At What Age Should You Start Getting Botox®?

You might think of Botox® as a treatment for heavy frown lines or forehead creases. More and more people have chosen preventative Botox® to keep lines and wrinkles from forming. Because Botox® silences muscle activity, it stops the motions that cause expression lines to form. 

How Does Botox® Work?

Botox® treats dynamic lines and wrinkles that form from the motion of facial muscles. Frowning, smiling, or squinting creates folds in the skin. Over time, these folds remain even when your face stops moving. The active ingredient in Botox®, botulinum toxin, works by targeting the nerves that tell your facial muscles when to contract. It blocks signals to keep the muscle from contracting, letting the skin relax and become smooth. 

At What Age Should You Start Getting Botox®?

You can start Botox® at any age you and your provider feel comfortable with. Some people choose to begin Botox® in their mid to late twentiesbefore they start seeing any lasting lines. Others begin in their thirties when lines and wrinkles start to appear even when your face is at rest. 

When started early in developing lines and wrinkles, Botox® can limit the muscle movement that causes them. It prevents your facial expressions from worsening your lines. As a result, you can stay looking younger and more refreshed. Only your doctor or injection specialist can determine whether preventative Botox® is a good choice for you. 

What Can Botox® Treat?

As a cosmetic treatment, Botox® is FDA-approved for:

• Crow’s feet or smile lines
• Horizontal forehead lines
• Vertical lines between the brows (glabellar lines or the “11’s”)

Botox® is also approved to treat migraines, muscle spasms, excessive sweating, and other medical conditions. 

Should I Get Botox® or Dermal Fillers?

Botox® and dermal fillers are injectable wrinkle treatments, but they work differently. Dermal fillers smooth lines and wrinkles by plumping and filling them. Botox® works best on lines caused by muscle movement, while dermal fillers work best on lines caused by skin laxity. 

Since Botox® prevents the motion that worsens expression lines, it works as a preventative treatment. Dermal fillers can maintain a smooth, youthful appearance, but they cannot prevent the effects of aging on your skin. 

Am I a Good Candidate for Botox®?

Botox® has been FDA-approved since 2002 and has proven its safety and effectiveness. Most people make good candidates, whether they want to prevent or treat expression lines. You should not have Botox® if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain neuromuscular conditions. 

Is There Any Downtime With Botox®?

You can have Botox® during your lunch break and return to work immediately after. Some people have minor sensitivity or bruising at the injection site. If you do experience these effects, they should be gone within 48 hours. 

Take the Next Step

Want to learn more about Botox®?

Schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Vitolo at his plastic surgery practice by filling out the consultation form on this page or by calling 718-619-8869 to get more information or to make an appointment at one of his 3 offices. 

During this difficult time of the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, we have taken precautions to protect our patients and staff from danger. Dr. Vitolo is offering complimentary Virtual Consultations on your computer, smartphone, or tablet for all procedures, or you may meet with Dr. Vitolo in person​​. To request a consultation with Dr. Vitolo call 718-619-8869.

Dr. Vitolo serves the greater New York Metropolitan area including Manhattan, Staten Island, Brooklyn, and New Jersey.