Botulinum toxin can be used as a preventative treatment to help slow down the formation of facial wrinkles. This wrinkle prevention procedure is becoming increasingly popular for younger patients to assist in combating premature ageing. It is commonly known as “Baby Botox”, as the treatment involves lesser volumes of Botox and focuses on much smaller, more specific areas of the face.

But how does preventative Botox work? And does it work more effectively than using wrinkle-reducing injections once wrinkles have begun to form?

How Do Wrinkles Develop in the Upper Face?

When we’re younger, we make facial expressions all the time, such as raising our brows, frowning, and smiling. The repetitive contraction of these facial muscles causes temporary lines in the skin called dynamic wrinkles, which appear only during facial expression.

As we get older, the repetitive movement of these muscles catches up with us. Due to loss of collagen and elastin in the skin, dynamic wrinkles transition into static wrinkles at rest, which remain even when we aren’t making facial expressions. 

Wrinkles:

  • Starts as mild lines
  • Progresses to moderately deep
  • Eventually becomes severely deep

Factors affecting wrinkle onset:

  • Very light skin and hair: may notice lines sooner (20s–30s)
  • Darker complexions: may notice lines later (late 30s–40s or older)
  • Sun exposure accelerates wrinkle formation.
  • Stronger facial muscles cause earlier lines.
  • Those with expressive faces can find that lines appear earlier in life.

How Does Preventative Botox Work?

First of all, it’s important to note that preventative (baby) Botox works in the exact same way as standard botulinum toxin. Botox is a neurotoxin which, when injected into a muscle, blocks impulses from the nerve to the muscle. This puts the muscles into ‘hibernation’ for around 3-4 months. Although this might sound scary, Botox is a perfectly safe procedure which doesn’t permanently alter your facial functions or appearance.

Over time the effects of the product will begin to wear off, and normal nerve processes will resume in around 12-16 weeks. Botox works only on the muscle which is being injected; this means that the surrounding muscles function as normal, so your face should never be left looking “frozen” or expressionless.

The purpose of Botox is to relax the muscles in your face and prevent you from making forceful expressions, which can increase the chances of dynamic wrinkles forming. Dynamic wrinkles form due to muscle movement, unlike static wrinkles, which form naturally over time due to the deterioration of skin elasticity.

What’s the Difference Between Botox and Baby Botox?

As discussed above, the way in which Baby Botox works is the exact same as conventional Botox. The main difference is that smaller amounts of the same product are injected into the muscle, allowing for more facial movement than with Botox. 

‘Baby Botox’ refers to getting Botox earlier and using smaller doses because lines are less defined. This does, however, mean that the longevity of the treatment can be reduced. With less product in the muscle, many patients find it wears off quicker than standard Botox, and therefore more frequent sessions may be required to maintain results. 

What Age Should You Start Preventative Botox?

Preventative botox and anti-wrinkle injections are a popular anti-ageing treatment. We usually recommend preventative Botox to patients in their late 20s and early 30s who are conscious about limiting the possibility of wrinkles forming. At this age dynamic lines begin to appear during facial expressions but are not necessarily permanent. Even for deep wrinkles, Botox or anti-wrinkle injections can prevent them from worsening. Over time, with consistent treatments, the muscles relax and lines may soften.

To find out whether preventative treatment would be suitable for you, please  get in touch. We’ll invite you for a consultation and assess the condition of your skin before we perform any wrinkle-prevention procedures.

How Often Will I Need Preventative Botox?

Botulinum toxin is effective for roughly 3-4 months for most people. Preventative Botox may require more frequent sessions, as smaller amounts of product are injected; it can wear off slightly quicker than a more substantial dose. 

Most patients find that their Botox lasts a similar amount of time no matter which area of the face is treated. If a specific area of the face is more prone to movement (i.e., the forehead), it is likely the area will be injected with more Botox. This ensures results last longer, and therefore future treatments can be performed in all areas at the same time. 

Regular baby Botox procedures may help to reduce the amount of treatments needed over time. After repeatedly having this treatment, the muscles in the injected areas can become trained to relax and do so with lower doses and more extensive rest periods between appointments.

I’m Still Unsure. Can I Back Out After Speaking to a Professional?

Of course! You’re welcome to come for a no-obligation consultation with one of our medical specialists and take the time to decide whether you would still like to go ahead with your treatment. 

We value you over all else. If you’re not comfortable with having treatment done, we will not pressure you into doing so. We also recommend having your consultation and going away to think about the procedure. You can then book in at a later date if you wish to go ahead.

At MediZen, we are a medically led clinic where all injectable treatments (including anti-wrinkle injections) are performed by doctors and nurses. We believe in providing clear, honest information, not pressuring you into treatment. Our practitioners will never recommend anything that isn’t in your best interest.