Botox to Prevent Wrinkles? When to Start Botox?
Put simply, Botox isn’t just for your mom or the cast of RHONY. Millenials and younger are taking advantage of cosmetic injectables to prevent wrinkles from happening in the first place. In today’s post, we’re taking a look at Preventative Botox, as well as answering questions about when to start Botox.
Does Botox Prevent Wrinkles? When Should I Consider Botox?
Preventative Botox is definitely an on-trend treatment. It’s easy to see why with the popularity, effectiveness, affordability and safety of cosmetic injectables. Additionally, there’s research to back the use of Botox to prevent lines and wrinkles.
A 2006 study paired identical twins to gauge whether using Botox (Allergan) for 13 years could prevent dynamic wrinkles and lines on the face. In the study, one twin received Botox 2-3 times a year on the forehead and glabellar region (“the eleven’s” between the eyebrows). Additionally, during the last two years, Botox was administered for crow’s feet at the corners of the eyes. On the other hand, the second twin received a single glabellar treatment in years six and 10.
The difference between twins is marked. Regular Botox injections resulted in smoother, less lined skin. Specifically, the scientists were able to infer that Preventative Botox allowed muscles to remain in a relaxed position, preventing them from settling into a fixed expression. Further, they believed it was possible that long-term use could have contributed to an increase in collagen in the areas of treatment.
Read More –> Study Details, Preventative Botox Results & Preventative Botox Before and Afters
When to Start Getting Botox? When to Start Preventative Botox?
Right now, the vast majority of men and women getting Botox are over 40. However, close to 20% of people who get Botox are in the 30-39 demographic. Here’s a general guide to when to get Botox:
Botox in Your 20s
At this age, Botox is generally considered for wrinkle prevention. However, some individuals require Botox to treat crow’s feet, which are typically the first type of lines to appear on the face. On the other hand, many others use Botox to correct minor lines or at the first signs of aging. Still others are concerned about a place on the face where a wrinkle or two has popped up.
Botox in Your 30s
People in this age group usually seek Botox as a preventative measure or to treat newly-formed lines, including crow’s feet and/or lines between the eyebrows. The goal is either to offset signs of aging or to impede deep wrinkles from forming.
Botox at 40 and beyond
During their 40’s, people tend to show visible signs of aging for the first time, including deeper wrinkles and lines, skin laxity, as well as volume loss. At this age and older, Botox is designed to correct and reduce wrinkles.
How Young is Too Young to Get Botox? When to Get Botox for the First Time?
Botox is FDA approved for use on people ages 18 and up. At Smooth Synergy, we typically don’t see patients coming in for Botox before age 25. Therefore, we generally recommend starting Preventative Botox around the late 20’s. That said, this isn’t a magic number nor is there a hard and fast rule. There are reasons a person might seek Botox treatment at a younger age, including:
Individual skin differences influenced by genetics and lifestyle choices.
Medical necessities, such as to treat migraine, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ or pain / tightness in the jaw, jaw joint or surrounding facial muscles)
Aesthetic concerns other than aging, such as treating gummy smile or reducing or slimming a square jawline (Masseter Botox).
Additionally, Botox can actually be ideal for people in their 20’s and 30’s. Specifically, younger people need highly-targeted wrinkle reduction or prevention. Because Botox can be strategically placed under the skin in tiny doses, it’s particularly suited to meet very personal skincare goals with minimal risk or downtime. The approach has even coined two new phrases: “Botox Sprinkles” and “Baby Botox”!
Read More –> What is Botox Sprinkles or Baby Botox?
Why Seek Help from a Botox Doctor?
If you’re considering starting Botox at a young age, we unequivocally recommend that you seek the advice of a reputable physician. He or she has taken an ethical oath to meet a standard of care. It’s the best way to ensure that you aren’t spending money on a treatment you don’t need or that could make aging worse down the road.
Am I a Good Candidate for Botox? What if I’m Too Young?
It depends. Maybe, you’ve inherited a low brow from mom or dad. Or, perhaps, years of junk food have taken a toll on your face. Or perhaps, you’re obsessed with that tiny wrinkle at the corner of your mouth. Whatever the reason, we suggest that you come into Smooth Synergy Medical Spa in NYC for a complimentary consultation to find out if Botox is right for you. If not, we offer a comprehensive menu of treatments to meet all ages and all skin types. Call us at 212-397-0111 to schedule a consultation with an Expert in Beauty.