Considering Botox? Here’s How (and When) to Start Doing It Right

Once the buzziest of B-words with “real” housewives and celebrities, Botox is now becoming a regular part of beauty routines for women of all ages. In fact, according to a report from the American Academy of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 64 percent of doctors reported an increase in patients ages 30 and under requesting cosmetic or injectable treatments.

“It’s important to start a relationship with a surgeon early,” says Daniel Westawski, M.D., who specializes in plastic and reconstructive surgery at Einstein Healthcare Network. “It [Botox] can be a tremendous transformation if you chose to do it in one step and make you look like a totally different person.”

Instead, Westawski advises patients to take “a more European approach” to maintaining youthful skin by scheduling treatments a little at a time. The result, he says, is a more subtle look that cues people to say ‘oh you look great’ versus ‘what have you had done?’

So, the secret to anti-aging isn’t necessarily about finding an elusive “fountain of youth,” it’s about finding the right plastic surgeon. Together, you and your doctor can create a plan that guides you through the decades as ageless, flawless, and healthy as possible. From being diligent about sunscreen to investing in 15-minute procedures that help you age gracefully, the team at Einstein Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is sharing everything you need to know to fight father time.

In your 20s: Prevention

“Now is the most important time to maintain healthy skin,” says Westawski.

He recommends applying SPF daily—even when the sun doesn’t shine—and moisturizing before bed each night. Add a retinoid cream if you’re prone to breakouts. The active ingredient, retinoid tretinoin has been shown to help even skin tone and fight fine lines.

In your 30s: Protection

Wake up and notice a few lines around your eyes? In your 30s, start setting goals for your beauty routine, says Westawski. Continue applying SPF daily to nourish your skin and keep your skin’s elasticity in check.

You can start to work in small treatments, like lip etching, to target laugh lines or Latisse eyelash extensions to brighten your eyes.

In your 40s: Correction

Once you’re in your 40s your skin begins to lose the elasticity and collagen it once had. If you’ve been following a healthy plan up to this point you’ll be able to maintain your tiny touchups and Botox treatments without thinking about more evasive operations.

To bring back the bounce and youthful glow, keep up with your SPF and a daily moisturizer to prevent dry skin. Starting a Botox and laser treatment now will help prevent sagging from continuing and aid in smoothing out fine lines as you age.

“By 50, you won’t need anything more than 15-minute maintenance treatments,” says Westawski. “Everyone thinks they need to come in and have everything done at once, but gradual care often offers the happiest long-term results.”

Ready to start your treatment plan? To learn more about plastic and reconstructive procedures through the Einstein Health Network click here.

This is a paid partnership between Einstein Healthcare Network and Philadelphia Magazine