What's your opinion on botox?

[fiddleswiddle]

I've never had it mainly because I'm terrified of needles, however there are some women in my life who have it and look great and others who have overdone it and now have no expression at all left anymore.

My question is really if you would ever have it and for someone afraid of needles like me, are there any other alternatives?

For me, personally, it just does not appeal. Watching the Mercury Prize a few weeks back I was gobsmacked how frozen the host's face was and, to be honest and I appreciate this reflects my own preconceptions, surprised she looked so "done" and uncanny valley. I keep reading that lots of people choose a light touch but there are some who either intentionally don't and enjoy that very "had something done" look or maybe over time push it further and further? Woman I work with has gone that route, her choice, but nope, not for me.

To be honest, I've got much, much stronger opinions on this topic but not today, satan. Not on Mumsnet.

@LetMeEnfoldYou you’ll have to report back on how easy it is to stop, if you ever do. I just can’t fathom a scenario in which a woman in her 40s looks in the mirror, doesn’t like the few wrinkles she sees, so has botox to lessen their appearance. And then is one day OK with having even more wrinkles, to the point that she stops having botox. But does it even matter, who says that woman has to stop? It’s just a musing, I’ve not thought much about it before. Interesting that it’s a common question. I definitely don’t think it’s a “gateway drug”. Probably just a logical first step for those who would have got more extreme enhancements anyway.

If you didn't have the money you'd stop. It wears off so fast anyway without ill effects.

Try it op. I've been having it for 10 years. Only once I looked 'frozen'. I hated it and never went to that practice again.

I absolutely hate the idea of it.
On the whole 'we' are quite careful about what we consume and put in our bodies so injecting stuff just sounds bonkers to me. I do have some health issues and I think that increases my reluctance to add more procedures.
I guess I am also not very vain or judgemental about appearances and am very happy to have and to see a natural face, lines and all.

I'm a recent convert, I love it! I have a face like Jim Carrey so it's nice not to have the super wrinkled forehead and also looking grumpy all the time with the 11s.
I'm on a low wage but save up a little every month, miss out on other luxuries as it's very important in making me feel good.

I really want it but can't afford it at the moment. When I can, I will. I just want to look less....tired. Still me, still my own age (I am what I am) just a bit less tired.

I love it, I also have fillers once a year.

I find it quite funny as I can’t move my face muscles well due to a genetic disease, therefore have no wrinkles, I think it makes it hard for people to relate to me. I can’t smile properly. I think you’re all weird for wanting it.

I think it's pointless. Lines and wrinkles aren't the only sign of ageing and they're certainly not the worst.

I do find it interesting how the language around it has evolved and how hardly anyone admits to using it to look younger any more. Instead it's all clinic speak: 'fresher' 'rested' 'best version of me', 'less angry'.

But I'm not really interested in beauty treatments - I'd rather spend any surplus cash on lovely clothes.

I usually get 2 areas done every 6 months or so. I think it makes me feel less tense in my face too

I could afford it but won't. How would i justify it to my daughter ? I'm putting poison in my face because women have to look good otherwise they are nothing. Your dad isn't though because reasons . Nope, I'd feel a fool.

Hi @BansheeofInisherin whereabouts do you buy your Tret? I’ve heard that it’s become harder to buy in parts of Europe now.

I have a couple of trips to Asia in the coming months - would I be able to buy it there? Just from regular pharmacies? Is there a brand you recommend? Thanks in advance 😊

You don't need to justify anything to anyone. My DD knows I have it but thinks it's just because I'm ancient at 42 😁

Fuck the idea that any individual is responsible for battling the patriarchy; if you're going down that route do you also forgo make up, getting your hair done, shaving, etc?

Love it.
Its genuinely changed my life- I've gone from waking up with headaches (often migraines) every. Single. Day. To having the odd migraine before my period.

No dietary changes/supplements have ever come close.

I've recently started but I go for the natural look and still have movement in my face. I'm not a massive fan of the frozen look so I prefer it more toned down but has definitely freshened me ip

I can’t afford it but I would only ever let a doctor do it, I know one who does it and I would only ever trust her. I would never let a person trained on a 2 day course do it. I would get my armpits and feet done if I had the money rather than my face but I don’t need it yet I don’t think

It's a godsend. I started getting it when I was about 41. I just have it once or twice a year as thsts all I can afford.

The 'peak' of the cycle where its at its most effective really doesn't last that long. It's more subtle after that so pretty natural mostly. Only my sister has ever noticed I've had it - or said so anyway.

Tried it, but not really a fan as I didn't like not having all my facial expressions, but it did release between my eyebrows which I liked, as I looked (and weirdly, felt) less worried.

But I think with any injectables you get 5 to 10 years of use, and then it starts to look a bit weird - botox seems to make around the eyes look really wrinkly (maybe it's the contrast between glass like forehead?) after a while. Another thing that seems to happen with longer term use is that the nose thickens - perhaps because often people with botox wrinkle their nose instead of raise their eyebrows, so they get a more developed muscle there.

Also, do read some of the side effects SM accounts, as it can cause headaches and finger tremors amongst other things.

No I wouldn’t. I simply don't care that much about whether I have lines/wrinkles, I'm ok with looking my age, I dislike the idea of having stuff injected into my face, and I also think it would be better if women weren't expected to stay young-looking. People can obviously do what they want and make their own decisions, but nobody is immune to societal expectations, peer pressure etc.

I would add that I do find it painful although it's quick and doesn't last long.

Apparently lips are way more painful but I've never tried that.

I love it. I just do it little and often because I like to have movement, just less movement!
With Botox my forehead creases in to 2 or 3 lines when I raise my eyebrows rather than 6-7 lines without it!

@gravitytester where does it get injected to help with migraines? I’ve never wanted to get it for aesthetic reasons but I’m having a lot of trouble with headaches and migraines so would be interested to know more

No. Im 54 and started having it late 30s and I've had periods of several years when I didn't, either due to cost or not being bothered. The results are pretty subtle on me, just a fresher version of myself, so there was never a huge contrast between having it and not, so people would think I'd suddenly aged.
Its like the difference between shaped brows or not, or having highlights refreshed. More that when it's done people think I look particularly 'well'. It wears off very gradually too, so you just get used day by day to your frown line (in my case) coming back. Again, a bit like highlights growing out.

I don’t want it. But fire away anyone who does!

@gravitytester I had no idea it could help with migraines and headaches. I have migraines regularly, so getting them to stop/slow down would be amazing!!!