Social media is not slowing down, and neither is the quest for the perfect selfie. However, today’s technologically advanced smart phone cameras show all the joy, along with all of the wrinkles, sagging skin, and large pores that seem to magically show on the appearance.
Millennials have a secret weapon for the perfect selfie: Botox Cosmetic. Over the last few years, the search for a satisfying face-photo has sparked a surge in appointments with the cosmetic surgeon for this injectible. Last year more than 6.7 million Botox treatments were performed, and this number is expected to stay on the rise.
Botox Cosmetic:
- A strain of botulinum toxin
- Reduces dynamic wrinkles, caused by repeated muscle movement and expression
- Works by relaxing targeted muscles
- Treats facial lines such as Crow’s Feet, Frown Lines, forehead creases
- Temporarily halts hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
- Results last three months
- Used to treat migraines, spastic bladder, and a variety of other conditions
Botox Cosmetic is the most popular, minimally invasive cosmetic treatment around the world. In 2017, the injectible turned 15, and ironically, as Botox gets older, the average user is getting younger. For years, the most popular demographic of Botox users were women over the age of 35. However, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2015, more than 100,000 millennials opted for Botox. Even more surprising was the 2% increase in Botox injections for teenagers.
Who needs Botox?
Up until about the age of 20, the skin becomes thicker and more taut every day with maturity, as the body’s natural production of collagen and elastin are consistently increasing. However, between 20 and 30, the skin goes into a sort of ‘holding pattern’, as the production of collagen slows. Wrinkles will start to form, but the skin no longer has the ability plump and to naturally smooth lines. After the age of 30, the skin will start to lose thickness at about 1% every year, meaning wrinkles start to get deeper and spread across the face and neck. Add to this sun-damage, smoking, and environmental factors, wrinkles (and the benefits of Botox) can sky rocket after the age of 30. Unknown to many people, however, the injectible is also excellent at relaxing facial muscles and therefore preventing lines from occurring in the first place.
Millennials can thank their parents for their Botox obsession.
Many doctors think the trend for younger and younger patients to seek out Botox started with their parents. Seeing how much younger mom looks after treatment – while still looking so natural that most people did not know anything was done – quickly caught the eye of the kiddos.
While many parents are influenced by celebrities and their youthful look, such as Jennifer Aniston, Simon Cowell, or Courtney Cox, younger generations idolize a different group. Dr. Matthew Schulman, a NYC plastic surgeon explains, “They’re millennials, and they’re influenced more by social media than by celebrities.” Stopping wrinkles before they ever form is actually the major goal for younger generations. Dr. Schulman points out the new ‘selfie-culture’ is often more interested in gaining followers than improving their overall, day-to-day look.
Botox Means Big Bucks:
At an average of $300-$500 per Botox treatment, millennials are paying big bucks to keep their youthful appearance. Last year, Botox brought in over $2.8 million in profit, more sales revenue than any other drug, including the oh-so popular Viagra. While Botox should only be given by an experienced, trained provider – and is primarily administered in board certified physician offices – many people are heading to their local medical-spa for treatment. Last year, more than 56% off all millennials reported visiting a medical spa for a skin treatment. According to the International Spa Association, the U.S. spa industry is now worth over $16 billion, partly due to the increase in minimally invasive treatments, such as Botox and dermal fillers.
Long gone are the days when we had to settle with the appearance we were born with. Today, thanks to social media, Snapchat and Instagram filters can eliminate almost any flaw. However, with help of Botox, the ever-elusive ‘perfect’ selfie is only a click away.
Are you looking to improve your selfie? Contact Houston’s Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique at (281) 810-9083 to find out more about the minimally invasive treatment or to schedule your free consultation.
