When Should You Start Botox?
A medically accurate guide to preventative and restorative anti-wrinkle treatment — written by a specialist surgeon.
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— Google Review"I felt completely confident in Dr Raffner's hands. His knowledge as a maxillofacial surgeon makes such a difference to the quality of results."
— Google Review"I've had several appointments with Dr Etienne Raffner now. He's a great doctor as he always listens to my concerns and gives plenty of advice and encouragement."
— Google Review"Dr Raffner is an incredibly skilled and knowledgeable surgeon. His attention to detail and care for his patients is second to none."
— Google Review"Absolutely fantastic experience with Dr Raffner. He made me feel completely at ease and the results are beautiful and natural."
— Google Review"Dr Etienne is so professional and reassuring. He took the time to explain everything in detail. I couldn't be happier with the results."
— Google Review"Outstanding care from Dr Raffner. You can really tell he has a surgical background — so precise and thorough. Highly recommend."
— Google Review"The most natural-looking results I've ever had. Dr Raffner's medical expertise really shows. He has a wonderful, calming manner."
— Google Review"I felt completely confident in Dr Raffner's hands. His knowledge as a maxillofacial surgeon makes such a difference to the quality of results."
— Google ReviewThe Question Every Patient Eventually Asks
"When should I start Botox?" is one of the most common questions Dr Raffner is asked at Oving Medical Clinic. It's a question without a single correct answer — because the right time to start anti-wrinkle treatment depends entirely on your genetics, lifestyle, skin type and personal goals. What follows is an honest, medically accurate guide to help you make an informed decision.
The short answer: there is no universally correct age. The right time is when dynamic wrinkles are either beginning to affect your confidence, or — for those taking a preventative approach — when you start to notice lines that linger after your face returns to rest.
How Wrinkles Form — The Science
Dynamic wrinkles — the lines that form from repeated facial expressions — develop in two stages. Initially, they are only visible when the muscle contracts: the forehead creases when you raise your brows, the frown lines appear when you concentrate, crow's feet emerge when you smile. In this stage, the skin returns to smooth at rest.
Over time — typically through the 30s and into the 40s — these repeated contractions permanently crease the skin. The wrinkle is now visible even when the face is fully relaxed. At this point, it is a static wrinkle. Anti-wrinkle injections can still soften static wrinkles, but they cannot fully erase them the way they can prevent dynamic ones from forming in the first place.
This is the biological rationale for preventative Botox: by reducing muscle activity before the crease is permanently formed, the line is far less likely to become static. Think of it like folding a piece of paper repeatedly versus folding it only occasionally — the more often the fold occurs, the deeper the permanent crease.
Anti-Wrinkle Treatment by Decade
Early Prevention
Lines are typically only visible during expression at this stage. Preventative Botox — using small, conservative doses — can slow the formation of permanent creases. This is not always necessary or appropriate; it depends on the strength of your facial muscles and how deeply the lines crease. Dr Raffner advises many patients in this age group to focus on skin quality treatments (Profhilo, polynucleotides, good skincare) rather than Botox, unless specific lines are a concern.
First Lines at Rest
This is often when patients first notice a line remaining faintly visible after their face relaxes. The forehead, between the brows (glabellar frown lines) and crow's feet are the most common. Anti-wrinkle injections are well-suited at this stage — using a conservative dose to soften lines while preserving natural expression. Many patients begin regular treatments in this decade.
Combination Approach
By the 40s, most patients are experiencing both dynamic wrinkles and early volume loss. Anti-wrinkle injections alone are often insufficient — a combination approach including dermal fillers to restore midface volume, and regenerative treatments like Profhilo or polynucleotides to improve skin quality, typically produces the most natural and comprehensive result.
Restoration & Maintenance
Volume loss, skin laxity and deeper static lines become more prominent. Anti-wrinkle injections remain effective for dynamic lines, but the most impactful results come from a thoughtful combination of fillers, biostimulators and regenerative injectables. Dr Raffner designs individualised plans for patients at this stage, with a focus on restoring facial harmony rather than simply treating individual lines.
Signs You May Be Ready for Anti-Wrinkle Treatment
Lines remain visible on your forehead when your face is at rest
Frown lines (the '11s') between your brows are present even when relaxed
Crow's feet are visible at rest or have deepened significantly
You feel self-conscious about lines in photos or in certain lighting
You grind your teeth or have a wide, square jaw you'd like to slim
You want to take a preventative approach before lines become static
What to Expect from Your First Treatment
Your first appointment begins with a thorough consultation. Dr Raffner assesses your facial anatomy — the strength and pattern of your muscle contractions, the depth of existing lines, your skin quality and any asymmetries. He will discuss your concerns, explain what anti-wrinkle injections can and cannot achieve, and recommend a dosage that will produce a natural result appropriate for your age and anatomy.
The treatment itself takes 10–15 minutes. Fine needles deliver the product with precision — most patients describe the sensation as a minor pinprick. No anaesthetic is required and there is no downtime; you can return to your normal activities immediately.
Results begin to appear after 3–5 days and fully develop over 2 weeks. A complimentary review appointment is offered at 2 weeks to assess the outcome and make any minor adjustments. Results typically last 3–4 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Treatments & Guides
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