Preventative BOTOX®: When Should You Start?

You’re likely familiar with the anti-aging effects of BOTOX, the popular neurotoxin that can smooth away wrinkles with just a quick series of injections. But did you know BOTOX can be just as effective when it’s injected before wrinkles really appear? It’s an approach called preventative BOTOX, and at our Omaha, NE, med spa, it’s growing in demand among men and women as young as their 20s.

So what is preventative BOTOX, and how does it work? In this blog post, we’ll answer a few of the most commonly asked questions about the benefits of the preventative BOTOX approach.

How does preventative BOTOX work?

BOTOX treats dynamic wrinkles, which are lines caused by repeated muscle contractions. Think glabellar lines between the eyebrows, forehead lines, and crow’s feet. The product strategically inhibits nerve signals from the brain to prevent you from overworking these muscles and further deepening the lines.

By starting these treatments early, you can limit the amount of time the muscles spend contracting over the years, therefore prolonging the time it will take for lines to become deeply etched into your skin. By slowing this process, the approach can delay or even prevent the need for more invasive anti-aging procedures in the future.

At what age should you start preventative BOTOX?

There is no set age when you should start, but many people opt for their first treatments in their late 20s or early 30s. The best time to start is when you first notice lines such as horizontal forehead lines, crow’s feet, or the “11s” between your eyebrows hanging around even when your face is relaxed.

When you do start, it’s important to do your research and choose a credentialed injector who uses only authentic, FDA-approved products sourced from the manufacturers. Avoid tempting deals offered by unqualified providers—they’re never worth the risk. Learn why in our previous blog post.

Will your wrinkles come back worse if you stop BOTOX?

There is a common misconception that if you stop BOTOX use, your wrinkles will return more severely than if you had never started. This is not the case—in fact, it’s the opposite. Because your muscles will have spent less time contracting while your BOTOX was in effect, any dynamic wrinkles you may have developed will not be as pronounced. If you do decide BOTOX isn’t for you, you can allow it to wear off naturally without adverse effects on your skin.

How often should you get preventative BOTOX?

The effects of BOTOX last about 3 to 4 months, and most people choose to schedule touch-ups around this time. You may notice that the effects last longer with continued regular use.

If you would like to learn more about preventative BOTOX treatments here in Omaha, please contact us online or call (402) 408-0017. We look forward to hearing from you.