However, in recent years, the age demographic requesting this age-minimizing injectable has become younger and younger. Some stories even make claims that BOTOX® is being used by teens and even younger girls who compete in beauty pageants. This controversial surge in younger people using the injectable has sparked a debate: how young is too young for BOTOX®?

Understanding How BOTOX® Works

A smile, frown or any other facial expression is created by the contraction of muscles in the face and neck. Over time, these repeated muscle contractions create wrinkles that are visible on the skin even when the underlying muscle is not contracting. Typically, the first of these dynamic wrinkles to appear are the frown lines on the forehead and in between the eyebrows.

BOTOX® is injected directly into the muscles responsible for creating fine lines and wrinkles, essentially paralyzing those muscles for up to several months. With the muscles no longer able to contract, the lines created by those muscles soften and become less visible. Patients love BOTOX® because it delivers great results that last for months, yet with no surgery or downtime. Although commonly used on frown lines, BOTOX® can also treat crow’s feet around the eyes and muscle bands visible on the neck.

Preventative or Corrective?

When BOTOX® was initially introduced, the age demographic most commonly using the injectable was forty-somethings. As a gradual shift began in how the public perceived BOTOX®, a new school of thought developed that changed the application of the injectable from corrective to proactive. Patients in their thirties and even twenties began getting preventative BOTOX® under the premise that it’s better to prevent wrinkles from developing in the first place than to deal with getting rid of them later.

Some argue that young people using BOTOX® before they even see their first wrinkles could actually hinder the normal development of their face as they age. Despite this criticism, botulinum toxin remains very popular as a preventative option among those who haven’t yet developed deeper lines and wrinkles, and does seem to hold the signs of aging for bay longer than in those patients who don’t pursue cosmetic treatment.

Best Time to Begin Using BOTOX®

With so much debate surrounding when it’s best to use BOTOX®, knowing which answer is right for you can be confusing. Deciding when the best time is to start using BOTOX® is a personal choice that should be made with the guidance of a board certified dermatologist who understands the long-term effects of BOTOX® and how to best use the injectable to meet your appearance concerns.

By choosing a skilled BOTOX® injector, you can be sure that you’ll get sound advice as to whether or not it’s the right time to use BOTOX® and what kind of treatment plan you should follow to get your ideal results. Opting for an experienced dermatologist also helps ensure you’ll look natural and well-rested rather than getting the frozen, overdone look that defines a poorly performed BOTOX® session. By taking these simple precautions, you can enjoy minimal wrinkles and a refreshed appearance for years to come, regardless of what age you decide to first begin BOTOX® treatments.