Age to Start Botulinum Treatments

Botulinum treatments are among the most popular and common cosmetic procedures performed today. Botulinum treatments is a general term that refers to Botox®, DysportTM, and Xeomin® injections. These treatments are extremely safe, highly effective, and require little downtime afterwards, all of which have contributed to their rise in popularity. During a botulinum treatment, small amounts of the botulinum toxin are injected under the skin to decrease muscle activity, thus relaxing the muscles of the face, and decreasing the appearance of wrinkles. Thanks to the ease and safety of these treatments, many people opt to begin undergoing botulinum treatments at a relatively early age, before deep wrinkles have begun to form.

Each individual ages differently, based on a number of external factors, including geographical location and exposure to the sun, lifestyle choices (such as smoking and drinking alcohol), genetics, and skin type. Additionally, all people undergo an intrinsic aging process, regardless of external factors, which begins in the mid-20s. In our 20s, collagen production beings to slow, and elastin (the substance that gives our skin elasticity) loses some of its spring. The combination of these changes paired with external factors will show on each individual differently. Often times, the physical signs are not seen for many years or even decades. One of the main effects of these changes is the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, particularly on the forehead and around the eyes and mouth. Frown lines are often the first type of wrinkles to be seen.

In recent years, many people have begun advocating the use of botulinum injections as a way to prevent the formation of wrinkles. If botulinum treatments are something that you are considering for the future, most doctors will recommend that you start them before the lines actually form on your face or when they are only minimally visible. Since botulinum treatments decrease muscle activity and thus minimize the folds and creases in our face, there is an argument for starting treatments when you are younger, before very deep lines set in. Deeper folds and lines in the skin are more difficult to erase, so it is beneficial to prevent their formation, if possible. Additionally, the injections can actually help you become aware of repetitive facial movements that cause wrinkles, so you can learn to minimize these actions. Once wrinkles have become deep, botulinum injections can soften them, but will not completely remove the wrinkles from your face. The exact age to begin the injections will vary in each individual, as each person has a different skin and aging profile.

Ultimately, the best way to determine when and if you should begin botulinum treatments is to consult with a qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist, like Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank. If Botox®, DysportTM, or Xeomin® injections are something you are considering for the future, you should start discussing the timing with your doctor now for the best results. Dr. Frank will help you determine if you will benefit from starting botulinum treatments now, or if you can wait a bit longer to begin. In the end, it is a very personal decision, but having expert guidance during the decision making process will help you come to the best conclusion.