A professor and attending plastic surgeon says it's also the most accessible, and lists the others he deems worthy of the buzz they're getting right now.
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Plastic surgeons call it aging-prevention, pre-juvenation, or “tweakments”—but whatever the term, the trend is clear. Demand has surged for minimally invasive treatments that aim to slow early signs of aging.
“It’s no longer uncommon for plastic surgeons to treat patients below the age of 30,” says Samuel J. Lin, MD, FACS, a board-certified plastic surgeon and Associate Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School. The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) reports that these earlier maintenance-focused treatments are increasingly popular as a way to reduce the need for more invasive “reversal” procedures later in life.
Social media has also played a major role in shaping today’s aesthetic trends, Dr. Lin adds. “Influencers and celebrities dictate the current beauty standards, presenting their extensive skin care routines and discussing prejuvenation treatments”—but all this information can make it tough to separate evidence-based results from hype.
Below, Dr. Lin helps us cut through the noise, sharing today’s gold-standard aging-prevention procedures, promising emerging treatments, and the one tool that matters most (with no doctor’s visit required).
1) Neuromodulators
Neuromodulators, such as Botox injections, are a well-established option for wrinkle prevention, Dr. Lin says—and their use is surging among younger people. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), Botox use rose by 71 percent among 20-somethings between 2019 and 2022 alone.
“These patients often request ‘Baby Botox,’ meaning a lower dose of Botox to prevent early wrinkle formation from developing,” Dr. Lin explains. While research supports its benefits, Dr. Lin notes there is still some debate among experts over how preventive lower-dose treatments truly are. A 2025 study published in Muscles suggests “baby Botox” is a promising way to slow facial aging, but researchers emphasize long-term outcomes remain unclear.
Still, starting early may matter. “The first signs of aging may set in as early as 25,” Dr. Lin explains, adding that “the effect of Botox is stronger when wrinkles have not yet settled into the skin.”
2) Hyaluronic acid fillers
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps keep skin hydrated and plump. As we age, its production declines, which can contribute to volume loss and ultimately, sagging skin and wrinkles. That’s why it’s a cornerstone ingredient in aging-prevention injections, commonly known as fillers.
“Hyaluronic acid fillers can be used to add volume, smooth wrinkles, and prevent skin folding and sagging,” Dr. Lin says. “Common areas targeted by filler are the cheeks and temples to replace lost volume and maintain a youthful look.”
Evidence supports their effectiveness. A 2025 review published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology shows that hyaluronic acid fillers effectively hydrate aging skin, boosting its plumpness and texture. And depending on the location, Dr. Lin says these effects can last from one to two years. However, he emphasizes an important caveat: “Filler should be used sparingly as too much filler can make patients appear older.”
3) Microneedling and laser treatments
Like hyaluronic acid, our natural production of skin-firming collagen declines with age. That’s what makes microneedling and minimally-invasive fractional laser treatments effective prejuvenation tools, “improving the appearance of texture, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation,” Dr. Lin says.
Both procedures work in a similar way by creating micro-injuries in the skin. This process triggers the body’s wound-healing response, boosting collagen production and accelerating skin cell renewal. A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology compared the two approaches, finding they deliver both similar skin improvements and patient satisfaction. One key difference was recovery time, which tends to be shorter with microneedling.
It’s worth noting that more aggressive laser resurfacing procedures can deliver powerful results, but they require much longer recovery periods and are typically reserved for treating advanced signs of aging, not aging prevention.
4) Subtle surgical lifts
Facelifts and necklifts are surgeries that can dramatically alter signs of aging, Dr. Lin says—and according to the ASPS, people are increasingly opting for these surgeries at younger ages. Data shows that in 2023, the number of facelift patients in their 20s and 30s jumped by 7% compared to the previous year, while adults aged 35 to 55 now account for 32% of all facelift procedures.
While the trend may sound surprising, it aligns with earlier research on the effectiveness of “maintenance lifts.” These less invasive procedures aim to fine-tune existing facial features and address signs of aging before they become more pronounced. An ASPS study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that patients who got these subtler facelifts at a younger age—before more advanced age-related changes set in—achieved better, more natural-looking, and longer-lasting results than those treated later in life.
5) Biostimulatory fillers
Dr. Lin says that biostimulatory fillers are newer, promising treatments for preventive facial aging. While traditional fillers add volume and hydration, these injectables take effects a step further. “Biostimulatory fillers such as Sculptra and Radiesse go beyond just adding volume and may stimulate collagen production,” Dr. Lin says.
While many patients notice immediate volume improvement after one treatment, he explains that collagen stimulation takes time and typically requires several sessions for the best results. But the consistency is worth it, according to 2025 research published in Innovative Injectable Techniques in Minimally Invasive Aesthetics. Studies show that biostimulators can improve skin thickness, elasticity, and hydration, while also contributing to more dramatic anti-aging effects, such as facial contouring and structural support.
6) Regenerative treatments
“Regenerative treatments such as platelet-rich plasma injections, peptides, and exosome treatments hold promise in reversing the signs of aging,” Dr. Lin says. “These treatments target skin cells, enhance healing, and support skin rejuvenation.”
Rather than masking or playing catch-up with visible signs of aging, regenerative therapies focus on boosting the skin’s natural repair processes at the cellular level, enhancing skin quality over time and potentially slowing age-related changes. While these treatments are emerging, 2024 research in Cosmetics says they’re “poised to revolutionize dermatology,” offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional anti-aging procedures.
7) Sun protection
It may not be as flashy as an in-office treatment, but sun protection is the most effective anti-aging tool by far, says Dr. Lin. “Ultraviolet (UV) damage caused by the sun accounts for as high as 80% of visible facial aging.” By protecting collagen and elastin in the skin, daily sunscreen use helps slow the formation of wrinkles and fine lines—and it may also enhance the results of aging-prevention treatments by supporting healthier skin and faster healing.
“The only proven preventative measure is to protect the skin from UV damage by applying SPF daily and hydrating the skin properly,” he says.
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