We look at ourselves more than ever. In the age of social media and remote work, every day presents opportunities to study our appearance on phone screens or virtual conference calls. With the shift to digital, there’s been a corresponding change in the way people of all ages perceive their faces. Particularly for women in their 20s, aesthetic treatments like Botox® have skyrocketed in popularity, giving rise to the phrase “preventative Botox.” or “baby Botox.”
What Is Botox?
Botox is an FDA-cleared injection that disables muscle movement in the treatment area, smoothening the signs of aging for naturally looking younger skin. It is an extremely effective and safe way to minimize fine lines, wrinkles, frown lines, and crow’s feet.
When Should I Get Botox?
Wondering when to start Botox? In this guide, we will compare preventative Botox with corrective Botox, outlining the treatment factors to consider whether you’re thinking about getting Botox at 20 or Botox at 60.
Preventative vs Corrective
Preventative Botox is a proactive approach that aims to address wrinkles before they become deeply etched into your skin. Corrective Botox, on the other hand, treats the existing wrinkles that are already visible.
Age-Related
Botox is approved for those who are 18 and older. Because everyone ages differently, there is no wrong or right age to begin treatment. Schedule your appointment for Botox when you first begin to notice subtle changes in your skin. These early warning signs might include faint lines that appear when you make certain expressions, particularly around the forehead, between the eyebrows, or near the mouth.
Lifestyle
Your lifestyle and genetics play crucial roles in determining when to start preventative Botox treatments. Take a close look at your family members — especially those you closely resemble. Their aging patterns can provide valuable insights into your skin’s future. Combined with lifestyle factors like sun exposure, hydration habits, smoking, and skincare routines, these factors all contribute to the timing of your first preventative Botox treatment.
When To Start Botox
The decision to start Botox is highly individual and shouldn’t be based solely on age. While it’s cleared for adults 18 and older, most people don’t need to consider treatment until they begin noticing the first signs of fine lines — typically in their mid-20s to early 30s.
20-30s >Preventative
This is typically the optimal window for preventative Botox. Botox before 30 focuses on maintaining your skin’s youthful appearance and preventing the formation of deeper lines. Start early with conservative treatments to help maintain natural-looking results and reduce the need for extensive treatment later.
40-50s >Corrective
Botox transitions from a preventative to a corrective treatment at this age. When getting Botox at 40, the focus shifts to addressing visible signs of aging that have already developed, helping to soften existing lines while preventing new ones from forming.
60s+
In your 60s and older, treatment approaches often benefit from a combination of therapies. Your provider might recommend integrating Botox with other med spa services, such as dermal fillers, microneedling, or Clear + Brillant®, for optimal results.
What Areas Can I Get Preventative Botox In?
Preventative Botox treatments target specific areas where muscle movement is most likely to create deep lines over time. The most common treatment areas include:
- “11s” (the vertical lines between your eyebrows)
- Forehead lines
- Crow’s feet
These are popular Botox treatment areas because they experience frequent muscle movement throughout the day. Medically classified as “hyperdynamic areas,” these are the regions where repeated muscle contractions can lead to pronounced lines over time. When treating them, your provider will use a light touch to ensure natural-looking results that preserve the ability to express yourself naturally.
How Many Preventative Botox Treatments Do I Need?
Treatment plans are highly individualized, typically ranging from as few as 10 units to 50-60 units per session depending on your specific needs and aesthetic goals. While Botox results typically last three to four months, some people find they can extend their appointments to every six months when scheduled consistently.
Starting preventative Botox at a younger age might mean you’ll need to maintain treatments longer in life. On the other hand, it often requires less product per session compared to starting later with corrective treatments. Different areas of your face may also require varying treatment frequencies based on muscle strength and movement patterns.
It’s important to note that more isn’t always better when it comes to Botox. Excessive treatments in the same area can potentially lead to muscle atrophy, which may adversely affect your appearance. When scheduling your first Botox treatment, make sure you’re working with qualified, highly trained professionals who know how to develop appropriate treatment schedules for best results.
Request Preventative Botox Consultation with Bodylase
Take the first step with BodyLase. With convenient med spa locations, our team of board-certified providers and experienced Treatment Consultants are ready to create a personalized preventative Botox treatment plan that aligns with your aesthetic goals. We prioritize natural-looking results and safe, effective treatments tailored to your unique needs.
Request your consultation today and discover how preventative Botox at BodyLase can help you maintain a youthful appearance with confidence.
