7 things I learned from having botox in my 20s ...

It definitely can’t be denied, the B-word has definitely been a topic of conversation lately, not just in the media, but also within my close circle of friends. You would, wouldn’t you? Have? It has? I promise it’s not quite as ‘Real Housewives of Cheshire’ as it sounds … But even though I’m only 28, the reality is that the constant stream of nights, drunken (sorry mom) and I fall asleep with my face full of makeup on, all are beginning to show their effects.

As a beauty editor for several years, the thought of getting botox doesn’t scare me the maximum amount because it might for a mean 28-year-old. Yes, I have seen some hideous frozen, shiny, and completely inadequate jobs, but I have also seen amazing results. The key? Get a doctor who knows what he is doing.

For me, the main area of ​​concern is my forehead, which all the best in injectables have told me is the most common among those under thirty. After too many Christmas sunburns, and acknowledging that I speak with very expressive eyebrows, the fine horizontal wispy lines on my forehead became far more prominent.

 So in the name of beauty journalism, I decided to give botox a try, this is what I learned …

1. AGE DOESN’T REALLY MATTER

I needed very little convincing before heading to the Cadogan Clinic, one of the best locations in London (I must add) to speak with Nurse Libbie Wallace, a teacher in her field. After completing a short inquiry form, Nurse Libbie asks me how old I am. After answering 28, she laughs a bit, but continues … I am not the youngest customer she has ever had at the door, but she tells me that she would only treat those who can really benefit from treatment, ‘It is important that I handle expectations from the patients “.

So what is the ideal age for botox? “There is no recommended age,” says Wallace, and EF MediSpa’s injectables expert Victoria Spyrou agrees: “The recommended age differs because each person’s muscles present differently. If someone at the age of 21 years has visible dynamic lines that are causing a problem, so I will treat that person, however, if another 21 years old comes in with no visible lines, I would refuse to treat them. “

2. THE DOSE WILL VARY FROM PERSON TO PERSON

After telling Nurse Libbie that she didn’t want him to look “too frozen”, she agrees to give me 10 units on my forehead and 15 in the center of my frown; the average dose is between 10 and 25 units. I lie on her bed in her treatment room and as she prepares the solution, I am asked to frown and raise my eyebrows. As I do so, she inserts the needle and a small dose of Allergen botox is inserted into six spots on my forehead and between my eyebrows.

3. YES, IT HURTS A LITTLE

Well, as if you were injected in the forehead, there are no two ways to do it. Slightly stingy, but fast and sharp. Right after Nurse Libbie wiped my forehead to clean the blood… this makes me feel a bit apprehensive.

4. DOING DIRECT EXERCISE AFTER IS A NO-NO

She warns me that there are many conspiracies surrounding botox: staying awake for more than two hours is false, to begin with. “The solution takes 20 minutes to settle in your muscles, so I advise you to stay upright during that time, as it will no longer make a difference.” However, she advises me not to exercise that is too intense or hot after the treatment (I’m fine) and to wash my face carefully when I get home, without scrubbing or rubbing too much.

5. A LITTLE DISASTER IS COMMON

After the treatment, I was left a bit red and blotchy, so I canceled any meetings I had immediately afterward. Although the redness soon faded, I was left with a few small pinpricks. I have been told that bruising is common, but it all depends on the sensitivity of the skin. I was also left with a slight headache, almost as if I had been wearing a shower cap for a few days. This didn’t last more than a few hours either, and it was nothing that two paracetamol couldn’t fix. If you experience a headache for more than 48 hours, or any other symptoms such as nausea or visual disturbances (although rare), it is recommended that you contact your doctor.

6. IT TAKES 3-5 DAYS TO SEE THE DIFFERENCE

Another myth that I have been told about botox before and after is that the results are immediate. They are not. “You will start to see an effect after 3-5 days,” instructs cosmetician Rita Rakus, “however, it may take two weeks for maximum results to appear.” For me, my forehead had less movement after the third day, but it wasn’t until a full week after the treatment that it felt completely still. It’s definitely a weird feeling when you raise your eyebrows … but nothing moves.

7. YOUR MOM WILL KNOW, YOUR BOYFRIEND WILL PROBABLY NOT

The best reaction came from my mother, that she is always honest. She’s not afraid to tell me that I look tired, pale, or blotchy, but when I saw her after my treatment she couldn’t have been more appreciative. After confiding in her that she had botox, she screamed and said, “Wow, you really needed it, now you look so fresh like you’ve had a good month’s sleep.” Thanks, Mom.

My boyfriend, on the other hand, didn’t really notice … a few more add-ons from him, maybe than usual, but that was exactly the reaction she was looking for. He just wanted to look like me, just renewed. Approved test!