You are 30-years-old, beautiful and basking in admiration. Just for a lark you visit a plastic surgeon or dermatologist to find out at what age you might need some “work.” You expect the doctor to say, “Scram, come back and see me in 20 years.” But instead, you hear, “It’s the moment something bothers you.”

What’s new, according to September 2011 Marie Claire, is that plastic surgery and other in-office cosmetic treatments are being embraced as preventive measures. “According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Botox procedures in the 19 to 34 demo have doubled in the past decade. Another study found that those between the age of 18 and 24 are the most likely of any age group to approve of surgery.” These young’uns, raised on a diet of reality TV, are absolutely not ashamed of being vain.

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is the new mantra for facial perfection. In other words, less invasive procedures when you’re young can avert aggressive measures later on.

Your first step is beginning a regimen of Retin-A in your 20s. But if you’re already bothered by uneven pigmentation, enlarged pores and fine lines, Fraxel, a resurfacing laser, will help to reverse sun damage. It’s about $1,500, which will make a dent in your rent payment, and you will have several days of angry-looking swollen skin. The preventive aspect is that, according to a dermatologist, studies have shown Fraxel resurfacing can reduce precancerous tissue and growth.

If you assumed your neck was a nonissue until you’re 50, think again. A dermatologist suggests injecting the young with Restylane around the upper jawline to lift prematurely sagging jowls. In terms of prevention, this filler is touted as increasing collagen production over time.

Prevention is also a goal when Botox is also injected since it relaxes muscles before they give birth to wrinkles.