Baby Botox is the TikTok trending treatment that’s introducing younger patient demographics to the world of anti-ageing. Offering smoother-looking skin whilst retaining the patient’s expression, the results are a far cry from the ‘frozen’ look of the 2000s. The treatment utilises less units of the toxin, strategically placed to create a fresher-looking complexion. This can also be used to reduce wrinkle in skin (not muscle) such as under the eye.
What is Baby Botox
​​
Botox is a brand of toxin, derived from Botulinum Toxin Type A (BTA). Whilst the brand name is often interchanged with the anti-wrinkle treatments, there are several brands of toxin on the market, each with its own differentiating factors. Injections of botulinum toxin block the nerve signals to the muscle into which they are injected. Without a signal, the muscles are not able to contract, temporarily suppressing the facial movements and minimising the appearance of wrinkles. Toxins are used for cosmetics purposes as they are able to promote a smoother-looking and more youthful-appearance.
​
How Does it Work?
​​
Those who are already familiar with toxins may be thinking: what’s the difference between Botox and Baby Botox? The key differentiating factors are the amount of toxin used and the placement. Baby Botox intends to produce more subtle results, using the same toxin strength in smaller quantities, with a more dispersed injection protocol across the treatment area to provide maximum distribution. In contrast, traditional Botox protocol involves minimal injections with a more concentrated approach. As the toxin is less concentrated in one area during a Baby Botox treatment, it can create the appearance of a smoother-looking forehead and minimise the look of fine lines, whilst retaining the patient’s ability to emote. By injecting less units of the toxin, the muscles can still animate, preventing a ‘frozen’ appearance.
Why is this Trend Becoming More Popular Among Younger Patients?
With SPF sales at a record high and retinols becoming a part of many of our nightly skincare routines, preventative anti-ageing is at the forefront of skin concerns for patients in their 20’s and 30’s. Popular searches including, ‘what age should I get Baby Botox’ indicate that patients are looking to prevent wrinkle formation as early as possible to maintain a youthful-looking visage. The treatment offers an introduction into minimally-invasive anti-ageing for clients in their mid 20s to early 30s. At this age, fine lines start to form and patients may find that their expression lines are becoming more deeply etched into the skin, prompting an interest in anti-wrinkle treatments. Interestingly, TikTok has also catapulted the popularity of this treatment. Users in their 20s are showcasing their daily post-treatment progress, with some videos receiving up to half a million likes.
Utilising these smaller doses in the fine tissue under the eye for any age client can help disperse these difficult to improve lines!
Are There any Side Effects?
​
During a Baby Botox consultation, patients will always be made aware of potential side effects. The most common side effect is a headache that usually subsides a few days after treatment. As with any injection, there is also always a minor risk of infection at the injection site, or an unexpected allergic reaction. A common misconception is that Botox will cause the skin to appear older, once the effects of the toxin have worn off. This is in fact, false. The opposite effect can be observed, as the treatment prevents muscle contractions, meaning that the formation of expression lines is drastically reduced.
​
Most clients will have zero side effects beyond a teeny tiny injection mark at entry points.
It can take up to 2 weeks for the full effect to be seen and to settle.
