Forehead wrinkles—those horizontal lines that deepen with age and expression—are among the most common concerns for patients seeking facial rejuvenation. Increasingly, people are turning to preventive BOTOX® as part of a “prejuvenation” strategy to slow the visible signs of aging before they fully emerge. At the Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery in Austin, we frequently see patients interested in whether early BOTOX use can truly help delay or minimize deep forehead wrinkles. Here's what the science reveals.
What Is “Prejuvenation” and Why Is It Trending?
“Prejuvenation” refers to a proactive aesthetic care approach emphasizing prevention over correction. By combining medical-grade skincare, sun protection, and minimally invasive treatments like BOTOX®, this strategy aims to preserve youthful features and delay the visible signs of aging.
According to a 2023 report from the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, over 70% of facial plastic surgeons reported an increase in patients under 30 seeking injectable treatments specifically for preventive reasons—a clear sign that younger generations prioritize early intervention over later restoration.
Why Forehead Wrinkles Form—and How Early BOTOX Can Help
Forehead wrinkles typically begin as subtle expression lines in our 20s or 30s, especially for naturally expressive individuals or those with accumulated sun damage. Over time, as collagen and elastin levels decline, these dynamic lines deepen and become static, remaining visible even when the face is at rest.
BOTOX® Cosmetic offers a preventive solution by temporarily relaxing the muscles responsible for repetitive movements like frowning or raising the eyebrows. Here’s how it works:
- When used early, this neuromodulator helps minimize habitual creasing of the skin, allowing it to age more gradually and evenly
- By interrupting that repetitive motion before deep lines take hold, early BOTOX can help preserve a smoother, more youthful forehead over time
Think of it like a sheet of paper: the less often it's sharply folded, the less likely it is to show a permanent crease.
What the Research Shows
A small but significant study published in the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery followed identical twin sisters over 13 years. One received regular BOTOX in her forehead and glabella; the other did not. The results? The treated twin had fewer visible wrinkles and smoother skin than her untreated sister, even years later (Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, 2006).
Another 2017 study reinforced the concept of prejuvenation, observing that even younger patients using BOTOX for preventive reasons reported high satisfaction and subtle but noticeable benefits in slowing the onset of static wrinkles (JAMA Dermatology, 2017).
A 2023 review noted that repeated botulinum toxin injections not only improve the appearance of dynamic wrinkles but may also prevent their development by reducing repetitive muscle contractions and improving skin quality over time (Toxins, 2023). Studies suggest BOTOX may even upregulate collagen production and decrease oiliness, leading to secondary skin-smoothing benefits beyond muscle relaxation.
Collectively, the evidence points to BOTOX as a treatment and a proactive tool for graceful, gradual aging.
Is Preventive BOTOX Right for You?
Whether you’re considering treatment in your late 20s or mid-30s, the decision to start “prejuvenation” depends on:
- Genetics and family history of forehead lines
- Your natural facial expressiveness
- Lifestyle factors like sun exposure, stress, and sleep
- Your personal aesthetic goals
During a consultation, our expert team—led by board-certified facial plastic surgeons and supported by highly trained aesthetic injectors—can determine whether preventive BOTOX is the right strategy for you.
Prevention Is Powerful, Especially with the Right Team
While no treatment can stop natural aging, beginning BOTOX® early—before lines deepen—can significantly soften their long-term impact. Clinical research consistently supports the use of BOTOX not only to improve dynamic wrinkles but also to help prevent static creases from ever forming, particularly in expressive areas like the forehead.
The Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery is led by three fellowship-trained, board-certified facial plastic surgeons—Dr. Edward Buckingham, Dr. Erin Smith, and Dr. Hudson Frey—who have devoted their careers exclusively to the face. This singular focus allows us to offer the highest level of precision, safety, and aesthetic balance in every injectable treatment we perform.
If you’re ready to take a proactive approach to aging gracefully, we invite you to experience the difference of truly specialized care. Contact us today to book your consultation and learn more.
