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?

That’s really interesting and definitely makes sense, thanks! Curious that you’ve said it wears off gradually and a PP said it was fast. Wonder if that’s because it’s so subjective, or if it significantly changes person to person. I should think if OP can easily revert back to not having it (as opposed to having to deal with an uphill battle of acceptance) then why not give it a go if she’s curious.

I have it on my forehead and in-between eyebrows

It certainly wears off gradually for me @ReeseWitherfork
I had it done in May, I only have my 11s done, and this last week I've started to notice they're there again when I first wake up. They fade during the morning, but by next month, will probably be there all day and then I'll decide whether to get a top up. The other thing with botox is its actually preventative. So due to years of it I don't have very deep lines even when I go without it so I never feel I look awful and must get it done.

@Chevronica I believe there are over 40 injection sites over the face/head/neck that can help- mine are caused largely by my jaw clenching, so I had it in my masseter (jaw), I was told it might be needed above my temples (where your head moves if you clench your jaw) but it wasn't necessary. I had it at the nape of my neck as that's another trigger point.

I then added it between my brows because that's cosmetic (but she also said it helps with headaches too!).

I feel the same. It’s not men who have to inject themselves with random substances to feel ok about themselves.

I started getting Botox a few years ago. I am 50. It gives me a fresh look, but I prefer it after about 6 weeks when it is starting to wear off a bit. I think I can look a bit frozen a few weeks in. I don’t spend any money on skincare really and don’t wear much make up. Botox is my only indulgence.

What are 11s?

The frown lines on your forehead, between your eyebrows

The two vertical lines/grooves that appear between your eyebrows when you frown and gradually take up permanent residence for some of us. I think the proper name is glabella.

I wouldn't get it but each to their own.

Loads of men have botox @Beginningless
Lots of my friends partners do, and last time I went to my doctor all three of the other people waiting were men. My dentist also tried to sell me a treatment last week and mentioned he and his colleague (both men) do each other's.

The needles only go in a tiny bit - it's way less painful than getting eyebrows threaded

You should go for a consultation and ask professional all these questions

I disagree I think 30 is the perfect age to start

I love it, I get it done by a Doctor, fully trained and insured, so it’s not cheap but also it is very subtle.

I've had it but currently can't afford it
When I can afford it again I'll probably go back to it - I want to have it done for my teeth grinding too
Tret has changed my skin though and really helped fine lines

The sad thing is like looking at photos from your youth when you realise that you weren’t as big as you thought or looked better than you remember the same can be said about Botox and fillers. It’s quite sad to see young women who are already beautiful using these products when they really don’t need to as at 30 you’re still youthful. But it’s their face, their choice

@AmandasFleckerl I mean in some ways it's sad that any of us feel the need, but same could be said for dying hair whitening teeth waxing, wearing spanx etc etc (who'd be a woman eh)

But by the 30s comment I meant IF you want to be a Botox person, then 30 is perfect as that's the age that the lines are there and don't quite disappear - Botox at this age will smooth these before they get very deep set and worse but also will stop new lines forming. I haven't had Botox for 1.5 years due to maternity but it took a while before I noticed the lines returning as having done it every 4-6 months for 4 years I'd trained my face not to make the expressions where the lines formed. Just stopped breatfeeding now and am looking forward to getting it done again (as you can see from my username I'm single so feel more incentive to look my best for a confidence boost - if I was in very secure loving relationship with someone who made me feel gorgeous I might be in less of a rush back but I'd still restart at some point)

@Usernamen I get Tret from friends and family in India where it is sold OTC as "Retin-A" in 0.0025 and 0.05%. Warning!: That is much stronger than the retinol products you get in the UK and must be used with caution. I initially began using it for peri-menopausal acne with a dermatologist, then carried on using it for anti-aging, but I use very sparingly and with a buffer. It took a while for my skin to get used to it too, and there was some purging. Adding a photo of myself ( time I name changed anyway!). I am going to be 52 soon and happy with my skin, though not with my jowls or jawline!

Yes I have it. I absolutely love it!

@fiddleswiddle i dont know of any alternatives,
that said my preference is natural

I'm an aesthetics practitioner (and a healthcare professional) and I've also had botox for years and years.
I trained as finding someone medically trained was difficult at the time

A couple of responses on here I just wanted to address. Your nose doesn't get thicker with botox no matter how long you use it. What can happen is you build up an immunity to it so it is no longer effective/ as effective. That said I've only seen that happen a couple of times.

And to the pp interested in it for migraine. It is fabulous for this but just ensure you go to somebody who has done that specific training and not just foundation level stuff. Placement is key.

Ah and loads of men have it.
They're just a lot less vocal about it.

I hold a male only clinic so they can nip in and be done without the risk of being seen by a woman ( I had many requests to keep the clinics seperate by both men and women)

That's so interesting

Do you have couples that you know of that don't tell each other they come?

And conversely people often don't need as much after using it for a while