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In Your Mid-30s
Diagnosis: Bowe does note that Laura might benefit from Botox under each eye to treat what derms call the "jelly roll" -- the roll of skin that forms under the eye when some people smile. "By treating that, her eyes will stay more widely open when she smiles," says Bowe.
Treatment: In a few years, Bowe says that a patient who is a "smiler" like Laura might benefit from a drop of Botox to lift her eyelids and eyebrows, as well as a few drops to smooth out her crow's feet. For now, one unit under each eye every three to four months would give Laura a more wide-eyed smile, a request Bowe receives from patients of all ages.
Annual Cost: $120 to $160
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In Your Early 40s
"A lot of patients come in and they're so proud that they waited until they really couldn't stand it, or they held out for longer than their friends. And I tell them that if they had come in five years earlier, we could have done just a few injections -- but now, for the same result, they're going to need a resurfacing laser and three different procedures, which is going to cost more money," says Bowe.
Diagnosis: Bowe says that Jill, 41, has a few issues: namely, crow's feet and frown lines. "Between her eyebrows, you can almost see the belly of the muscle and where it undulates," says Bowe. Her forehead, however, looks good, which is unusual for most women in their 40s.
Treatment: In addition to treating Jill's frown lines, Bowe says, "I'd do a few injections for her crow's feet and upper eyelids, the latter of which are starting to get heavy. A lateral brow lift with strategic injections at the tail of her eyebrows and around the crow's feet would really open up her eyes."
Annual Cost: Bowe says the recommended procedures would take between 25 and 45 units per session, which she recommends doing every three to four months -- putting the yearly cost somewhere between $1,350 and $2,880.
