Since Botox came on the cosmetic treatment scene a couple of decades ago, it has been a favorite among clients eager to smooth out existing fine lines and wrinkles. But in the past few years, people in their 20s and 30s have begun to seek out Botox treatments, not to address existing wrinkles, but to prevent them from forming at all. If you’re interested in preventative Botox and you’re wondering if it works, here’s what you need to know:

What is Botox?

Botox is a brand name for a cosmetic product that is best known for smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles, but other medical conditions can be treated with Botox as well, including severe underarm sweating, uncontrollable blinking, or chronic migraines. Botox is made from a toxin found in bacteria called Clostridium botulinum, and it works by blocking the signals from the nerves to the muscles so the muscle can’t contract. When used as an anti-aging treatment, Botox works by relaxing the muscles that cause the wrinkles. Botox only works to minimize or eliminate dynamic wrinkles. It cannot treat wrinkles that are caused by skin laxity or sun damage.

Where is Botox used?

Botox is most commonly used on forehead lines, crow’s feet (lines around the eyes), lines between the eyes (frown lines), and other fine lines and wrinkles caused by facial expressions.

How does preventative Botox work?

Dynamic wrinkles are caused by repetitive movements of the skin. Over time, wrinkles that once only showed when those muscles were active, become permanently embedded in the skin. By slowing down the use of the muscles early, it can also prevent deep lines from forming in the first place.

When should you start getting preventative Botox?

There is no one-size-fits-all age recommendation to start preventative Botox. Everyone uses their muscles differently and will develop wrinkles on their own schedule. Some people have noticeably etched forehead lines in their early 20s, while others have no forehead lines at all until their 40s. Skin quality makes a difference as well—sun damage and damage from smoking tobacco will make natural wrinkles more pronounced. In general, the mid-30s is a popular time to begin preventative Botox treatments, but many people also begin in their late 20s.

Are there any drawbacks to getting preventative Botox?

Some people assume that starting Botox early will be a significant financial commitment for decades, but touch-ups for preventative Botox are not the same as touch-ups to smooth out existing wrinkles. Younger patients tend to return less often for touch-up treatments, with some not needing further treatment until after a year or more. However, it is possible to overuse Botox regardless of your age, which can lead to muscle atrophy, thinning out the muscles and making any line on the face stand out more. It’s important to work closely with a reputable and highly experienced medical professional to avoid this and any other potential complications. 

Preventative Botox treatments in San Diego

If you’re in your 20s or 30s and want to stop fine lines and wrinkles from forming, preventative Botox might be for you. At Siti Med Spa, we offer Botox injections along with a wide range of other cosmetic injectables and fillers to give you the smoother, brighter, younger-looking face you desire. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call us at (619) 717-8484.