By Dr Laura Milligan, Optimise Medical

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether you’re too young, or perhaps too old, for injectable treatments, you’re certainly not alone. It’s one of the questions I hear most often during consultations at Optimise Medical.

The simple answer is that there isn’t a “right” age to start.

What matters far more than the number of candles on your birthday cake is what’s happening with your skin, your facial structure and, most importantly, what you’re hoping to achieve.

Every face ages differently, which means treatment should always be tailored to the individual rather than your age.

Age Is Just One Small Part of the Picture

It’s easy to assume everyone starts ageing at the same pace, but that’s simply not how our bodies work.

Some people notice fine lines around their eyes in their late twenties, while others still have remarkably smooth skin well into their forties. Genetics certainly play a part, but so do lifestyle factors such as sun exposure, smoking, stress, sleep, diet and skincare.

That’s why I don’t base treatment recommendations on age alone. Instead, I assess what’s actually changing and whether any treatment would genuinely benefit you.

Sometimes the answer is yes. Sometimes it’s better to wait.

Ageing Happens Beneath the Skin Too

Many people think wrinkles are the first sign of ageing, but the process actually starts much deeper.

As we get older, our skin naturally produces less collagen and elastin, making it thinner and less elastic. The small fat pads that give the face youthful softness gradually reduce and shift downwards, while the underlying bone structure also changes over time.

These combined changes are what eventually create hollows, folds and loss of definition.

This is why a good consultation looks at the whole face rather than focusing on one line or wrinkle in isolation.

Not All Injectable Treatments Do the Same Thing

One of the biggest misconceptions is that all injectables are simply “fillers.”

In reality, each treatment has a completely different purpose.

Anti-Wrinkle Injections

These treatments work by temporarily relaxing carefully selected facial muscles. They soften expression lines and can help prevent them becoming more deeply etched over time.

When used appropriately, the aim isn’t to freeze your face. It’s to keep you looking refreshed while allowing natural expression.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are designed to restore volume that has naturally been lost with age or to enhance facial balance where appropriate.

Used well, they should support your natural features rather than change them.

The best filler treatments are usually the ones nobody notices.

Skin Boosters and Regenerative Treatments

For many patients, particularly those in their twenties and thirties, improving skin quality is often more beneficial than adding volume.

Treatments such as Profhilo®, polynucleotides and other regenerative injectables focus on improving hydration, supporting collagen production and helping the skin function at its best.

These treatments don’t dramatically alter your appearance. Instead, they help your skin look healthier, brighter and more resilient.

Prevention Doesn’t Mean Starting as Early as Possible

Social media has created the impression that everyone should start injectables in their twenties to “prevent ageing.”

In reality, prevention isn’t about having treatment as young as possible.

It’s about making sensible decisions at the right time.

For some people, prevention may simply mean wearing SPF every day, using medical-grade skincare and looking after their overall skin health.

Others may benefit from small amounts of anti-wrinkle treatment or collagen-stimulating procedures before deeper changes develop.

The important point is that prevention should always be appropriate, not automatic.

More Isn’t Better

One of the biggest trends I’ve seen over recent years is the idea that more treatment equals better results.

In fact, the opposite is often true.

Over-treatment can alter facial proportions, reduce natural movement and create an appearance that doesn’t feel balanced.

My philosophy has always been that people should notice how well you look, not what you’ve had done.

The most successful treatments are subtle. Friends might tell you that you look refreshed or well rested without being able to pinpoint exactly why.

That’s usually a sign we’ve achieved the right result.

Everyone Ages in Their Own Way

No two faces age identically.

Some people lose volume early, while others mainly develop fine lines. Some notice changes around the eyes first, while others become concerned about their jawline or skin texture.

Your ethnicity, genetics, hormone changes and lifestyle all influence how your face changes over time.

That’s why copying someone else’s treatment plan, or following social media trends, is rarely the right approach.

Your treatment should be designed around your face, not someone else’s.

Why Your Consultation Is So Important

A consultation isn’t about deciding which treatment to book.

It’s about understanding what’s causing your concerns in the first place.

At Optimise Medical, I take time to assess your facial structure, skin quality, muscle movement and overall facial harmony before making any recommendations.

Occasionally, the best advice is to wait.

Sometimes skincare or skin rejuvenation treatments are more appropriate than injectables.

And sometimes a combination of treatments provides the most natural long-term result.

Being able to say “not yet” is just as important as knowing when treatment will genuinely help.

So, When Is the Right Time?

There isn’t a number that applies to everyone.

The right time is when a treatment matches your needs, your goals and your natural anatomy, not because you’ve reached a particular birthday or seen a trend online.

Good aesthetic medicine isn’t about chasing perfection or trying to look twenty forever. It’s about helping you look like the healthiest, most confident version of yourself at every stage of life.

If you’re considering injectable treatments but aren’t sure where to begin, booking a consultation is the best first step. Together, we can discuss your concerns, answer your questions and create a personalised plan that’s right for you, whether that’s treatment now, treatment later, or simply advice on how to keep your skin looking its best.