Before social media, Botox was often associated with middle-aged women, but now, the injectable that temporarily reduces wrinkles is targeting a much younger audience.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) 2023 report states that Gen Z is starting early to “stop wrinkles before they form.” This is known as preventive botox, but since the body’s collagen production begins to decline in the mid-20s, it is really necessary;
Although the legal age for Botox — a toxin that stops a muscle from moving for a limited time — is 18, some experts, like makeup artist Katie Moyer of Dallas, Texas, say starting too early isn’t good idea.
But two board-certified surgeons insist it works, depending on the client.
Dynamic vs. static wrinkles
Dynamic wrinkles are temporary lines on the forehead, between the eyebrows (eleven lines) and around the eyes (crow’s feet) when you make facial expressions such as smiling or frowning, that disappear when the face is relaxed, according to the University of Utah Health. People may notice them in their mid-30s.
Static wrinkles develop over time from repeated facial movements, becoming permanent and visible even when the face is at rest. They tend to appear in their 40s or 50s.
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Newsweek spoke with Dr. David Shafer, a double board-certified plastic surgeon, founder and medical director of Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue. He is also a master trainer for Allergan Aesthetics, the manufacturer of BOTOX Cosmetic.
“Botox blocks dynamic wrinkles, so when people say prevention, they don’t mean for people who don’t have wrinkles,” Shafer said.
“It’s for people who have dynamic wrinkles to prevent static wrinkles later in life.”
“Botox is not a one-time solution”
But that doesn’t mean getting a shot of Botox in your early 20s will lead to wrinkle-free skin. Botox is a costly commitment that Shafer discusses during a consultation.
“It’s not about age, it’s about anatomy,” he said, adding, “Preventive Botox works in the right patient.”
But he’s not afraid to turn customers away if they don’t know the risks and benefits and don’t understand maintenance.
The ASPS reports that neuromodulator injections typically cost about $435, varying by dose, and results typically last about three to four months.
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Newsweek spoke with Steven Hanna, a Royal College-certified plastic surgeon with advanced training in cosmetic surgery from the Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital.
He said: “For patients in their twenties considering preventive Botox, the decision requires some thought. Botox is not a one-time solution, it is a long-term commitment of both time and money, and patients should weigh it against the uncertain benefits of early initiation of treatment.
“I find that thorough consultations, where we discuss the nuances of their goals and concerns, are critical to helping them decide what’s best for them.”
Hanna said he advises caution when it comes to the procedure solely to prevent wrinkles in younger patients, unless it’s a medical condition like masseter muscle hypertrophy, which is a condition that causes a soft swelling near the angle of the jaw.
“Not a fan”
Him & Her podcast/Katie Moyer
While estheticians argue that preventative Botox works, Moyer, who has worked in the beauty industry for 22 years, disagrees. Last month, she shared her thoughts on this during a podcast appearance.
She was interviewed by Lauryn Evarts Bosstick, its creator The Skinny Confidential, at He & She podcast. The video went viral on Instagram (@tscpodcast), garnering over 246,000 views.
During the clip, the 42-year-old said she “doesn’t believe in preventative Botox.”
she said Newsweek: “I’m definitely not a fan of early Botox. I think this idea of preventative Botox is misleading. Often, women in their 20s are on a tight budget. They think getting Botox will see them through the rest of their lives.
“If you’re someone who has the budget for everything … then by all means,” she said. “But beware, Botox is often a gateway treatment to other injectables. It’s all a slippery slope. Most of us live in such fear of aging. We forget to enjoy our youth.”
Prioritizing skin health
Moyer, who has 463,000 followers on Instagram @makeupandskinbykatie, urges young women to take care of their skin by focusing on the following healthy habits:
- Limiting sun exposure.
- Good amount of sleep.
- Healthy diet.
- Microneedling: A minimally invasive procedure that uses fine needles to treat skin problems such as acne scars, stretch marks and wrinkles.
She said: “Maybe a small number of women get static lines in their 20s. The vast majority do not.
“By taking preventative care of your skin prior to Botox, you will likely not have those premature static lines. Then, when it’s time to start your neurotoxin treatment, your skin will be much more helpful and responsive to effects of the neurotoxin in a much more holistic way.
“For most people who get Botox or start Botox in their late 30s or early 40s… This first dose will be enough to completely eliminate any Genesis of stretch marks.”
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