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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

What age did you start Botox?

430 replies

NameChangeChic · 12/02/2025 19:20

And what was your results like? Did it last long? I’m getting it done soon for the first time and I can’t wait lol

OP posts:
spikefaithbuffy · 14/02/2025 01:14

I had it 3 times. Was in a lot of pain before a back op, looked in the mirror a few months after and realised the pain was basically etched all over my face even though it had gone
Haven't had it since, and use tretinoin which has made a huge difference

Not adverse to having it again but it's not in my budget at the moment

5128gap · 14/02/2025 08:11

POISON!!! I think we all know that botox is a toxic substance, I mean, clues in the name. But, so what? Like a lot of other toxic substances its also medically licenced to be injected. There are some very valuable uses of it in a medical context, it is both safe and temporary, this doesn't change if its injected for cosmetic reasons. People may not want to have it, but the implication that women who do are doing something highly dangerous for vanity is hyperbolic and incorrect. Unless you are teetotal, regular exercising, healthy weight and eat clean whole foods, you are increasing your own health risk to a far greater extent that caused by botox, so some perspective is needed.

JustFeedMeCake · 14/02/2025 08:28

@LeaveALittleNote thank you. This is why.

I wasn't being condescending either. I genuinely meant it. For someone to be so angry, so spiteful towards strangers on the internet, they must have issues in their own lives, that makes me really sad for them.

FindusMakesPancakes · 14/02/2025 10:01

So much hyperbole about putting poison in your body. Yawn. Many safe authorised medications are toxic if not used correctly. My mother is on IV fluids after going into acute kidney failure following administration of an overdose of antibiotics, given to her via injection by a doctor while in hospital.

Calling Botox poison and toxic etc is just a way of wrapping up your prejudices and judgemental attitude by trying to make it sound like you are concerned about people's health. You aren't.

cardibach · 14/02/2025 12:16

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

No I didn’t. I said I was tired (I may have sad ‘a bit depressed’ I can’t remember - I certainly didn’t say I had depression, because I don’t, though I did once so I’d know). Please don’t follow me about and misrepresent me. I’m reporting this because it’s a personal attack, by the way.

cardibach · 14/02/2025 12:17

JustFeedMeCake · 14/02/2025 08:28

@LeaveALittleNote thank you. This is why.

I wasn't being condescending either. I genuinely meant it. For someone to be so angry, so spiteful towards strangers on the internet, they must have issues in their own lives, that makes me really sad for them.

Couldn’t be more wrong. I’m not angry. And I wasn’t spiteful.

Whoknew24 · 14/02/2025 14:23

cardibach · 13/02/2025 21:47

Anyone?
Because to me, ‘look fresher’ implies she looked less ‘fresh’ (ie less good) before. Which definitely implies others who look like she did, un Botoxed, don’t look ‘fresh’.
Fine, do what you want with poison in your own face but don’t suggest people who don’t inject poison look crap as a result.
Don’t suggest I’m being judgemental either - I am only being so in response to judgement of unpoisoned women.

Are you ok ? Genuine question !
I’ve been absolutely stunned by your numerous replies on this thread. And no don’t agree at all anyone with Botox will in their own opinion feel fresher and look it to. By saying so doesn’t mean they’re implying others don’t look as fresh as them.

With regards to poison have you taken the covid vaccine ? Just interested in what you’re happy putting in your body while getting so upset about those having Botox.

Member869894 · 14/02/2025 14:54

I'm 60 and wouldn't bother. I reckon if super rich celebrities look awful with all their money , botox and surgery a bit of botox won't help

EricaJ · 15/02/2025 09:13

PoppyQ · 13/02/2025 22:29

I started at 29 when I looked in the mirror and saw some crows feet and fine frown lines.
I'm now 37.

I actually think that I am starting to look a bit odd now compared to my friends who are aging naturally (as far as I know!) So I'm going to think about stopping. It will be hard but I have to accept wrinkles at some point, right?

My mother didn't help, when I was growing up she always made out that life was just about looks, and she always commented on how I looked and how AWFUL ageing is. It's hard to get rid of her voice inside my head.

Not related to the thread but so much of this… my mum was the same about weight. Always monitoring her weight, and mine and my sisters’, controlling what we ate and making sneery comments about those that had let themselves go.

I find it very hard to let go of that voice now that I am gaining some perimenopausal weight … I completely see what you mean and well done for being so self aware!

EricaJ · 15/02/2025 09:16

Those that “had let themselves go” should have gone in inverted commas… It was her skewed view that those that gained weight had “given up”, not the reality obvs!!

Lentilweaver · 15/02/2025 09:29

I am not going to comment on people's choices to get Botox, but I do strongly believe that it is a mum's duty to tell her daughters that aging is natural, looks aren't everything- or even very important- and there is more to life than looking young.
My mum always told me that and I try to do the same. She's aged wonderfully and I hope to age like her. She always praises my achievements and never says a word about my looks.

5128gap · 15/02/2025 10:37

Lentilweaver · 15/02/2025 09:29

I am not going to comment on people's choices to get Botox, but I do strongly believe that it is a mum's duty to tell her daughters that aging is natural, looks aren't everything- or even very important- and there is more to life than looking young.
My mum always told me that and I try to do the same. She's aged wonderfully and I hope to age like her. She always praises my achievements and never says a word about my looks.

Its very difficult though isn't it? Unless you truly and completely believe that - so no hair dying or styling beyond what's necessary to look tidy; no shopping for clothes that make you look nice as oppose to being simply functional. No make up. As soon as your daughter sees you doing any of these things she learns appearance matters. After that, its just a question of degree, and we all set our own line in the sand. Be that happy to faff around making our hair look nice, but not have botox so we don't look frowny, or happy to have botox but not risky surgeries etc. Botox is often not about trying to look young, it's about making minor changes you think enhance your appearance, and I don't think there are many women who can truthfully say they never witnessed their mothers do that.

Lentilweaver · 15/02/2025 10:44

5128gap · 15/02/2025 10:37

Its very difficult though isn't it? Unless you truly and completely believe that - so no hair dying or styling beyond what's necessary to look tidy; no shopping for clothes that make you look nice as oppose to being simply functional. No make up. As soon as your daughter sees you doing any of these things she learns appearance matters. After that, its just a question of degree, and we all set our own line in the sand. Be that happy to faff around making our hair look nice, but not have botox so we don't look frowny, or happy to have botox but not risky surgeries etc. Botox is often not about trying to look young, it's about making minor changes you think enhance your appearance, and I don't think there are many women who can truthfully say they never witnessed their mothers do that.

See, I don't believe Botox is a.minor change- especially when 29!- or comparable to colouring hair or buying clothes. We will have to disagree on that.

lizzyBennet08 · 15/02/2025 18:44

I have started getting Botox in my crows feet for the last few years, I wouldn't do fillers but I like the effect of Botox as I think it doesn't get rid of those lines but it does make them look pronounced. Each to their own in my opinion but I am aware that in my circles anyway it so common that people who don't use Botox probably 'stand out' more as being wrinkly than the norm then those you don't use anything and I understand why that's is absolutley frustrating .

Christine1998 · 15/02/2025 19:26
  1. Wish i had started much earlier. Started with it for the 11’s but also had around my eyes and side of my mouth, (downturned) i’ve recently increased to 4 areas to include a brow lift as one was slightly higher. It does look quite natural tbh, husband didn’t really notice 😂.. When i first started i went every 12 weeks, last time i left it 14 and could realistically go about 16.
SecondMrsTanqueray · 15/02/2025 19:48

I think it’s great for crow’s feet. I see some of my friends (late 40s/early 50s) are getting crow’s feet lines that extend to their cheeks, (Yes, bloody marvellous, before aging gracefully crew comment 🥱). I’m successfully staving this off with Botox.

Mercurial123 · 16/02/2025 01:30

lizzyBennet08 · 15/02/2025 18:44

I have started getting Botox in my crows feet for the last few years, I wouldn't do fillers but I like the effect of Botox as I think it doesn't get rid of those lines but it does make them look pronounced. Each to their own in my opinion but I am aware that in my circles anyway it so common that people who don't use Botox probably 'stand out' more as being wrinkly than the norm then those you don't use anything and I understand why that's is absolutley frustrating .

Why is it "absolutely frustrating"? I chose not to use Botox. If it bothered me so much, I could choose to have it.

Lentilweaver · 16/02/2025 09:03

Yes, it's not frustrating.🙄

Ohhelpicantthinkofaname · 16/02/2025 09:11

I’m 39. I haven’t felt I’ve needed it tbh. Maybe I’d have felt different if I’d become quite wrinkled quite early. I know some of my friends who have developed more lines younger have done it and been happy with the results. As it is im
blessed with naturally young looking skin. Happy to avoid it for as long as I can but haven’t completely ruled it out if I get to the point where I feel too wrinkled for my age.

Youcanttakeanelephantonthebus · 16/02/2025 09:16

I think the thing is is that post 40 you're not sexually desirable compared to a 20 something and pretending you can keep up is a waste of time and money. If you accept that you've moved from sexually desirable to knowledgeable wise and powerful then you don't need it so much. I look at people like Maggie smith, how awesome was she!?

Parker231 · 16/02/2025 09:19

lizzyBennet08 · 15/02/2025 18:44

I have started getting Botox in my crows feet for the last few years, I wouldn't do fillers but I like the effect of Botox as I think it doesn't get rid of those lines but it does make them look pronounced. Each to their own in my opinion but I am aware that in my circles anyway it so common that people who don't use Botox probably 'stand out' more as being wrinkly than the norm then those you don't use anything and I understand why that's is absolutley frustrating .

You must move in different circles to me. None of us have had Botox (am mid 50’s with a DD in her mid 20’s). We’re experts at spotting people who have had treatment but we’re happy as we are - none of us are more wrinkly than the norm - we’re just our age and not trying to be something we’re not.

ValentineValentineV · 16/02/2025 09:31

Parker231 · 16/02/2025 09:19

You must move in different circles to me. None of us have had Botox (am mid 50’s with a DD in her mid 20’s). We’re experts at spotting people who have had treatment but we’re happy as we are - none of us are more wrinkly than the norm - we’re just our age and not trying to be something we’re not.

How do you know if your friends have had it, I haven’t told a single friend IRL?

Parker231 · 16/02/2025 09:35

ValentineValentineV · 16/02/2025 09:31

How do you know if your friends have had it, I haven’t told a single friend IRL?

We confide in each other so would tell each other if we were considering it. It’s also easy to spot those who have so wouldn’t be a secret.

5128gap · 16/02/2025 09:41

Youcanttakeanelephantonthebus · 16/02/2025 09:16

I think the thing is is that post 40 you're not sexually desirable compared to a 20 something and pretending you can keep up is a waste of time and money. If you accept that you've moved from sexually desirable to knowledgeable wise and powerful then you don't need it so much. I look at people like Maggie smith, how awesome was she!?

Don't be daft. The world is full of 40 something women men would be queuing to have sex with. Are you seriously suggesting that once you get past your 39th birthday you'll never have sex and all your relationships are going to be based on you imparting your great knowledge and wisdom chastely to other people? If you see life as some competition for sex between younger and older women that older women will lose so they might as well not bother, then that's a seriously warped view of the world. Most women don't need to compete for sex whatever their age. Most women don't have botox to increase their desirability to men. Sounds like something a man would believe.

OctoberandApril · 16/02/2025 09:50

lizzyBennet08 · 15/02/2025 18:44

I have started getting Botox in my crows feet for the last few years, I wouldn't do fillers but I like the effect of Botox as I think it doesn't get rid of those lines but it does make them look pronounced. Each to their own in my opinion but I am aware that in my circles anyway it so common that people who don't use Botox probably 'stand out' more as being wrinkly than the norm then those you don't use anything and I understand why that's is absolutley frustrating .

I'm 52 and not that wrinkly and not had anything done. The women on my Mum's side age really well. I've not got a grey hair yet either.

I did joke to my DH that I'm thinking of getting botox as we partied a bit last night and definitely look very tired and he said I don't need it, just an early night. Bless him.

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