Is It Ever Too Early To Start Botox?

With AI filters, accessible treatments and transparent social media discourse all running wild in the world, more of us than ever are considering cosmetic procedures that promise to improve the appearance of our skin. The most in-demand? Botox, of course. This classic treatment has yet to fall out of favour with the masses – and now with a new wave of young people expressing interest, it seems that Botox no longer belongs to any specific age group. So, when should you start? Doctors and cosmetic experts weigh in.

At What Age Should You Get Botox? A Guide

Recap: What Is Botox?

‘Botox is a purified form of botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium clostridium botulinum,’ explains Dr Nyla Raja, a cosmetic doctor and dermatologist. ‘While it is derived from a naturally occurring substance, the version used for cosmetic purposes is highly refined and safe when administered by a trained professional.’

‘It has been used medically for many decades as a migraine treatment and for being injected into bladders,’ adds leading aesthetic doctor, Dr Ed Robinson. ‘Botox has also been used cosmetically since the 1990s. There was an ocular plastic surgeon who did a cohort study for treating blepharospasm (a disorder where your eyes uncontrollably spasm). Patients were coming in and saying, “I really like this treatment as all my lines disappear” – and that is where the cosmetic aspect of this treatment boomed.’

@lorna.munro #botox #babybotox #beforeandafter ♬ Intimidated (feat. H.E.R.) – KAYTRANADA

So, how does it work? Our experts tell us that Botox binds to cells in the body, temporarily blocking the nerve signals to certain muscles or areas of skin and causing them to relax. ‘This relaxation reduces the muscle activity that can lead to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles,’ explains Dr Raja. ‘Especially in areas where expressions like frowning or squinting are common, such as the forehead, around the eyes (crow’s feet), and between the brows (frown lines).

‘By relaxing these muscles, Botox softens the appearance of existing wrinkles while also preventing new ones from forming,’ she adds. ‘It creates a smoother, more youthful look without affecting the natural expressiveness of the face.’

What Are The Benefits?

The main cosmetic draw of Botox is its ability to ‘smooth out’ the signs of ageing – namely, fine lines and wrinkles. ‘It reduces conscious muscle movement so when you want to move a muscle, the muscle will move less,’ says Dr Robinson. ‘his can be used cosmetically to reduce expression lines on your face, and as a consequence soften static lines, like your forehead or frown.’

But it can also help slow the signs of ageing, if done earlier. ‘It helps to prevent wrinkles from deepening over time, making it an excellent option for maintaining youthful, healthy skin,’ highlights Dr Raja.

Outside of facial treatments, Dr Raja notes that Botox can help with ‘excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), teeth grinding, and even migraines – providing relief and improving quality of life. It can also help with conditions like jaw clenching and neck spasms. ‘

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Is There A Specific Age You Should Start Getting Botox?

The short answer? No. Although both experts explain that younger clients in their 20s might seek out Botox if they want to prevent the formation of fine lines. ‘There isn’t a set age at which someone should start Botox,’ emphasises Dr Raja. ‘It really depends on the individual’s skin, genetics and lifestyle. Some people may begin preventative treatments in their mid-to-late twenties if they notice fine lines forming, while others may not consider it until their thirties or forties.’

‘There really isn’t a specific age where you should start getting Botox,’ adds Dr Robinson. ‘Botox cosmetically is advertised for static lines, and these can start forming from the age of 18 (the legal age for Botox injections) onwards for a very select number of people. Most commonly, static lines form in your late 20s and early 30s which is the age I would advocate it as a reactive treatment.’

Why More Young People Are Getting Botox

As seems to be the case for most trends these days, our experts pin the rise in ‘baby Botox’ down to social media. ‘There is definitely an increasing interest in Botox among younger people, largely due to social media and the pressure to conform to certain beauty standards,’ highlights Dr Raja. ‘Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have amplified the focus on flawless, youthful appearances, which can sometimes lead to fearmongering about ageing and the desire to “fix” perceived imperfections early on.’

‘People are being more transparent with what procedures they have had, usually on social media,’ adds Dr Robinosn. ‘The rise in filters – and AI-filters specifically – is fuelling a rise in young people becoming dissatisfied with their appearance, from an even younger age.

‘Anti-ageing generally is very on trend at the moment,’ he adds. ‘We are even seeing some companies targeting teens to advertise their anti-ageing skincare regimes. This easily extrapolates and extends into people seeking injectable treatments.’

Dr Robinson also points out that greater rates of accessibility in the UK make it so that more people can freely get Botox, without considering long term upkeep. ‘In the UK, Botox is perceived as a beauty treatment, and not a medical treatment,’ he says. ‘People therefore seek it out without considering risks, or whether they are really appropriate. And large swathes of practitioners enable this by treating people younger than they should be.’

@skndoctor Reply to @onlyonwards preventative Botox #skincarehacks #fyp ♬ original sound – Dr Ewoma 👋🏾

Preventative vs Reactive: Which Is Botox Better For When It Comes To Ageing?

The age you decide to start Botox can determine whether it’s being used as a preventative or reactive measure against the signs of ageing. ‘As a preventative measure, it helps to slow down the formation of deep lines by relaxing the muscles responsible for repetitive movements, such as frowning or squinting,’ explains Dr Raja. ‘Starting Botox early can often delay the onset of more pronounced wrinkles in the future.

‘When used reactively, it effectively softens existing wrinkles and lines, offering visible improvement in areas where muscle movement has already led to creases. However, while Botox can smooth out these lines, it cannot reverse skin damage caused by factors like sun exposure.’

While both are valid means of approaching the treatment, Dr Robinson does express his reservations on seeking out Botox early on. ‘I am not a huge advocate for preventative Botox,’ he says. ‘I think that this encourages younger and younger people to have Botox when they don’t need it. It can work incredibly well in treating static lines on the face, meaning you don’t necessarily need to take a preventative approach.’

How Long Does Botox Last?

The lifespan of a Botox treatment depends on the dose administered and various lifestyle factors. ‘The effects of Botox typically last between three to four months, but this can vary depending on individual metabolism, lifestyle, and the area treated,’ confirms Dr Raja. ‘People with faster metabolisms or those who engage in high levels of physical activity may notice the results wearing off sooner. Additionally, lifestyle factors like smoking or high-stress levels can cause Botox to break down more quickly. Areas of high muscle movement, such as the forehead or around the eyes, tend to need more frequent top-ups, while areas like the masseter (jawline) can retain results longer.’

‘Botox takes about three or four days to kick in, with full effects active after two weeks,’ adds Dr Robinson. ‘At this point it starts turning off gradually like a dimmer switch. You will start to have a fair amount of movement back in your face at about week six or eight, and almost all of the effects of Botox will have worn off by the six month mark. Most people get Botox done three or four times a year to keep up with the effects of the treatment.’

‘Over time, consistent treatments may allow for slightly longer intervals between appointments as muscles become conditioned to relax,’ adds Dr Raja. ‘We recommend scheduling a top-up before full muscle activity returns, ensuring results stay natural while maintaining the face’s movement and expression.’

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Does It Hurt?

Rest assured, ‘the procedure itself is very quick and minimally uncomfortable,’ says Dr Raja. ‘Patients may feel a slight pinching sensation during the injections, but it’s very tolerable. Any mild redness or swelling typically subsides within a few hours, and the treatment requires little to no downtime. Occasionally, there can be slight bruising, but this is rare and easily managed with cold compresses or gentle massage, if needed.’

Are There Any Risks?

Yes, as with any cosmetic procedure, there are a few risks to be wary of:

• Bruising: ‘When using needles, there will always be a chance of minor bleeding and bruising,’ says Dr Robinson. ‘It is best to assume that you will bruise, and then it is a bonus if you don’t. Bruises will only last 24 hours and can be easily covered with concealer.’
• Heavy Brows & Lids: ‘There is also a minor risk of getting heavy eyebrows or eyelids,’ adds Dr Robinson. ‘This is extremely rare is trusting a practitioner who takes the correct precautions.’
• Timing: ‘It is important to time your treatment sensibly if it’s the first time,’ warns Dr Robinson. ‘Never get Botox for the first time right before a big event like a wedding. There’s always a chance you won’t be happy with your result, and you don’t need the extra stress of this right before a significant life event.’

How Much Does It Cost?

These days, you can expect Botox to start around the £200 mark per area. ‘In most reputable aesthetic clinics run by doctors or nurses, you’re looking at paying about £250,’ confirms Dr Robinson. ‘And up to £400 or £500 for what is classically known as the three areas: forehead, frown and eye treatment.

‘You have to be assessed anatomically first, and price can vary quite considerably based on why you are actually having Botox, what you are trying to achieve, the treated areas you and the dosage.’

‘The cost of Botox varies depending on the number of areas treated and the amount of product required,’ adds Dr Raja. ‘But pricing should always reflect the expertise of the practitioner rather than being the deciding factor. Investing in an experienced, medically trained professional ensures safety and optimal results.’

Things To Avoid

Following a Botox procedure, it’s best to avoid doing the following to ensure optimal results (and minimise the risk of any complications:

• Massaging or rubbing the treated area for 24 to 48 hours post-treatment. ‘This can cause Botox to move into an undesirable muscle group,’ notes Dr Robinson. ‘On the face, this can increase the risk of having a heavy eyebrow or heavy eyelid, which is obviously an undesirable effect.’
• Intense exercise, saunas and steam rooms. ‘This can increase blood pressure and blood flow to your face, which makes bruising worse,’ says Dr Robinson.
• Lying down for at least four hours. ‘This will help allow the Botox to settle properly into the muscles,’ says Dr Raja.

How To Find A Good Practitioner

‘It is very important to seek out a highly trained, medical professional as these are medical treatments, not beauty treatments,’ emphasises Dr Robinson. ‘The UK is the only country in the world where anyone can legally inject Botox. This means you really need to research the place which you are going to first.

‘Do your research before you proceed,’ he continues. ‘And don’t be brought in by cheap offers. Sometimes non-medical practitioners use black market Botox with no quality control chain, which can cause serious complications.’

The best thing to do, he adds, is seek out a regulated practitioner. ‘Visit someone who is regulated by a leading body – GMC, GDC or NMC – or is a prescribing pharmacist.’

‘When choosing a practitioner, always seek out a highly qualified medical professional with a strong track record in aesthetic medicine,’ agrees Dr Raja. ‘Look at their credentials, experience and patient reviews, and never be afraid to ask questions. A good practitioner will take pride in its commitment to safety, patient education and results that enhance (rather than change) a person’s natural beauty.’

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What To Do During A Consultation

An important part of the process, once you’ve found your practitioner, is having a consultation where you can discuss your hopes for the procedure. ‘For those new to Botox, it’s essential to have a thorough consultation with an expert who understands facial anatomy and can provide honest, tailored advice,’ says Dr Raja.

As for what to expect: ‘During the consultation, the practitioner should discuss your concerns, expectations and goals to ensure the treatment aligns with your natural beauty and desired outcome,’ explains Dr Raja. ‘Botox should be about refinement, not transformation, and starting with a conservative amount is always best to avoid overdoing it.

‘Patients should also be prepared to make regular visits for maintenance to sustain results, as Botox is not a permanent solution. A good practitioner will guide you through the entire process, ensuring you feel confident and informed every step of the way.’

Dr Robinson adds that it’s perfectly normal to also need time to think about the treatment before, during and after a consultation. ‘Always be offered a cooling off period before committing to a treatment,’ he says. ‘And really do your research throughout the process.’

What To Expect From The Results

It might sound counterintuitive, but the goal with Botox is to not look like you’ve had a lot of work done. ‘Prioritise going to a practitioner who respects individual anatomy and will preserve your expression,’ advises Dr Robinson. ‘Your expression is so important for how you communicate – for displaying body language – and it must be preserved.

‘Remember that Botox should look completely natural. Aesthetic treatments should leave you refreshed and rejuvenated (ideally with no one being able to tell that you have had any work done). When it looks unnatural, it has not been done correctly and your anatomy has not been respected. ‘

Dr Raja agrees with this sentiment. ‘While it’s natural to want to look and feel your best, we always stress the importance of balance,’ she says. ‘The goal should be prevention and subtle enhancement, not drastic change. It’s crucial to have realistic expectations and remember that Botox should complement your natural beauty, enhancing your features without altering your expressiveness. Education is key, and we encourage patients to focus on treatments that align with their individual needs and long-term goals.’

She also explains that Botox is just one step in the journey to achieving an elevated appearance. ‘While it can provide immediate, visible improvements by relaxing muscles and softening lines, maintaining a good skincare routine is essential for long-term results,’ she emphasises, saying that promoting the longevity of your skin is the best way forward. ‘Protecting the skin from UV damage with sunscreen, staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep all contribute to overall skin health and radiance.’

Featured image: Ivan Samkov, Pexels