Botox - yes or no? And at what age?

[Theguiltyfeminist]

I’ve been wondering about getting a bit of Botox. I’m 41 but it’s been a rough few years with some scary health issues for DD2 and various operations for me. I found an old photo of me from 10 years ago this week and could have cried - you’d never guess I was the same person. I’m also feeling that life is so absolutely rammed to the rafters right now that every minute of the day is triple booked and there is very little time left to look after myself. I am exercising but realistically doing less than the bare minimum in terms of skincare and make up.

DH isn’t very keen on the idea and thinks I don’t need it and that if I want to, I should try diet and more sleep first- however he is working long hours and I can’t magically create more hours in the day in which to sleep. We are lucky that we can afford it without cutting back on anything else.

Would you do it if finances allowed? And is 41 too young to start- am I being ridiculous? I work from home and our school run is full of very glamourous women - I suspect that my view of what is normal among the people I see is skewed. Does everybody else view it as an absolutely terrible idea, entertained only by lunatics with some kind of wish to be poisoned..? Or would you be happy to do it if you thought it would make you look less utterly exhausted?

If you can afford it long term, then probably go for it, at least give it a go and see what you think.

Long term I think that SPF and tretinoin will give far better results, as you will still have full movement of your face, won't have any muscle atrophy issues which then require filler to even out, and won't be tempted to get 'a bit more' every time you go leading to a very unnatural look. These are all risks with botox.

SPF/tretinoin, you still look your age but just have nice glowy skin.

I got it for my ‘11’ last year and my husband didn’t know but kept saying how pretty I looked. I did tell him.

I have quite a natural look but I like it for just sprucing - I went to a very expensive doctor who’s results are very natural and I still have lines on my forehead- I haven’t eradicated them.

Plus I joined Skin+me - and that has made my skin look lovely, because I wanted to take the guess work out of my regular skin care.

I am 43, sensible and quite natural looking x

I'd go with getting good oils in your diet and taking skin care advice. Are you exercising? Even a short workout or run a day can boost circulation and make you look fresh.
I hate the botox look so am negative about it but you need to make your own mind up. Your dh sounds great btw. Mine would be horrified if I wanted to do this. Not that I would. I'm in my 50s.
I hope you and your dd are ok now?

Thank you, Juniper - we are, and that’s obviously the most important thing. When we were in the depths of it, I would have given anything in the world to have so few problems that I was wondering about Botox! It’s just aged me 20 years… I’m cycling for perhaps an hour every day but it doesn’t seem to help much.

Cherryana, could I possibly ask who you
used to do yours? Thank you very much.

No. never. it paralyses your face and stops you expressing subtle emotions. why on earth would you want to do that?

Definitely. I have Botox about every 5/6 month and don’t bother with skin creams or potions at all now. Or much make up apart from mascara. I just feel a bit fresher and my whole face seems to glow a bit more (although only get forehead and 11s done).

I don’t have a shiny celebrity forehead and couldn’t it I wanted to I don’t think, because starting it over 40 means there are still faint lines there even with Botox. Also don’t have a frozen head as I didn’t ask for it, can still raise my eyebrows when necessary

If it's going to help you feel better then try it. It's not for me but you know yourself and how you feel.
Have you seen a beautician about non invasive work?

Yes I go to Dr Tara Kidd
the-skin-clinic-company.co.uk

I would never. I just don’t think having wrinkles is that bad, and I think it’s kind of sad we’ve all been told to think it is.

It's either botox or fillers, can't remember which (or is it both?...) where there is a chance of retinal vein occlusion.

I know the risk is small, but it does happen and there is no way I'd do it in case I'm the unfortunate sucker who ends up losing their eyesight from it.

I accept that for others, the feel the result is worth taking that risk. It just isn't a risk remotely worth taking for me. I'd prefer to have the wrinkles.

Hang on, it looks to be the fillers that are risky for eye problems. Nevermind, botox seems fine!

Botox is absolutely not something I would ever consider. I would rather age naturally than have crap pumped into my face to make me look as ridiculous as some of the frozen-faced people you see on TV. But each to their own.

I have it once every 12 months. From a doctor.

Started at 38.

I'm 43 now. I still have lines. Just less than what I'd of had without I think

Im 41 and had some done recently for '11' frown lines and a little in the forehead for balance. Its not removed them but hugely softened them. I still have some movement so dont look too 'plastic' no one I know has noticed (or said anything!).

I love my Botox, get it done every 6-8 months.
You barely even feel it too.

You need a good practitioner though, someone who'll map out your face properly and make sure to not overdo it.

I would never have it, regardless of age and finances. My face may have the odd line or wrinkle but I'm okay with that.

My right eye droops terribly. I have found Botox helps lift and open my eyes up and stops me looking tired.

Contrary to some of the posters on here who have clearly never had it, it doesn't have to mean you can't use your facial muscles.

I get mine done twice every in 15 months. It is just enough to help me look less tired, a bit less friend and a bit more fresh faced. I still look my age, which I'm fine with - I just look less worn out.

No. Never. At any age. It doesn't make you look younger - it just makes you look like you're trying too hard.

A bit less friend?
Meant a bit less tired and frazzled!

If you can afford it do it.
You won't regret it.
The earlier you start the less lines to treat in the long run as it is also preventative.
Having said that I felt I needed Botox and ended up having dermal filler too for more effective and longer lasting results in the areas I wasn't happy with.
Best investment I have made. Obv do your research on clinics/practitioner first.

I'm 43 and have had it done on and off for about 10 years now.

I have quite deep frown lines so it makes me feel more confident about my appearance. I do it for me and me only. My other half doesn't think I need it but as someone else said I wear little to no make up these days as my face looks fresh.

I too don't have an expressionless or shiny face. If you go to someone reputable who knows what they're doing it looks very natural.

I have had it twice. The first time was more expensive, the second a qualified friend who was cheaper. The first one was much much better- way more natural. My friends attempt gave me stupidly high eyebrows for 3 Months! It has since worn off and I’ll be going back to the more expensive lady (who I will stick with!) next time. So do your research well. After my first Botox I felt so much better. I had some subtle lines still so nobody noticed I had it but my make up sat loads better, my skin seemed more glowy and I felt way more confident. I’m 35. The good thing is, it wears off so you may as well try it

Those who have had it, is it painful?

I’ve been researching it lately and watched some videos & it looks like it would be?