Preventative Botulinum Toxin: What is it and Should You Consider it?

Although Botulinum Toxin for wrinkles is much more common in the older demographic, a growing number of younger patients are considering or undergoing the treatment. This is referred to as “Preventative Botulinum Toxin”, which is done to prevent lines and wrinkles from appearing.

Some people in their (late) 20s and 30s are now turning to Botulinum Toxin to stop wrinkles from their tracks. If you too are considering preventative Botulinum Toxin and are wondering if it is worth it, continue reading.

The basics of Botulinum toxin or Botulinum Toxin

Popularly known as the brand Botulinum Toxin, botulinum toxin is an FDA-cleared anti-wrinkle treatment. It can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and prevent new ones from forming. Botulinum Toxin is commonly used for treating dynamic wrinkles or lines formed to due repeated facial expressions or muscle movements. It can help with:

• Frown lines or angry 11s
• Forehead lines
• Crow’s feet or wrinkles in the corner of the eyes
• Smoker’s lines or upper lip wrinkles

It works by temporarily blocking the signal from a nerve to muscles. This paralyzes the muscles, which then softens and relaxes the wrinkles. The procedure can take less than 30 minutes and involve the use of topical anesthetic cream to make the injections tolerable and more comfortable. 

What exactly is preventative Botulinum Toxin?

Preventative Botulinum Toxin is used before fine lines and wrinkles start appearing or becoming visible. It is injected during the first stages of lines, paralyzing the muscles before any wrinkles form. It is believed that starting Botulinum Toxin earlier can lead to less fine lines and wrinkles when you get older. 

As lines you make people look older, tired, or angry, it only makes sense to treat them before they show up. The use of preventative Botulinum Toxin in the right places can train the face not to make repetitive expressions into a habit. This can then reduce the chances that you’ll have prominent or permanent wrinkles in those areas. 

It matters where you get Botulinum Toxin

Botulinum Toxin is safe and effective, especially when you go to a skilled and experienced injector. This is why you need to look for someone who prefers a natural look and is conservative in providing the injections. Do take note that the “less is more” approach matters if you want natural results 

The skills and experience of the injector or  aesthetic doctor are an important factor to consider when choosing a provider. This is because your result will primarily be based on the doctor’s injection technique, artistry and eye for detail. The right provider can also help you avoid unwanted side effects.

What results can you expect?

It can take about two weeks to see the full effects of Botulinum Toxin. The results can last between three and six months or longer with repeated injections. The right dosage and proper injection technique can give you a natural, well-rested look while maintaining your facial expressions.

With preventative Botulinum Toxin, you may need fewer injections when you’re older. Take note that the results are not permanent, so you need to get touch-up treatments to keep those lines from showing. 

You may also be glad to know the Botulinum Toxin can gradually train your muscles over time. This only means that with regular treatments, you may notice an increase in longevity of  results. This can happen as the muscles decrease in strength and cause gradual relaxing of the treated area.

Should you consider preventative Botulinum Toxin?

A consultation with an aesthetic doctor can help determine if you need preventative Botulinum Toxin and where you need it. If you, for instance, regularly raise your eyebrows or purse your lips, you might get forehead and upper lip lines in your late 20s or 30s. This would be a good time  to consider preventative Botulinum Toxin. 

Botulinum Toxin works, but do take note that it is not for everyone. While Botulinum Toxin can help reduce wrinkles, you should also put more effort in caring for your skin. This means wearing sunscreen daily and using essential skin care products like moisturizers and anti-aging serums. You can then look into Botulinum Toxin when you notice lines and wrinkles. 

Cutis Laser Clinics in Singapore offers Botulinum Toxin and other nonsurgical anti-aging treatments. Contact our clinic today +65-6801-4000 at and schedule a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors to find out if preventative Botulinum Toxin is right for you.