How Early Should I Start Botox Treatments?

An ounce of prevention, as the old saying goes, is worth a pound of cure—But can getting Botox at a young age, before wrinkles have a chance to set in, really make a difference later in life? Many leading experts say “Yes, it can.” Just how early you should start, however, is a matter of some debate.

Botox Treatments: Should I Start In My 20s, 30s, or 40s?

While it may seem crazy to go from college directly to Botox, plastic surgeons have widely reported a sudden increase in the number of people in their 20s who are seeking out Botox treatments. Why? They believe that by doing so, they can get the jump on wrinkles: After all, if you relax the muscles responsible for creating wrinkles early enough, they might never fully form, right?

This logic is sound at base, but plastic surgery experts like Karan Dhir, M.D., generally feel that starting before the age of 30 makes little real difference over the long run. “Botox can help prevent the deep imprinted lines that we call wrinkles because of the effect of relaxing the muscles that can crease the skin,” he explains. However, “Patients in their twenties have sufficient volume and thickness of the facial skin. It can withstand the folding and creasing forces of the underlying muscle. The skin begins to lose volume and thins notably between the ages of 30 to 40. This, in my opinion, is the time to begin Botox treatments—right before the creases have an opportunity to become deeply imprinted.”

There are, of course, some exceptions to the above rule. Some people actually do begin to lose skin tone and develop fine lines as early as their late 20s, and these people absolutely will benefit from Botox injections. In general, people who smoke and fair-skinned people who have been exposed to a lot of sunlight (or tanning beds) should consider starting Botox treatments in their mid-late 20s. Additionally, if you have a family history of premature aging, early Botox may be right for you.

Regardless of when you choose to start getting Botox injections, it’s important to understand that Botox at any age is harmless and will not cause permanent damage to your face or make you look older. If you want to experiment with Botox as early as your 20s, you can rest assured that the treatment is completely temporary and will wear off in about 6 months’ time.

For more information on Botox treatments, contact Dr. Seth L. Matarasso today!