especially when used in young people.

According to experts, when Botox is injected into the face, it not only paralyzes the muscles that cause wrinkles, but it also paralyzes the muscles that are responsible for facial expressions. This can cause the face to appear frozen, giving the person a strange, unnatural appearance.

The other potential complication of Botox injections is that they can lead to the loss of facial volume over time. When Botox is injected repeatedly into the same area, it can cause the muscle to atrophy or shrink.

This can lead to sunken and hollowed areas on the face.

Another risk associated with Botox injections is that they can lead to a loss of sensation in the areas where they are injected.

This can result in difficulty speaking, swallowing, or breathing, especially if the injections are near the mouth or throat.

The psychological effects

Experts suggest that young people who try to defy the aging process by getting Botox injections may suffer from psychological effects in the future.

Studies show that young people who get Botox injections are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphia.

Body dysmorphia is a condition in which a person becomes excessively preoccupied with their appearance, making them feel unhappy or distressed.

Experts suggest that young people who get Botox injections may become obsessed with their appearance and start to believe they need more and more injections to look good, leading to a vicious cycle of addiction and dissatisfaction.

The right age to get Botox injections

Experts suggest that the best age to start getting Botox injections is in the mid to late 30s, when wrinkles and fine lines begin to form. At this age, there is enough facial volume to support the face and prevent it from becoming sunken or hollowed.

However, it is essential to note that everyone’s skin ages differently, and there is no one right age to start getting Botox injections.

It is recommended that patients consult with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon to determine the best course of treatment for their individual needs.

The bottom line

While Botox injections can be an effective treatment for wrinkles and fine lines, experts caution against the trend of young people getting Botox injections.

Young people who get Botox injections may suffer from several complications, including a loss of facial volume and a loss of sensation in the injected areas. They may also suffer from psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphia. It is essential to consult with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon to determine the best course of treatment for individual needs.