Trend Focus: What is Baby Botox?

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 fewer units of the toxin, strategically placed to create a fresher-looking complexion. So, what is Baby Botox? Read on to discover more about the technique.

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 toxins on the market, each with its own differentiating factors.   Injections of Botox block the nerve signals to the muscle into which they are injected. Without a signal, the muscles are not able to contract, temporarily suppressing facial movements and minimising the appearance of wrinkles. Toxins are used for cosmetics purposes as they can promote a smoother-looking and more youthful appearance.

What is Baby Botox, and 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 subtler 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 fewer units of the toxin, the muscles can still animate, preventing a ‘frozen’ appearance.  

How long does Baby Botox take to work, and how long does it last?

Following injection, the results of Baby Botox treatments typically begin to appear after three or four days. Patients should wait around 14 days to enjoy the full effects of the treatment.

On average, Baby Botox lasts around three to four months before it begins to wear off. However, for younger patients in their 20s, treatments may only be required twice a year. Every patient metabolises Botox differently, meaning that the longevity of the results can vary from person to person and even between treatments. 

Your unique muscle characteristics, lifestyle factors and the frequency of your treatments can all impact how long your Botox results may last. Extended periods of sun exposure may cause inflammatory responses that can break down Botox and reduce its lifespan. High-intensity workouts that boost your metabolism, stress and the nicotine in smoking and vaping can all reduce the longevity of your treatment results.

For patients who find that their Botox results wear off quicker than expected, Fox Pharma recommends a toxin that is free from complexing proteins, such as Xeomin. Complexing proteins can potentially trigger the production of antibodies that break down Botox. Whilst rare, this is another potential cause of fast-deteriorating results.

Why is the trend becoming more popular with younger patients?

With SPF sales at a record high and retinol becoming a part of many nightly skincare routines, preventative anti-ageing is at the forefront of skin concerns for patients in their 20s and 30s. 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 to 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, further normalising anti-wrinkle injections amongst Gen Z.

What side effects are possible with Baby Botox?

During a Baby Botox consultation, patients should always be made aware of potential side effects. The most common side effect is a headache that usually subsides a few days after treatment. If incorrectly placed, the toxin may spread to other areas and cause temporary paralysis of the muscles. 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.

Baby Botox at Fox Pharma

Knowledge of aesthetic trends, such as Baby Botox, is essential for clinics that wish to tap into the Gen Z market when it comes to anti-wrinkle treatments. With a subtle, natural-looking approach and minimal downtime, this treatment’s popularity is only set to increase.

If you’d like to find out more about Baby Botox, don’t hesitate to contact us.