I am only 22 years old, and would like to start Botox injections of the forehead. Is 22 too young to start Botox?

BoTox, and all forms of Botulinum Toxin A, work by blocking the reuptake of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. By doing so, it inhibits transmission of signals from one neuron to the next at whichever junction it is working on (e.g., neuro junction, sweat gland junction, etc.) The duration of BoTox is typically 3-4 months on average. It can take up to 7 days for it to take effect. BoTox is an excellent modality to reduce wrinkles caused by facial animation of the forehead, glabellar area, and crow's feet. Nowadays, patients are starting smaller procedures earlier  versus having a drastic change later in life with a dramatic surgical procedure.  Once these bother you enough to consider, have a consultation to discuss the risks and benefits of such.  Thank you for the question! Hope this helps!

It is quite popular for younger patients to get Botox as a preventative measure. The key is to find an injector who is gentle and conservative, as you don't need too many units to achieve what you'd like.

Botox can be used as a preventative measure. Seek a consult from an experienced injector who will fully understand your desired result. At 22, the Dr / injector can assess your face regardless of age and inform you of an appropriate treatment. 

I do not think that this is too young to start Botox.  I would be conservative with the treatment to keep you looking natural but it can prevent wrinkles from forming later in life.  Also remember to stay out of the sun and avoid smoking.  This will help too!

Botox is believed to play a preventative role as well as its well recognized ability to reduce lines caused by contraction of muscles.  If you have strong muscle action, even if you do not have deep lines, it is not unreasonable to undergo preventative treatment. 

Botox works best on dynamic rhytids - meaning the wrinkles which occur during your facial expressions such as frowning, smiling, or raising your eyebrows.  Botox works on the muscles underneath the skin; as the muscles contract, the skin is wrinkled.  When we are young, our skin can resist this constant wrinkling and un-wrinkling.  However, as this continues some of these wrinkles can become deep creases which do not go away even at rest. The best time to start Botox is when wrinkles start to be present even at rest.  Using Botox as a preventative measure will help to eliminate those wrinkles.  

Botox can be used at 22 to prevent progression of active wrinkling such as those deeper lines on the forehead.  If you genetically have deep lines even at rest, you maybe a candidate for botox and fillers.  I would suggest seeing an expert in the aesthetics of treating younger men.  This is my forte and there is a lot of bad work out there.  Small doses are the key to obtaining more natural looking results.  Seek the best in the field.  Good luck, Dr. Emer.

Typically women wait until in their mid to late 30's to begin Botox Therapy.  Age 22 is very young to begin Botox use, but only a face to face visit with a board certified physician injector will help you to make a decision on whether Botox treatment is indicated for you.  If you are already beginning to see defined lines of expression forming then you may be a candidate, but at age 22 this would be rare.

You should understand that unlike the muscles of your leg (for example) the muscles of your face don't atrophy with paralysis. What that means is that you'll be able to make "that look" once the botox wears off even if its years from now.

There really is no right age to start getting Botox treatments. What we've found is that Botox works great as a preventative measure. The earlier you start using it the less you will require and the better your results will be. However, you should get an in-person consultation by an experienced injector who can determine if you are a good candidate for Botox treatment and exactly how much you will need to achieve your desired results.