When Is the Right Time to Start Getting Botox?

Some would consider Botox a wrinkle-reducing phenomenon. Working its magic by temporarily relaxing specific facial muscles, the injectable will smooth the associated crease or line for months. Last year, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, (ASPS), more than 7.23 million Botox procedures were performed in the U.S. The average Botox patient seems to be getting younger all the time, many now focusing on ‘prejuvenation’ techniques. So, Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics decided to answer the burning question, “When is it the right time to start getting Botox?”.

In Your 20s: The idea of prejuvenation is gaining popularity with Millennials. Electing for aesthetic treatments before any signs of aging are present is actually more than hype. Once wrinkles across the forehead, around the eyes, and between the brows begin to show, the skin can permanently crease. The longer these expressive wrinkles continue, the more the skin shows the lines. Botox can relax the targeted muscle, training it to not crinkle, and thus keeping the skin smoother and flatter. Thus, starting Botox early works as a preventative measure to avoid the development of fine lines. Compared to Botox for long-established wrinkles, injections for those in their 20s will use relatively little product. The added bonus with skin smoothening is that makeup goes on much more evenly with a less “caked-on” appearance.

In Your 30s: Many experts report that between 35 and 40 is not only the most popular time for patients to inquire about Botox, for many, it really is a great time to turn their focus towards their appearance. Lifestyle factors may mean that dynamic wrinkles will start to be seen with emotional responses (worry, laughter, stress) about this time, and these fine to deep lines then keep hanging around even after the face becomes totally relaxed – a key sign that Botox could be beneficial. Some thirtysomething women are right at the cusp of developing dynamic lines, so they still fall into the prejuvenation category. During this mature decade, women can luckily ward off the signs of aging, and no one will ever guess that anything has been done.

In Your 40s: The time a woman will first notice nagging, moderate age-related facial wrinkles will depend on a lifetime of sun exposure, genetics, and their skin type. Women with lighter skin will find that their mid-late 30s are a prime time for Botox. However, those with darker skin may actually fare better, pushing the need for Botox back until the age 40-45. Chronological age does not need to be used as a gage; when a woman notices her Crow’s Feet no longer disappear when she is not squinting, it may be time to add Botox into the beauty regime.

In Your 50s and Beyond: By the half-century mark, most women are seeing the early signs of aging and then some. How pronounced these facial lines are will depend on factors such as lifestyle (smoking, sunbathing), region (high altitude, harsh sunlight, pollution), and ethnicity. There is no true ‘right’ age to begin Botox, so women who wait until their mid-50s and 60s can still find excellent facial rejuvenation abilities with the toxin. What is important to keep in mind, when choosing Botox later in life, are the expected results. To get the desired benefits, more units of Botox may be needed. Complementary techniques, such as the use of dermal fillers, may also be suggested to achieve optimal results. With a trusted provider, a noninvasive treatment plan can be created, restoring a youthful appearance for anyone in their 50s, 60s, 70s and even well into their 80s.

Finally, the ‘right’ time for Botox is when you find an experienced, board certified Botox injector. This is where Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics comes in. Dr. Ravi Somayazula is a board certified plastic surgeon who completed his plastic surgery fellowship at the Lahey Clinic  and Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital . He is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Swapna Gopathi is a graduate of the University of Louisville and she is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Both doctors have over a decade of experience in aesthetic medicine and are dedicated to achieving the safest and most natural-looking results for each patient.

Call Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics at 281.242.1061 to schedule your complimentary Botox Cosmetic consultation. Or let our patient coordinator get back to you with the answers to your questions; simply fill out our online Contact Us form.