At What Age Should I Start Aesthetic Treatments?
Advocates of preventative treatment believe that starting early can slow down the development of signs of ageing such as sagging, discolouration, lines and wrinkles.
A combination of hard evidence and anecdotal reports shows us that intervening early can help keep our skin looking and feeling more youthful, so how do I know when I should be seeking treatment?
We all show signs of ageing at a different time in our lives, depending on:
- Sun exposure, related to where we live, whether we work outside, how many exotic holidays we take, and of course whether we apply sunscreen regularly
- Lifestyle, eg smoking and diet, also stress has been shown to accelerate ageing
- Genes, which may affect skin quality, and if we inherit very pale skin we will be more prone to skin damage from everyday sun exposure
Ideally intervention will start as we begin to see:
- Lines that are still present when our facial muscles are at rest;
- Early signs of sagging – cheeks beginning to look a little empty or tired, or jawline looking a little heavy or full;
- Or as skin starts to lose its natural firmness or fullness.
At this early stage small interventions can make a subtle but significant difference and help maintain skin quality.
There is the question about having preventative treatment before signs of ageing appear. This is a little controversial but a consultation with a reputable practitioner could help you with an appropriate low-intervention plan.
A Few Important Things We Know
A figure often quoted is that we will lose about 1% of the collagen in our skin every year from our early 20’s onwards, so if we leave things until our 50’s we have already lost a significant amount, making improvement more difficult.
Data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that in 2020, 19% of BOTOX injections were carried out on women under 40.
A study looking at people who had been receiving treatment for forehead lines were less likely to go on to have browlift surgery.
Another study showed that people who had had early intervention with filler for lifting the mid-face were less likely to go on to have a facelift later in life – the supporting structure (SMAS) appears to be strengthened by appropriately placed filler.
In general by intervening early you should achieve better results with less treatment.
What Sort of Treatments Should I be Considering?
Options will include:
- Small amounts of injectable treatments to soften lines or support and lift the cheeks;
- Skin-boosting treatment such as Belotero Revive;
- Ultherapy for tightening and lifting via collagen stimulation;
- Collagen-stimulating injectable treatments such as Sculptra.
For any of these treatments it’s best to seek an experienced professional who understands the dynamics of facial physiology. Results for early intervention should be quite subtle, and not appear in any way frozen or artificial.
From What Age Is Treatment Allowed?
The UK has now made it illegal to carry out injectable anti-ageing treatments of any sort on patients under the age of 18. This includes dermal fillers and lip enhancement.
Perhaps it is this formalisation of ‘minimum age’ which makes the whole concept of preventative treatment feel slightly controversial, as it involves considering injections before wrinkles have appeared.
While 18 is the minimum age, most reputable skin treatment providers would also resist offering treatments for those in their latest teens and early 20s.
However, from the mid 20s many practitioners do believe that some preventative treatment can be beneficial.
This should be alongside good skincare products and avoiding smoking and sun exposure; as these are major factors influencing how the skin ages.
Anti-Wrinkle Injections, Northampton
Mulberry House Clinic, based in Northamptonshire offers a number of injectable treatments. A well-established clinic run by former GP, the organisation tends to appeal more to clients in their 30s/40s and onwards.
Consultations and treatment are carried out by clinic founder and Medical Director, Dr John Tanqueray, MB BCh MRCGP DCH DRCOG DipOccMed BCAM.
Injectable treatment options include:
- BOTOX® anti-wrinkle injections for wrinkles, frown lines, crow’s feet and smile lines.
- The clinic also offers advanced treatments including neck lines, down-turned mouth, Nefertiti neck lift (to improve jawline definition) and eyebrow shaping/lift.
- Hyperhidrosis injections are also available to reduce sweatin
- Dermal Fillers with a number of treatment adaptations
- 8-point face lift without surgery or exclusive Multi-Point face lift
- Non-surgical face lift
- Non-surgical neck lift
- Injections for skin quality including Profhilo Injections
- Sculptra
- BOTOX® anti-wrinkle injections for wrinkles, frown lines, crow’s feet and smile lines.
Mulberry House Clinic
Established 2003
Mulberry House Clinic has an excellent reputation in the Northampton area as an independent, doctor-led practice with over 19 years experience. Dr John Tanqueray is a former GP who can assess and diagnose skin conditions from a medical perspective before suggesting the most appropriate treatments.
A private consultation is the starting point for all patients in order to facilitate a full discussion about the desired results as well as detailed facial and skin assessment. Find out more about first consultation.
For further information or to arrange a confidential consultation, please complete our contact form, call 01604 702630 or email: info@mulberryhouseclinic.co.uk.
