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Botox Isn't Just For The Middle-Aged Anymore

(CBS) -- The pressure to defy the aging process is huge, even for twenty-somethings. In fact, more and more young people are asking their doctor for botox injections.

As CBS 2's Mary Kay Kleist reports, they're not trying to erase wrinkles, they want to prevent them altogether.

Natalie Garcia is just 24. She started botox two years ago.

"I like having nice skin, it makes me feel confident, so why not? When my skin actually starts aging, during my later years, I think it'll be beneficial," said Garcia.

Blake Troiani is just 27, and started getting botox injections this year.

"Forehead lines were my biggest concern. I think you look older, you look a little more tired," said Troiani.

He said it's made a difference.

"Family and friends commented, oh, your skin looks so smooth. You look rejuvenated. You look younger," he said.

Medical experts say if you attack the fine lines early on, the treatments will prevent deeper wrinkles in the future.

"We know that for sure, because the muscles can't move anymore, so those lines don't get etched into the skin," said Dr. Jessie Cheung, co-director of cosmetic dermatology at Rush University Medical Center.

Botox works by blocking nerve signals to the facial muscles. One benefit to starting younger is you'll need injections less often.

"Some people, they can go seven, eight, nine months even a year without botox eventually, because they just keep those muscles in check," Cheung said.

Asked he thinks now when he gets up in the morning and looks in the mirror, Troiani said, "Right away I think I just look ready for the day, and I look forward to everyday. And I'm ready for my next photo opportunity."

Doctors said patients can become addicted to botox injections, because they love the results. The average cost is $200 to $600 for each area on your face that's treated. To start out, most people need it every three to four months.

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