At What Age Should I Get Botox®?

Expression lines, such as frown lines, result from your facial muscles pulling your skin to create your facial expressions. Botox® relaxes these muscles to give you a smoother, more youthful appearance. Among the most popular cosmetic treatments in the world, Botox® not only smooths wrinkles but can also help prevent them. 

What is Botox®?

Botox® is an injectable treatment that uses botulinum toxin type A to smooth expression lines. When injected, Botox® acts on the targeted facial muscles by relaxing them or even preventing their contraction. The tiny amounts of botulinum toxin used for treatment can precisely target only the muscles that cause your lines and wrinkles. As a result, you look refreshed and relaxed while keeping all your natural facial expressions.

How Does Botox® Work?  

The active ingredient in Botox®, botulinum toxin, works by binding to targeted facial nerve cells. Botox® stops the nerve endings from sending signals to the muscles, and without these signals, the muscles stop contracting. As the muscles stop working, the skin becomes smoother and more relaxed, giving you a younger appearance. The effects of botulinum toxin on nerve cells are temporary and harmless. Botox® wears off without causing any permanent changes to muscles or nerves. 

At What Age Should I Get Botox®?

While many think of Botox® as a way to treat lines and wrinkles, it can also prevent them. By relaxing underlying facial muscles, Botox® prevents muscles from creating wrinkles. The right time to start Botox® varies widely and depends on your skincare routine, the progress of your current lines, and how aggressive you want to be with your wrinkle prevention. After “turning back the clock” with a skin-smoothing treatment such as laser resurfacing, Botox can prevent wrinkles from ever returning. (Dr. Langdon himself is “Exhibit A;” he had his frown lines smoothed with CO2 laser resurfacing in 1995 and, because of continued Botox injections, he has no frown lines to this day (2023)!)

Some people may choose to start Botox® in their mid to late twenties. These people may have early development of fine lines and want to prevent their progress. Most people start considering Botox® in their thirties as lines become more noticeable. There is no perfect age to get Botox®, so we recommend a consultation to discuss whether preventative Botox® might be a good choice for you.  

What Results Will I See With Botox®?

Your Botox® results will start to appear within a few days of treatment. You can expect your lines and wrinkles to improve as your facial muscles relax. Botox® results typically last three to four months between treatments. You will notice that you look refreshed and more youthful. Your experienced injectors at the Langdon Center have the skill to provide natural-looking results that look like you, only younger and less tired. 

Is There Any Downtime After Botox®?

There is no downtime associated with Botox® injections. You can return to your normal activities immediately after the procedure. However, you should avoid rubbing or massaging the treated areas for 24 hours after the injections to ensure the best results. You may notice minor sensitivity, swelling, or bruising in the injection area that lasts a few days. 

Am I a Good Candidate for Botox®?

Botox® has been safely used for cosmetic and medical purposes for decades, giving it an excellent reputation for safety and effectiveness. Good candidates for Botox® want to smooth facial lines and wrinkles. Some people may be good candidates as young as their mid-twenties, while others may not want to start Botox® until their thirties or later. You should not have Botox® if you are pregnant or have certain neuromuscular conditions. 

Take the Next Step 

If you have further questions about Botox®, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at The Langdon Center in Guilford, CT. Call us at 203-453-8625 or fill out our convenient online contact form.