Anti-Wrinkle Injectable: Is There a Perfect Age to Get Botulinum Toxin?

While countless creams and serums claim to soften or reduce wrinkles, their results are not comparable to what botulinum toxin can offer. Made from a toxin produced by the bacterium called Clostridium botulinum, this injectable blocks the signal from the nerves to the muscles, which then relaxes the wrinkles.

The effects of botulinum are significant, with full effects showing within two weeks after the procedure. The smooth or reduced appearance of wrinkles can give you a refreshed and energized appearance. When administered correctly, it can restore your youthful face while still being able to make facial expressions.

But is there a perfect age to get this injectable? Is it better to get botulinum toxin treatments in Singapore when you’re older or have more wrinkles? Is there a right or wrong time to start an anti-wrinkle treatment? Continue reading as we answer these questions and explore more about this injectable. 

What is botulinum toxin for?

A popular brand for botulinum toxin is US FDA-approved for treating dynamic facial wrinkles. These refer to the lines caused by facial expressions or muscle movements, such as when you frown, squint, smile, and laugh. Common dynamic wrinkles include:

• Frown lines (wrinkles between the eyebrows)
• Horizontal forehead lines
• Crow’s feet (wrinkles in the corner of the eyes)

Some also turn to this injectable to reduce or treat:

• Smoker’s or lipstick lines (lines above the upper lip)
• Bunny lines (wrinkles on the bridge or sides of the nose)
• Lowered eyebrows
• Platysma bands or neck wrinkles

As previously mentioned, botulinum toxin works by temporarily paralyzing or weakening the muscle responsible for lines and wrinkles. It is injected into the muscles and can take less than 30 minutes. You can see initial effects after three to four days, but full results appear after 14 days. The results last three to four months.

Is there a right age to start botulinum toxin?

There is no best or right age; the decision is always up to you. Botulinum toxin in Singapore is approved for those who are 18 and older, but many experts agree that a good age to get preventative treatment is mid to late 20s and early 30s. You, of course, always have the final say when to start an anti-aging procedure. 

Two 35- or 40-year-olds, for instance, may share the same age, but they can be a whole lot different in terms of genetics, habits, and skincare. One of them may have more prominent wrinkles, while the other may display barely there signs of aging. This is why the approach to any treatment should be case by case. 

It is also important to remember that no one needs or is required to get botulinum toxin or any other cosmetic procedure. If you, however, have wrinkles that paint a negative expression, you can get botulinum toxin to erase the sad, angry, or tired look on your face. The same is also true if your wrinkles are making you self-conscious.

Should you consider preventative botulinum toxin?

Preventative treatment is done or considered to prevent lines and wrinkles from forming. The neurotoxin is injected during the first stages of lines, which then paralyzes the muscle before any wrinkles develop. The goal is to have fewer lines and wrinkles at a later age, as it is easier to prevent than to correct.

Some people consider this treatment to train the face and prevent it from turning certain repetitive facial expressions into a habit. This is said to reduce the likelihood of having more visible or prominent wrinkles in those areas where botulinum toxin is injected. The result is aging with fewer or less visible lines and wrinkles.

The thing with preventative botulinum toxin is that people as young as 20s are getting this treatment, which was not common decades ago. Many experts consider this unnecessary as those who are in their 20s don’t have any lines yet. In many cases, they start to appear in your 30s. 

Getting botulinum toxin treatments in Singapore

Botulinum toxin, preventative or otherwise, should be approached on a case-by-case basis. It is also important to see a reputable provider who has years of experience administering the treatment and has a “less is more” approach. Be wary of those who offer bargain deals and perform the procedure in a non-clinical setting. 

Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore has aesthetic doctors with a conservative approach. Our medical and scientific director, Dr. Sylvia Ramirez, is also an experienced injector for years and prefers a natural look for her patients. We also offer a patient-based treatment and only charge according to the number of units you need. 

Contact our clinic today at +65 6801 4000 and book a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors to find out if botulinum toxin is right for you.