What is the best age to start Botox? How early is too early? Is it ever too late?
Botox is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the world. According to the latest Plastic Surgery Statistics Report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 4.4 million neurotoxin treatments were performed in 2020. With such widespread adoption, and a 30-year track record of safety and efficacy, it’s no surprise that people of all ages are curious about Botox.
At Bespoke Rx, our treatment philosophy is rooted in personalization. Just as there is no right way to improve everyone’s skin, there is no right age for everyone to start injectables. We assess your skin individually and recommend the best treatment for you.
When you come in for your Botox consultation, we’ll help you understand what to expect at every age. With that in mind, read on for an overview of how Botox can be used throughout the decades.
Botox in Your 20s
Wrinkles are in their earliest stages in this decade, which means they probably only show up when you make an expression and disappear as soon as you relax your face. We call these dynamic wrinkles because the word “dynamic” refers to motion, and these lines only appear when you move your muscles.
The dynamic lines you see now indicate where you are likely to develop permanent lines as you get older. Some people start using a small amount of Botox at this age to help prevent wrinkle formation in high-risk areas (“preventative Botox” or “prejuvenation”). Others begin Botox at a younger age because their genetics or lifestyle predisposes them to early aging.
You may also consider Botox in your 20s if you are interested in one of its other uses. Botox has a wide variety of applications, both cosmetic (such as lip enhancement and brow lifting) and therapeutic (such as reducing excessive sweating or migraine headaches).
Botox in Your 30s
At this age, Botox is still preventative for many patients. You may notice a few wrinkles becoming more prominent — especially around your eyes and forehead — but there is time for Botox to prevent them from becoming deeply etched in your skin. Targeted treatment in your crow’s feet, forehead lines and glabella (the space between your brows) can help stave off significant signs of aging.
In addition to deepening dynamic wrinkles, your 30s may bring other changes to your face. Static lines, which are visible even when your face is relaxed, often start to become more pronounced in this decade. We treat static lines with a variety of modalities, including dermal fillers, microneedling, chemical peels and medical-grade skin care.
Don’t neglect the importance of lifestyle as you get older. Smoking, sunbathing, alcohol consumption, weight fluctuations, dehydration, unhealthy diet and stress can all cause your skin to age prematurely.
Botox in Your 40s
If you haven’t already, it’s time to get serious about caring for your skin. You likely have more defined wrinkles than you did in previous years, and you may find it’s harder to keep your skin looking fresh and healthy than it used to be. This is because your skin cells are regenerating slower and the collagen and elastin in your skin are breaking down faster.
Botox in your 40s is more likely to be a treatment than a preventative measure. This can be a good time to consider making Botox a regular part of your routine, alongside a skincare regimen made up of high-quality anti-aging products.
According to the 2020 ASPS report, people aged 40-54 make up the majority of cosmetic procedures. Patients in that range received over 2.5 million neurotoxin treatments in 2020.
Botox in Your 50s
By your 50s, the texture of your skin has changed significantly and many wrinkles are deep-set. You may also notice more sagging skin and pigmentation changes due to sun damage. If you are experiencing menopause, your changing hormone levels can have a profound impact on the hydration, elasticity and radiance of your skin.
Botox can still be a good way to soften the lines around your eyes and between your brows, but it’s important to acknowledge the limitations of any cosmetic treatment. Botox is not as effective on deep creases as it is on fine lines and moderate wrinkles. Your best bet may be combining Botox with other in-office treatments, like microneedling with PRF or an intense peel.
Our team understands the challenges that come with every decade. We will help you discover a treatment plan that enables you to embrace each phase of your life with confidence.
Botox in Your 60s+
The secret to successful Botox in your 60s is having appropriate expectations. Botox can’t make you look 30 years younger or approximate a facelift, but it can soften your lines for a more rested and refreshed appearance. A combination of Botox and filler may achieve the most youthful result for your deepest etched-in creases.
Occasionally, patients who have been getting Botox for years develop a resistance to the treatment. This seems to occur because those patients develop antibodies that neutralize the Botox.
If this occurs, switching to Dysport may restore your results. Dysport has a different molecular structure, so although it and Botox are both neurotoxins, it is possible to be sensitive to one and not the other.
Request a Botox Consultation at Bespoke Rx
There is no hard and fast rule about when you should start Botox. Instead, you should focus on your skin and your goals. Our founder, Amanda Conti NP, will design a customized treatment plan that bridges the gap between your skin today and the skin you dream of having.
We hope this information gives you a better understanding of how Botox can be beneficial throughout the decades. To begin your aesthetic journey with us, please contact Bespoke Rx today.
