May 1, 2009 6:01 am US/Eastern
How Young Is Too Young For Botox?
CBS 2 HD Catches Up With 20-Somethings Who Rave About The Benefits; Doctors Weigh Pros And Cons
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Nearly 2.5 million Americans, mostly women, will have Botox treatments this year. More than 15 percent of the treatments performed are on people in their early 30s and younger.
So how young is too young for Botox?
The age of some seeking these cosmetic procedures does raise some eyebrows.
Dani Beck, a 22-year-old, recently arrived at her doctor's office for Botox injections.
"I do have a lot of wrinkles in my forehead and even though it's a young age I started and I got a couple of rounds and I really enjoyed it," Beck said.
Melinda Farina works in the beauty industry, and at 26 has had a number of cosmetic procedures.
"You're never really too, too young for anything, but as long a you do it in moderation and you don't go crazy with it and keep it natural, it's pretty acceptable, especially in this society," Farina said.
Added cosmetic surgeon Dr. Yan Trokel: "We can slow the aging process down and I think those patients can be good candidates for a little bit of Botox for a preventive measure.
"But does that mean that 25 should be the right age for everyone? Absolutely not. It's by case by case selection."
Trokel stressed that cosmetic procedures are generally safe once a patient has stopped growing, and psychologists see a favorable aspect to this as well, citing the importance of positive self esteem.
"When kids are in their teen years that's when braces come into play, that's when going to the dermatologist to clear up the acne to have smooth skin all becomes important because appearance does matter," psychologist Dr. Jane Greer said.
Jamie Evans, 25, showed up at her doctor's officer for her regular Botox injections. But in her case, it's more than a cosmetic procedure.
As a long-time sufferer of migraines, she found relief with the injections, along with a positive side effect.
"I did notice that I was starting to get wrinkles and it wasn't my main purpose for getting Botox but it added to the results of it and I was extremely happy," Evans said.
In Evans' case, her Botox injections are partially covered by insurance, but at about $750 per syringe, there's a question of young patients being able to afford the procedures.
"I don't go shopping, like some of my friends do," Evans said.
"I definitely put myself in credit card debt, but now I came into my own and my own career at this point."
"I turn patients down if we see they're trying to run up their credit card bills," Dr. Trokel said. "I'll have them come back in six months or one year when they have all their financials straightened out and then if they're ready I'll do it," Dr. Trokel said.
Trokel added that patient consultations are a necessity prior to procedures.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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