Botulinum toxin injections like Botox® Cosmetic, Xeomin and Dysport, and the new Jeuveau remain supreme when it comes to facial rejuvenation solutions, according to the annual member survey from the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). Botox injections are the most common non-surgical procedure year after year for both men and women with a 22 percent increase compared to 2013. This data reveals that facial tweaks and treatments continue to be embraced and are sought after at a marathon pace.

“Neuromodulators like Botox, Xeomin and Dysport are increasing in popularity due to the subtle, yet noticeable result they deliver for a relatively affordable price compared to surgical options,” says Dr. Phillip R. Langsdon, president of the AAFPRS. “Neuromodulators have little to no downtime, so they are an unintimidating gateway for patients into cosmetic tweaks.”

AAFPRS facial plastic surgeon members are reporting that they’re seeing patients of every age request neuromodulators, some even in younger age categories with premature frown line development.

With that, here’s your decade-by-decade guide to Botox:
In your 20s: Think Prejuvenation
Prejuvenation refers to slowing aging before it sets in. The facial muscles that cause wrinkles can be trained to move less, preventing wrinkles from etching their way into skin.  Most prejuvenation is in skin protection and skin care but 72 percent of facial plastic surgeons last year saw an increase in cosmetic surgery or injectables in patients under age 30. This is a significant increase from 2017, where over half of AAFPRS members noted this influx of younger patients. While injectables are increasing in popularity, many young patient procedures were for rhinoplasty, or nose jobs.

In your 30s: Smooth fine lines
Your thirties are often marked by many personal and career milestones and it can be the decade you first start to see fine lines developing between your brows. Regularly receiving neuromodulator injections every 3 to 6 months will help slow the development of those pesky 11’s, softening them and preventing them from getting deeper.
“Injectables are the most impactful treatment when you have little to no downtime in your schedule. When performed by an experienced injector, the results can be subtle but transformative,” says Dr. Mary Lynn Moran, president-elect of the AAFPRS. “The best part about BOTOX, Xeomin, Dysport or Jeuveau injections is that they are safe and appropriate any time of year.”

In your 40s: Curtail Crow’s Feet
When in your 40s, for many, this means the appearance of crows’ feet around the eyes. More than half of facial plastic surgeons say people seek out cosmetic procedures to stay competitive in the workforce and to look as young as they feel. But a natural-looking outcome is paramount for patients, with 41 percent stating a fear of looking unnatural as their top concern when considering cosmetic enhancements.

There is one major warning. Avoid discounted daily deals and being treated by someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing. “When it comes to any facial cosmetic procedure, including injections, always trust your face to a facial plastic surgeon,” says Dr. Langsdon.
The AAFPRS reminds patients to seek out a board-certified surgeon who specializes in plastic surgery of the face, head and neck. Choose one based on qualifications—not price. You can locate a facial plastic surgeon in your area by visiting www.aafprs.org.

The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is the world’s largest specialty association for facial plastic surgery.  It represents more than 2,500 facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons who perform plastic surgery of the face, head and neck, and the majority of the rhinoplasties, throughout the world. www.aafprs.org