The best time to treat wrinkles may be before they fully form. Preventative Botox® is a growing trend among individuals who want to maintain smoother skin by stopping deep lines in their tracks. Rather than waiting until creases are visible at rest, this proactive approach focuses on relaxing the muscles that cause expression lines before they etch into the skin permanently.
What is Preventative Botox®?
Botox® is a neuromodulator made from botulinum toxin type A. It works by temporarily reducing the activity of facial muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles, those caused by repetitive movements like squinting, frowning, or raising your eyebrows. Preventative Botox® uses this same mechanism, but the intention is to delay the appearance of wrinkles rather than correct them.
When used early, typically before fine lines become permanent, Botox® can prevent habitual facial expressions from forming deeper creases over time. Popular areas for preventative treatment include:
- Horizontal forehead lines
- Glabellar lines (the “11s” between the brows)
- Crow’s feet at the outer corners of the eyes
By softening these movements early on, Botox® helps preserve a smoother, more youthful appearance.
When Should You Start Anti-Wrinkle Injections?
There’s no exact age that marks the perfect time to begin preventative Botox®. Instead, the right time depends on your facial anatomy, skin elasticity, and how expressive your features are.
Many individuals begin treatments in their late 20s to early 30s, especially if they notice that lines are starting to remain visible after their face returns to a neutral expression.
Factors that may prompt earlier intervention include:
- Early signs of dynamic wrinkles during facial movement
- A strong family history of pronounced expression lines
- Career or lifestyle factors that lead to frequent squinting or frowning
- A desire to age with minimal cosmetic intervention later
The sooner you address overactive facial muscles, the easier it will be to maintain smooth skin long-term, with less product and fewer treatments required as you age.
How Often Should I Get Preventative Botox®?
The frequency of preventative Botox® sessions varies, but most people benefit from treatments every three to four months. In many cases, fewer units are needed for prevention than for correction, and treatments may be spaced farther apart depending on how your muscles respond.
Your injector may begin conservatively and monitor how quickly your muscle movement returns. Over time, you’ll likely settle into a rhythm that maintains natural-looking results while minimizing visible creases.
Some individuals find they can extend the time between treatments as their muscles become trained to relax, making Botox® even more manageable as part of a long-term skincare routine.
Will I Still Get Wrinkles if I Have Botox®?
Botox® is highly effective at preventing dynamic wrinkles, but it does not stop all signs of aging. Static wrinkles, which form due to collagen loss, sun exposure, and skin dehydration, may still develop over time. These lines appear even when the face is at rest and are typically not caused by muscle movement.
To address static wrinkles, dermal fillers are often used alongside Botox®. Fillers restore lost volume, smooth deeper creases, and enhance facial contours in areas like:
- The cheeks
- Nasolabial folds (smile lines)
- Marionette lines
- Under-eye hollows
By combining Botox® to reduce muscle movement and fillers to replenish volume, many individuals achieve a balanced, more youthful appearance with natural-looking results. The two treatments complement each other and can be tailored to address your unique aging pattern.
Take the Next Step
Ready to learn more about preventing wrinkles with Botox®? The first step is to come in for an in-person consultation with our expert providers at Manhattan Aesthetics in New York, New York, today.
Please fill out the form on this page or call our office during regular business hours at (212) 960-8172.
