When attempting to resolve fine lines and wrinkles, there is no questioning the efficacy of BOTOX^®. There has been so much positive experience from this injectable that there is currently a growing trend to use BOTOX^® as a preventative treatment against the effects of aging.

Historically, BOTOX^® patients seeking relief from crow’s feet and laugh lines have been over forty years old. However, patients now include women in their thirties and twenties who are seeking treatment as a preventative measure against fine lines and wrinkles. They believe BOTOX^® can reduce the formation of static wrinkles and smooth fine lines by forming a preventative barrier while they are still young.

Subjective evidence in plastic surgery offices over the years suggests patients who regularly receive BOTOX^® treatments have enhanced skin smoothness beyond the temporary wrinkle reduction which this treatment provides. Some believe consistent BOTOX^® treatment may lead to a sustained improvement in the skin’s appearance.

But are there medical studies which support this anti-aging benefit for the prevention of wrinkles long-term? Should one start young with BOTOX^® treatments to look their best when they age?

Reason BOTOX^® May Help Prevent Future Wrinkles

BOTOX^® works by relaxing facial muscles which cause wrinkles. Over time, the constant contraction of muscle from facial expressions will eventually result in static wrinkles and lines like crow’s feet, horizontal lines on the forehead and frown lines. This pattern of lines and wrinkles taking form from facial expressions is established in our younger years and form a unique pattern for facial wrinkles when we age. The etched wrinkles and lines in the face may not form if the muscles remain relaxed over time.

Regular BOTOX^® treatments when wrinkles aren’t already present may positively affect facial appearance later in life. Academically, there should be fewer wrinkles if muscle movement is limited to prevent repeated skin folding. Additionally, collagen restoration might occur on the epidermal and dermal level, although this theory is not proven.

Supportive Study on Preventive BOTOX^® for Anti-Aging

A 2006 case study involving twin sisters indicates a possible preventative effect of BOTOX^®. During the study, one sister received BOTOX^® treatments on the brow and forehead every few months from age 25 for a 13-year period. The other received BOTOX^® treatments in the same area but only four times in the same period. The sisters did not receive additional cosmetic treatments.

After several months following the last treatments, the sister receiving only four treatments had visible facial wrinkles in treatment areas at rest, while her sister with consistent treatment during the period did not have these same wrinkles present. The results from this case study suggest that regular treatment from an early age can prevent age-related wrinkles and folds at the treatment sites. Although the study is not conclusive on many fronts, it does support the theory that BOTOX^® can prevent dynamic wrinkles and lines when treatments are consistent from an early age.

We recommend BOTOX^® treatments every three to four months as the normal period when BOTOX^® effects diminish. However, other observations indicate that when BOTOX^® treatments are consistent over time, the length of duration for BOTOX^® effectiveness extends to longer periods. We can confirm this observation from the hundreds of BOTOX^® treatments Dr. Slupchynskyj administers each year.

Is There an Age Too Young for BOTOX^®?

Plastic surgeons often treat patients in their twenties with BOTOX^®, but rarely younger than twenty. The effects may not treat wrinkles, but rather lift or relax the brow. The forehead and area between the eyebrows (glabella) are the most common treatment sites.

When a patient seeks long-term wrinkle reduction, healthy skin and preventing the effects of aging, basic skin care is more crucial than BOTOX^® or any other cosmetic treatments available. Sunscreens, topical retinoids, refraining from smoking and skin hydration are important disciplines to help preserve skin beauty. These practices will also help BOTOX^® results when the patient decides to seek medical solutions.

Although there is no concrete evidence to support BOTOX^® can prevent age-related wrinkles and lines with early age injections, there is plenty of circumstantial indications it can. To learn more about BOTOX^® and how it can help you with anti-aging treatments, Contact Dr. Slupchynskyj today.

Call us at (212) 628-6464 or Contact Us Today!