BOTOX® for Beginners: When’s the Best Age to Start?

It’s not uncommon for patients to think of BOTOX® as a treatment for existing wrinkles, but the truth is that it’s also incredibly effective as a preventive measure. BOTOX® Cosmetic works by relaxing the muscles that move when you smile, laugh, or make other expressions. By limiting this movement, the skin on the surface moves less and wrinkles develop more gradually or not at all, making BOTOX® a powerful treatment for patients at any age.

20s to 30s

As mentioned above, BOTOX® is especially useful as a preemptive measure against the development of fine lines and wrinkles. For my patients in their 20s and early 30s, dynamic wrinkles (the ones caused by muscle contractions during normal facial expressions) will be less noticeable if treatment begins early enough.

It is also likely that fewer units will be required to achieve the same effect in younger patients. By starting earlier, you may actually save money long-term because fewer treatments will be required to maintain a wrinkle-free result. Regardless of age, BOTOX® should be administered approximately every four to five months to enjoy and maintain the most beautiful outcome.

40s and Beyond

While BOTOX® has an excellent reputation as a preventive measure, don’t forget that eliminating existing wrinkles is one of the primary benefits as well. Patients in their 40s and 50s may benefit from a combination of BOTOX® and injectable fillers to help smooth the appearance of existing deep wrinkles while delaying the development of additional lines. For older patients, BOTOX® is useful for slowing the development of new wrinkles while preventing existing ones from worsening.