Botox pros and cons?

[bananaegg]

In my early 40s, considering botox on my forehead lines.

Seeking advice - if you have done it, do you regret it and what should I be aware of? Thanks in advance!

Make sure you go to a proper licensed clinic.Not a nurse who does it on the side or a dentist.A proper aesthetic clinic won't give you too much and will be more knowledgeable.

I do it for my 11s best thing ever !

something to consider if you apply to your actual forehead, your eyebrows might lower a bit ; a good practitioner will warn you on this, usually they do they areas around like eyebrows and 11s rather than directly on forehead

good luck totally worth it

Only con is the cost

I go for microneedling. It’s less risk and has had a great effect. Oddly enough it made my eyebrows grow more, which is a bonus.

I’ve been having it about 3 years. I chose a clinic that colleagues use and they look great. A dr gives the jabs. I don’t regret it for a second! I’m 46 now and I was fed up of always looking tired. It’s brilliant!!
On the other hand I’ve had 2 courses of profilo - complete waste of money did nothing for tear troughs!!

Botox hurts more around your period and can bruise a little but the pain is no more that an inoculation jab and it takes minutes!!

@Upthenorth That is the other alternative I'm considering. Does it really work? It is a higher cost but not sure if it evens out if botox has to be redone every 3-4 months?

My problem is the horizontal lines on my forehead.

I should add it's the horizontal lines. Without raising my eyebrows I can count 4 lines; I try not to be bothered by it but it's getting very 'in-my-face' literally every time I look in the mirror😪

I really rate microneedling (have never had Botox, though). I have it fairly regularly - every other month - and it's evened out my skin tone and plumpness. Definitely worth the cost, which can vary enormously, so watch that. I pay £169 which I think it reasonable. I justify it against Botox as it's something which actively benefits my skin. I'm wary of stretching my skin with Botox and the deflated balloon effect. That fear has always stopped me from doing it!

Yes, it really does make a difference. I live up north, so it’s not so expensive as it will be elsewhere in the country.

The first time I went my face peeled all over but it’s been less dramatic since as I imagine it’s a different starting place for the treatment. It’s really noticeable around my crows feet and my forehead.

She also dermaplanes as part of it which gives a good glow.

I have moved to using Liz Earle last year which also works better with my skin than anything else I have tried.

I have Botox for my 11s every 6 months the or so. Though the Botox wears off before 6 months I’ve found the 11s don’t come back so I keep it topped up to keep them at bay. I am still able to move my face, just can’t frown as severely!

Botox doesn’t stretch your skin. Are you thinking of fillers? Botox actively benefits your skin as it relaxes your muscles so you down screw up your skin as much which leads to wrinkles. I’ve found it amazing, every 6m works for me, so doesn’t work out too expensive. I can move my face easily, just no deep creases anymore. I’ve also noticed I’ve not had a migraine since I’ve been doing it.

Yes, well, I don't have 11s between my eyes, but a very deep 'number 1'. I think in order for Botox to be effective and to come anywhere near lessening it, I'd probably need fillers and I'm aware that they do stretch the skin. Microneedling has softened my 1, though, considerably.

Started getting botox last year from a licensed clinic, I love it. Had it twice in 2025, will only need it twice again this year- costs £179 each time which I consider alright over the course of a year.

I get a very small amount in my 11s, crows feet, and on my forehead- I can still move my face but I just don't have the lines anymore, it's great! I originally only wanted it in 11s and crows feet but my aesthetician advised that if I didn't have it in the forehead too the muscles would start working harder because the other muscles were numb and I could end up looking a bit lopsided, so I went for all three spots. It looks great, I love it and have honestly had endless compliments.

I dont find it hurts too much, more uncomfortable when the needle goes in and you feel it pierce your skin. I have a lot of collagen in my skin though/its quite thick, which is why it is quite an effort to pierce it.

Microneedling is truly amazing, but @YearoftheHorse60 Botox can do the job for the 1s if you go to top Botoxer (I had exact issue and he stored it !). No need for fillers

Echoing what PP said about going to an experienced clinical practitioner - I’ve only gone to clinics I’ve had personal recommendations about. Downside is the cost but that’s it…

Botox changed my life and brought me so much more confidence. I took my time researching and go to a licensed practitioner who had fantastic results. I now go 3x per year. Here's a pic of when I first had it done. I have 3 areas, I have hooded eyelids so little initially and more added at my review 2 weeks later.

As with so many before and afters though, it would be nice to see a 'true' version.

A before pic when you're clearly dramatically raising your eyebrows vs an after with a totally relaxed face says nothing tbph.

These are deep lines though, can’t be simulated due to intense expressions. 11s also totally gone in the After pic

As below, they were very deep and static. I was warned I may not get the outcome I hoped but we were both pleasantly surprised. I wish I had more before images to share but tbh I don't because my confidence was so low.
The second photo is not a relaxed photo that's to demonstrate the lack of movement, which some people don't like. I personally do, each to their own.

@TinselTarTars Thanks for the pic! That looks amazing!

Added some pics for illustration..

One is ‘relaxed’ and one is ‘raised eyebrows’ gosh it’s worse than I thought now I’ve taken a pic!

Gosh, you are tempting me now 😁. Would just need to find a reputable place and then might, just might, consider it. But to answer the OP's question again, yes do go for microneedling (with or without 'enhancements')!

If the lines are pretty deep set in then Botox won’t help awfully. It can stop them getting worse but it’s a prevention, not a cure.

it stops you being able to move the muscles that cause the creasing but if the creases are already there, then they’re there..

I had Botox & I said to my doctor that I was hoping the existing lines would have decreased more, she advised to look at micro needling for the existing creases.

Book a free consultation and see what they advise the best route would be for you!

I made it a big deal for years but just went for it and so pleased I did. I was just starting to notice the lines setting in so started at the right time (I’m 36).

I LOVE it. Find a proper place ask them to be VERY cautious. You will want ‘baby Botox’ at first and you’ll still have movement. (I’ve had it three times and am 45). I also had my crows feet done and that has made a huge difference as well.

(Then of course you’ll go all in and want more and to zap it all but that is down the line! 😂)

And just to add, I had a couple of lines that were there at rest and they definitely faded away at rest so don’t panic.