Is the Anti-Aging Trend Becoming Unhinged?

You don’t need Botox is not something you want to hear if you’re desperate to keep your youthful looks. However, dermatologists are urging patients to do their research on neuromodulators like Botox before they seek out a procedure.

Daniel Maman, MD, a New York City-based plastic surgeon, refuses services to about half of his patients because they have unrealistic expectations. “For Botox, we turn down some people, but this percentage is lower than what we turn away for invasive procedures. We turn them away because they are too young, they don’t need it or if they have a facial issue,” he told Newbeauty. Maman believes that regardless if cosmetic issues exist or not, many are convinced that they need Botox. “Getting Botox is definitely a trend. But, I don’t think it’s a fashionable trend for women under the age of 25,” he said. “I think once patients hit late 20s, early 30s, there’s definitely a trend.”

Maman stresses that prospective patients should consider a variety of factors before getting Botox. For example, there is no cosmetic reason why a teenager should think they need the procedure. However, if they have asymmetrical muscle tissue, then they might be a good candidate for Botox. Another tri-state area dermatologist, Kim Nichols, MD, explains that she never turns a patient away, however, if she doesn’t think they’re a good fit for Botox, she’ll figure out an alternative treatment plan. “So, someone who doesn’t feel comfortable with injectables yet, I usually wait and educate them on their treatment plan before they have the treatment done if it is right for them,” she told Newbeauty. “Of course, clients that are not a candidate are those allergic to any botulinum toxin product, have a skin infection at the planned site of injection, pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a chronic infection or illness.”