What is a Good Age to Start Botox?

Today, Botox® is one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures for fighting early signs of aging. Some of these early signs include fine lines, forehead creases, and frown lines, which tend to appear in your late 20s or early 30s. However, many people start Botox much later and are still able to enjoy its benefits. Because of this, you may be wondering when it would be a good time to start Botox treatments.

What Is a Good Age to Start Botox?

Botox is FDA-approved for patients 18 and over, but most experts recommend people start treatments in their late 20s or early 30s. This is because people tend to see the earliest signs of aging at this time but still have enough skin elasticity to achieve the best possible results. Fine lines and wrinkles also tend to be very mild in this age range, requiring just a small amount of Botox for visible improvement. When a relatively young person gets small amounts of Botox to maintain a youthful look, it’s often referred to as “preventative Botox.” However, if you are older than 30, don’t worry- you can still enjoy the benefits at any age!

Benefits of Preventative Botox

Regular Botox treatments aim to smooth over fine lines and wrinkles that are already well-established in the face. On the other hand, preventative Botox aims to prevent fine lines from setting in by relaxing the facial muscles that cause them in the first place. Along with preventing the formation of permanent wrinkles, preventative Botox has multiple benefits which include:

Slows Down the Aging Process

A good practitioner will apply Botox to the areas of the face that experience the most movement during certain facial expressions. Doing this effectively freezes those muscles along with smoothing over fine lines in the area. Ultimately, your skin is shielded from the dynamic facial movements that accelerate the aging process.

Fewer Treatments

In most cases, deep-set wrinkles will need more units of Botox for visible results and more office visits to maintain those results. On the other hand, preventative Botox makes it possible to keep your skin looking youthful for a longer period of time, requiring fewer office visits in comparison.

Less Costly

Because preventative Botox can slow down the aging process, requires fewer office visits, and uses fewer units for each treatment, it tends to be more affordable overall. Even if you start as early as 18, you may end up spending less on Botox over a lifetime compared to starting in your late 30s or older, when permanent, deeper wrinkles have already set in.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Botox?

Botox is non-invasive with few side effects, making it safer and more accessible than anti-aging surgeries like facelifts or brow lifts. Ideal candidates are in good overall health and have realistic expectations for what Botox can do for them. This treatment isn’t recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding or people with existing nerve or movement disorders.

Schedule a Consultation

While experts recommend starting preventative Botox in your 20s or 30s, the “best” time to get Botox is up to you. For more information about the benefits of Botox, contact Dana Protomastro, NP, and her expert team at Thrive Wellness and Aesthetics in Mt. Kisco, NY.