As someone who has been having Botox for just over a year, I’ve become more and curious about other other people’s experience of it. Whilst I’ve loved my results so far, I am conscious of both the cost – from around £250-£400 per session depending on what you get done – and how it might impact me differently as I get older. I therefore set about asking a range of friends, some Botox old timers, others Botox newbies about their experience.
Obviously cosmetic procedures like this aren’t cheap, especially when you have to keep them up with regular top ups, hence I wanted to get a feel for whether this is something I should persevere with.
Beauty editor Rebecca Fearn has consulted Dr Christine Hall, who works at the TakTouk Clinic: “Botox is a very safe drug but like most things there are some adverse results such as the dreaded dropped brow or raised eyebrow, which occur when Botox is administered incorrectly,” she Christine.
“To minimise this risk, make sure you see a practitioner who has the relevant medical training and knowledge of anatomy to be able to deliver Botox safely.”
For more of Dr Christine’s advice and Botox FAQs, read Rebecca’s primer.
When should you start having Botox?
Part of me also wonders, with the rise in Botox among people in their 20s, is this something I should I have started doing when I was younger too?
That’s why I decided to hit up my contacts to get their honest opinions on their reasons for getting the cosmetic procedure, plus how it’s impacted their skin over time and their honest feelings on it now.
Below is an account of their experiences…
Botox aged under 25:
Sophie, 23: “I got baby Botox – when you’re injected with a smaller dose than in a standard treatment –when I was 23, more because I was curious. I absolutely loved it! My forehead was so smooth and shiny in a really good way, and it also nicely lifted my brows.
It didn’t last as long as I wish it had – only 3 months– but I did love how it made my makeup look and it made all my dehydration lines disappear. I would love to keep getting it done but I just can’t currently afford to, so I’m going natural for now.”
Botox aged between 25-30:
Amy, 30: “I’m 30 and I recently got Botox for the first time this year, as I was getting more conscious of fine lines and the overall ageing experience. I went in initially for a consultation as I was more conscious of my fine lines, but ended up just getting it done there and then!
Unlike most people who say it takes around two weeks to notice a difference, I actually began to see the changes fairly immediately. The only issue I had was that one of my eyebrows was slightly uneven when I raised them both, but I went back for my complimentary top up a few weeks later and it was evened out easily.
It’s been just over a month since I had it done and I’m really pleased with the results. I feel like I look fresher and my makeup glides on better. I’m going to see what happens and how it develops but I’m anticipating wanting to do it again.”
Botox aged between 30-35:
Olivia, 33: “Having recently just had a baby, I really felt like I wanted a bit of a glow up. A few of my friends had already had Botox and they looked great, so I thought I’d give it a go.
I was surprised at how much I loved it; it made me look fresher and healthier, and I’m definitely going to continue having it.
I am just conscious of not going too often as I really don’t want to look like someone who obviously has it, or become too addicted!”
Botox aged between 35-40:
Laura, 37: “I am a proud Botox advocate and have had it for the last three years. It makes my skin look younger, more vibrant and glowy, and it prevents my makeup from sitting in my wrinkles. Everyone compliments me on how good my skin looks and when I’ve met new people, they always say I look far younger than my actual age, which I love.
I remember being nervous that my eyes would droop at the beginning, but that’s never happened. Very occasionally, I bruise after the injections but you can barely notice and it can be totally concealed with makeup.
The only annoying thing is that you have to get it done every three to four months, so the cost does add up. As it wears off, it also makes me even more conscious of my wrinkles when they come back. Botox does make me feel super confident though, so it feels worth it.”
More on treatments:
- I injected salmon sperm DNA into my skin as a Botox alternative; was it worth it?
- I tried wearable acupuncture studs for my wellbeing and style credentials
- The lowdown on fillers: essential things you need to know, according to a doctor
Botox aged 45 and over:
Naomi, 47: “I’m 47 and I’ve been getting Botox for 17 years. In my 30s, I really loved it; it made me look fresher and more youthful. However, I have noticed that recently it works differently. It seems to make my brow really drop, which I feel makes me look a bit older!
I’ve gone to more expensive places and it still has the same effect, so I guess maybe as I’ve aged my face has changed and is reacting to it differently. I don’t think I will get it again, but am looking into other things like Profhilo, which is meant to give you a hydrating boost without freezing your muscles.”
To find a practitioner in your area: “Look for someone who is qualified, read reviews, check out the clinic and ask around – you’ll be surprised how many friends, colleagues or acquaintances have had Botox without you realising,” says Dr Christine.
Browse the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) or the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) to see which doctors meet certain standards.
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