20-somethings getting Botox for preventative reasons?

February 22, 2012

20-somethings getting Botox for preventative reasons?
20-somethings getting Botox for preventative reasons?

While the majority of individuals who get Botox injections are older than 35, doctors say that the anti-aging treatment is becoming more popular among men and women in their 20's as well.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), more than 370,000 individuals (15.2 percent) between the ages of 19 and 34 underwent this popular non-surgical procedure in 2010.

While the drug has a long list of conditions it treats, including migraines, muscle spasms and many others, it is most commonly used to treat crow's feet, laugh lines and other facial wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause them.

Some doctors say that many of the younger patients getting Botox don't quite need it to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles just yet. Instead, they're getting preventative Botox to avoid the wrinkles from forming in the first place.

Although one physician told the website that he has patients that have been getting preventative Botox for more than a decade with great results and few side effects, there is no proof that Botox injections can “prevent” wrinkles.

Using Botox for preventative reasons doesn't mean that you'll have to use less. The doctor that spoke to TheGloss.com says that how much is needed depends on the individual, not his or her age.

"Botox works by blocking muscle movement," he said. "To relax someone's muscle takes the same amount at 20 or 50. Dosages would not change with age, it would just be more dependent on what worked best for each individual."

Another thing to keep in mind is that the drug's effects are temporary and must be repeated every three to six months for the best results. There can also be other side effects related to long-term Botox treatment. It is important to discuss these risks and effects with your board-certified physician.


The mission of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) includes medical education, public education and patient advocacy. Plastic Surgery News Briefs are summaries of current stories found through various news and magazine outlets that relate to or mention plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures. The views expressed in these news articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ASAPS, but are merely published as an educational service to our members and the general public. For additional information on these subjects and other plastic surgery related topics, please go to www.surgery.org

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About ASAPS
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), is recognized as the world’s leading organization devoted entirely to aesthetic plastic surgery and cosmetic medicine of the face and body.  ASAPS is comprised of over 2,600 Plastic Surgeons; active members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (USA) or by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and have extensive training in the complete spectrum of surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures. International active members are certified by equivalent boards of their respective countries. All members worldwide adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and must meet stringent membership requirements.

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