Is Botox® Preventative?

In March 2021 a TikTok video that documented one woman’s incredible transformation as a result of Botox® treatments went viral, opening the eyes of many to the world of possibilities thanks to Botox®.

Although some may think this is something new, professionals at medical spas such as The Rejuva Center at Williams in Albany, New York, have offered preventative Botox® treatments to qualified candidates long before TikTok — and achieved excellent results.

Using Botox® to prevent wrinkles is a viable and effective option for many people who are looking for a relatively inexpensive, yet effective, way to slow the signs of aging for years to come. However, before you begin treatments, it’s a good idea to learn how Botox® prevents wrinkles as well as when to start using Botox® to enjoy the greatest benefits from its preventative effects.

How Will Botox® Prevent Wrinkles?

Chemically speaking, Botox® is a neuromodulator that relaxes and weakens muscles. When people are young, the skin’s natural elasticity works wonders, snapping facial skin smoothly back into place after laughing or frowning.

However, as people age, the elasticity of our skin begins to decline, which can cause wrinkles to appear (and stay) in areas where the skin frequently moves, most notably on the forehead and around the eyes and mouth.

When applied to areas of the face, Botox® smooths wrinkles by reducing movement in areas where the skin tends to crease frequently.

As a result, typical use of Botox® in older patients can delay the permanent appearance of facial lines by delaying loss in the skin’s elasticity due to atrophy. But this doesn’t mean the face becomes frozen.

Patients can still move their faces, but the movements aren’t as dramatic, delaying the development of wrinkles in the areas of application.

In younger patients who haven’t developed facial lines, smaller amounts of targeted, preventative Botox® treatments administered at regular intervals can work to prevent these permanent facial lines from forming.

Preventative Botox® essentially stops wrinkles before they start by weakening the facial muscles and “training” the body not to make certain facial expressions — a method that is something like reverse strength training.

Is it Dangerous to Get Botox® too Young?

The FDA’s approval for Botox® has always been for individuals aged 18 or older, making it a safe and reliable treatment for those looking to prevent the aging process. Millions of people get Botox® injections each year for a variety of reasons, including serious medical issues such as muscle contractures, excessive sweating, and chronic migraines, just to name a few. As long as an experienced physician trained in Botox® administration performs the procedure, the medical community agrees with the FDA that using Botox® is safe for patients over the age of 18, regardless of its purpose.

When to Start Preventative Botox®

For some potential patients, especially younger people who previously viewed Botox® as an anti-aging treatment they wouldn’t need for another decade or more, there is some concern about the use of Botox®.

It leads many to wonder “When is the right time to start using Botox®?”

For many years, plastic surgeons have reported seeing more people in their late 20s and early 30s using Botox® safely and successfully. In fact, a report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that medical professionals have performed nearly 900,000 Botox® procedures on patients between ages 20 and 39 in 2020.

Regardless of its safety and popularity, deciding when to start using Botox® is highly personal and depends on individual preferences.

Statistically speaking, preventative Botox® is most effective in individuals between 25 and 40 years old, but the best age for the first treatment varies from person to person. Generally, before the age of 40, any wrinkles on the face are shallow and easy to conceal.

For the youngest users of preventative Botox®, wrinkles may not appear at all without dramatic facial expressions.

Factors to consider when deciding to start Botox® treatments might include facial expression habits — do you often purse your lips? Genetics, lifestyle, and history of sun exposure can also be contributing factors for how often you get box.

Schedule a Consultation for Preventative Botox® at The Rejuva Center

Because of the personal criteria that go into deciding the proper preventative Botox® treatment plan, it’s important for anyone considering it to meet with a qualified medical professional first.

The Rejuva Center is comprised of a trustworthy, patient-centric staff, including the doctors, nurses, and support staff.

Get ready for your closeup in the best way possible. Discover the benefits of Botox by browsing through our Botox before and after photos

Call today to schedule a preventative Botox® consultation. During this meeting, our experienced team will discuss the potential benefits of Botox® based on your specific medical history and desired results. Then, we will design a preventative Botox® solution that is uniquely your own.