Botox is one of the most utilized, effective treatments for visible signs of aging. Traditionally, people start to consider therapeutic Botox once their fine lines and wrinkles begin to deepen, etch, and become more noticeable. These are often called “static wrinkles,” or the wrinkles that are visibly apparent without facial muscle movement or expression. However, preventative Botox has steadily increased in popularity with my patients in their 20’s and 30’s seeking out treatment.
How Does Preventative Botox Work?
Preventative or prophylactic Botox refers to receiving Botox injections before the onset of wrinkles to prevent them from forming in the first place. This aesthetic plan involves treating “dynamic wrinkles,” or the wrinkles that occur when actively expressing and contracting facial muscles. With time and other aging processes such as collagen & volume loss, photodamage and skin laxity, these dynamic wrinkles can transform into more prominent static wrinkles. Static wrinkles are notoriously more difficult to treat than dynamic wrinkles, and often require other aesthetic treatments such as fillers, microneedling, Ultherapy, lasers, surgery etc., in addition to higher dosage Botox treatments. Therefore, the draw of preventative Botox is to potentially avoid these frustrating static wrinkles and more intensive treatments down the line.
Who is a Good Candidate for Preventative Botox?
Preventative Botox is most efficacious in my patients with strong, overactive muscles of facial expression. While they may have nearly smooth facial skin at rest, they create very deep lines when expressing, animating or conversing. There is not an exact science or age as to when a patient should start receiving Botox. While Botox is FDA approved and studied in patients 18 years and older, a majority of factors such as skin type, lifestyle habits, genetics, skin care & sun exposure contribute to the onset of static wrinkle formation. Some patients elect to begin treatments in their 20s while others in their 40s. Preventative Botox also follows a dosing schedule of every 3-6 months, as more consistent dosing of this medication has shown greater success in eventually training facial muscles to form wrinkle-forming expressions less aggressively. Again, this is a decision based on a patient’s lifestyle factors, genetics & personal aesthetic goals; all of which I take into consideration when performing a facial anatomy assessment.
Your Aesthetic Journey: A Marathon, Not a Sprint
Overall, aesthetic treatments are an inherently personal choice, and one that should only be made between you and under the guidance of a trained aesthetic injector. Botox is becoming more socially normalized given the safety, efficacy, and availability of this unique injectable medication. But that doesn’t mean Botox follows a standardized treatment plan or is essential to every patient at a set age. Botox treatments are not “one size fits all,” as placement and dosages of this medication are heavily dependent on individual facial anatomy, age and one’s aesthetic goals. I always emphasize that building a solid, long-term relationship with your injector is key as they can guide you on the frequency and intensity of your Botox, monitor your facial anatomy and treatment responses over time, and customize a short-term and long-term aesthetic plan unique to you!
