I have to confess, I’ve long been a fan, but not for the reasons you may think. Botox can help with an array of problems (or your perceived problems).
Botox can help people who suffer from excessive sweating (feet, hands, underarms) which can be a lifesaver for most, especially for their mental wellbeing.
There is nothing worse than constantly worrying about wet armpits, slippery feet or going to shake someone’s hand with sweaty palms.
For this reason, I am a fan of the tox for those who need it. If this product can take away that social anxiety, I’m all for it. Many a bride has this done prior to their big day, business people and a myriad of others.
Here’s where it rubs me up the wrong way.
I am seeing younger and younger girls (and guys) having this procedure.
WHY OH WHY I ask – you are actually doing yourself a disservice and wasting money. You are making yourself look older, not the other way around. Enjoy your youthful skin for as long as you have it.
Worry about it once you hit your 30s or 40s. The frozen look on a 20-something is not a good look. Even in your twenties you have some movement, it’s natural, it’s not ageing. Sure, then you hit your thirties and forties those pesky lines just don’t seem that cute anymore, so I hereby grant you permission to tox.
BUT beware, it can become additive and if like me you like to keep it touched up regularly, it’s going to cost you.
Anywhere from $200 up to over $700 for a full face, and bearing in mind you need that done (in most cases) every three months, so you could be looking at more than $2400 a year (and if you add to that your regular facials, filler, PRP, peels, well let’s just say you better be on good terms with the bank manager, you’ll need to be).
To keep this face looking fresh I top up every three months.
Here are my tips and things to keep in mind:
- The product can take anywhere from 3 – 7 days to kick in (from my experience)
- It can last between 8 – 16 weeks (everyone is different)
- Ask about the product you are getting and insist on seeing the packaging to ensure you are getting the real deal. There are a number of different muscle relaxants on the market, my choice is either disport or Botox (that’s just personal preference)
- Remember, a little bit of movement looks fresh, a frozen face is way too obvious. I have my crow’s feet, frown, forehead (just a little bit there) done. That’s enough to give me that ‘fresh look’
- Beware – only get the product where you need it. Don’t let the injector sell you into other areas that you never thought you had a problem with
- You want an injector you trust. Yes, I understand they have a business to run, but this should be about your best interests, not their back pockets
- Does it hurt? – no, just a little sting
- Do you bruise? – everyone is different (sometimes I do, other times no)
- How long does it take? – you are done within 30 minutes
- Can you return to work afterwards? – yes
- Will anyone know you’ve had anything done? – not usually (unless you are total frozen and can’t move a muscle)
- Keep your expectations realistic. Botox will help with wrinkles but it’s not going to change your face or suddenly make you happier (you’ll be happier if it’s the wrinkles you want gone, but it’s not going to change your life – be realistic)
- ALWAYS do your research
- Do I think it’s worth it? for me yes! Let me tell you, if someone can’t frown or has no smile lines and they are older than 30 – they’ve had it! Everyone has facial movement lines – it’s natural and beautiful (some of us just like a little less than others!)
By Jo Harvey-Graham
Jo is our resident cosmetic junkie who loves to test all the popular procedures for you.
