What’s the Right Age to Start BOTOX® and/or Fillers

Determining the right time to begin pursuing treatment with Botulinum derived neuromodulators and soft tissue fillers is one of the most common cosmetic questions fielded in the dermatology clinic. Neuromodulators, such as BOTOX®, Dysport®, Xeomin®, and Jeuveau®, are injectable medications that function by temporarily decreasing the contraction of the muscles responsible for causing lines and wrinkles of the face. Soft tissue fillers, such as JUVÉDERM™, Restylane®, Sculptra®, and RHA®, are injectable medical devices that function by softening lines and volumizing the skin and support structures of the face. These products all serve to improve the natural effects of the aging process.

Just as with all types of variation between different people, the effects of the aging process vary greatly from person to person. Many factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, proper rest, history of sun exposure, tobacco and alcohol use, and the effects of chemotherapy can affect the way our individual skin ages. That being said, there is no “one size fits all” answer to the question of when to start utilizing the products available. In fact, there is no absolute age at which the use of these products is either correct or incorrect.

Lines and wrinkles on the face occur due to the natural expressions that we make based on the muscles underlying the skin. Neuromodulators have both a preventative and corrective effect upon these lines and wrinkles. In other words, they not only work to stop lines and wrinkles from forming in the first place, but also help to reduce and even remove lines that are already present. The earlier in life one starts treatment with these medications, the better the results can be. Many people start forming facial lines in their twenties or thirties, so very commonly, treatment is initiated then with prevention in mind. However, if one waits until later in life, treatment with neuromodulators is still very effective in reducing established lines and preventing them from worsening.

As part of the normal aging process of the face, we experience volume loss and a downward movement of the soft tissue structures. Soft tissue fillers are highly effective in volumizing and lifting the aging face, as well as reducing deeper lines and furrows. Many people find fillers helpful as early as their thirties or forties, but younger people may benefit from fillers when used to enhance the features of their youthful face. For example, lip or cheek enhancement with fillers can produce excellent results at any age. Whereas an older individual may see more benefit by utilizing fillers in the temples, under the eyes, or around the mouth, where there is more volume loss with aging. Of course, many people benefit from the concurrent and complimentary use of both neuromodulators and soft tissue fillers. To learn how you can benefit from any of these treatments, please call or text Advanced Dermatology at 847-459-6400 to schedule a cosmetic consultation.