What’s the ideal age to start Botox?

Botox has become a common cosmetic procedure. There were almost 7.5 million Botox treatments done in 2018, according to the American Society for Plastic Surgery. Botox is a transformative, minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment to diminish fine lines and wrinkles. With one prick of a needle, this neurotoxin produces younger, more vital skin, while decreasing visible signs of aging.

Given the popularity of Botox, you may wonder, what’s the ideal age to start Botox treatments. Should you start early to preserve your youthful appearance? Do you wait and use it only to treat existing age marks? Once you’re an adult, the decision to have Botox is up to you, but everyone’s body is different. To truly give you the best advice, Dr. Preminger is providing you with this guide on when you might want to start getting Botox.

In Your 20’s

To some people, getting Botox in your 20s may seem too young, but it’s not unprecedented. Women in this age bracket often feel more pressure to perfect their appearance due to society’s expectations for beauty. By starting Botox treatments when you are in your mid- to late-20s, you could prevent fine lines and wrinkles that tend to develop by your 30s.

In Your 30’s

By the time most women reach this age, they notice some fine lines on their faces—usually caused by laughing and frowning, they tend to form around the eyes and across the brow. During your 30s, these lines and wrinkles may not be all that noticeable, so Botox treatments can be used as a method of preventative care. These lines may be more prominent depending on how your skin ages, with factors including stress from your work or home, environmental factors, sun exposure, smoking, and other lifestyle factors.

In Your 40’s

Any lines and wrinkles on your face will become more prominent by the time you reach this age. If you’re in your 40s, you may have started to notice more substantial folds across your forehead or around your eyes and eyelids. This will be particularly evident if you are making strong facial expressions. Smile lines, a wrinkled brow when you frown, and crows feet all become more pronounced during this stage of life. Botox relaxes the facial muscles, reducing the appearance of age lines.

In Your 50’s

Menopause, hormonal flux, genetics, environment, and general effects of aging skin hit most women more heavily during this stage of life. Skin becomes drier and thinner for people in this age bracket—both women and men. This is usually the most common age when people talk about getting Botox treatments. Botox will reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, allowing you the luxury of smoother, more youthful skin.

In Your 60’s and Later

The aging process, unsurprisingly, has gotten its grasp around you by this time. The diminished production of collagen and elastin, two proteins key to skin health, have caused sagging and led to the formation of lines and wrinkles. For patients who are in their 60s and older, Botox must be more carefully administered, but it still can help reduce the signs of aging.

Is Botox right for me?

You shouldn’t use Botox if you are allergic to its ingredients, or currently have an infection or other skin condition in the target area. You also may not be a candidate for Botox if you suffer from a nerve or muscle disorder, any breathing problems like asthma, any bleeding issues, or any problems swallowing. Certain prescription drugs also might make it unsafe to receive Botox injections.

Botox in Manhattan

Ultimately, determining the right age to start Botox depends on you and your desires for younger-looking skin. Contact Preminger Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation and allow Dr. Preminger to help you decide if Botox treatments are right for you. No matter your stage of adulthood, if you’re located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan or anywhere in New York City, contact Preminger Plastic Surgery today by calling (212) 706-1900 to schedule a consultation.