Botox, is it worth it?

Question

I am 34, a few fine lines and a bit tired looking. Been thinking about botox. What do you reckon? I'm not phased about looking older and all that but if it works why not? Any experiences?

Answer 1

It's amazing how little people know about Botox. Yes, Botox is one of 7 toxins produced by the botulism bacteria; however, at the doses used for medical purposes, it is one of the safest drugs out there. Toxicity is a matter of dosage and concentration. Even water can be toxic if you have too much of it in your body (dilutes the concentration of solutes such as sodium, potassium, chloride, etc). As far as safety goes, Botox has been used for more than 20 years in the US with unparalleled safety. The worst thing that can happen is if your doctor doesn't inject it in the right place or gives you too much of it where it can cause nearby muscles to become temporarily paralized. That can lead to drooping of the eyelids. But it's a temporary thing and if you go to an experienced physician, the risk of having that is extremely low. It's also more common with older adults who already have sagging skin and use their forehead muscle to keep their eyelids open.

Now, as far as when is a good time to do Botox, it all depends on when the lines start to bother you. Remember Botox works on the muscles, not on the lines. When the muscle is immobilized, the skin has a chance to relax and the lines gradually disappear. Therefore, if you wait too long and allow those lines to set in, it will be harder to get rid of them with Botox. So in a way, the sooner you start, the better. Also, when you don't use a muscle for a while, it becomes weaker and weaker over time and you won't need to do Botox as often.

Finally, to those who say you should age gracefully and should be happy with your inner beauty, I wonder if any of them has ever colored his/her hair. There is nothing wrong with wanting to look your best. Just make sure you find an experienced physician who will pay attention to your needs and won't try to sell you other procedures.

Answer 2

Have to say I'm all for it - I don't think there's any harm in giving it a go. As long as you ensure that you visit a reputable doctor - the proceedure has very little risk.

I had botox injections for the first time just two months ago and am really pleased with the results.

I'm 30 and like you had fine lines and felt tired looking. I was really unsure about how much difference could be made but just a week after the injections all my lines had completely gone. (had lines across my forehead and around my eyes). My face isn't frozen at all - the results are very natural - I think this is down to finding a great doctor though with lots of experience and who believes in giving small amounts and offering free top ups a week or two later if required.

I agree with you totally - if it works why not! - afterall the effects wear off after a few months so if your not happy you needn't have it done again.


I did lots of reading up on botox before having it done and would disagree with AT - I didn't find any information which stated that when botox wears off the skin will sag more than it did previously - I believe the information from t433 is accurate - it can infact reduce the formation of new wrinkles in the treated area.

Answer 3

There is nothing wrong with a little botox as long as you get it from a reputable source...a medical professional, not at a salon or spa.

Not only does it smooth out existing wrinkles, but it prevents wrinkles from getting bigger, since the muscle underneath is paralyzed it effectively stops wrinkle growth. You may only have a few now, but regular botox use can help you keep it that way.

They are some downsides to botox. You do get kind of a plastic forhead look. And if injected incorrectly your eyes could droop a bit, and then you are stuck like that for a couple months. But as long as you go to someone who is very experienced then these risks will be minimal.

If/when you do it, remember less if more - but they will try to keep selling you more, just don't do too much!

Answer 4

Whew... Sweetie, if you're not phased about getting older, why not wait a bit? I'm not against the occasional maintenance at all, but 34 is a bit young. There are some over the counter serums and stuff by Olay and others. Have you tried these? Here's my advice... If you're not pressed, try some other options before paying to have some facial injections (ow?). If you become a little upset about it, well, we've been blessed with the technology, so why not. Make sure you do it for the right reasons, and you'll be golden.

Answer 5

I have no experience of Botox so I can't advise you but I thought you should know this before you make a decision:

"Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is the most poisonous naturally occurring substance in the world. Though it is highly toxic, it is used in minute doses both to treat painful muscle spasms, and as a cosmetic treatment in some parts of the world. It is sold commercially under the brand names Botox and Dysport for this purpose. The terms Botox and Dysport are trade names and are not used generically to describe the neurotoxins produced by Clostridia species."

Answer 6

It is totally up to you, but remember it is only a temporary fix, so you would need repeat injections to maintain the results. Also studies now suggest botox causes muscle atrophy, so you end up with more sagging in the long run, due to volume loss. If you can find an alternative to botox such as a filler or a chemical peel, I would go with that. I'm not a big advocate of botox, but it is ok to have now and again, ie for special occasions where you want to look your best. HTH : )

Answer 7

I'm a trainee beauty therapist. And I've been learning about beauty stuff. I advise you that its better if you don't touch botox at all. True, botox can help erase the wrinkles for 1 or 2 years(depends on individual) But after the botox has wear off.. your skin will sagged even further than your previous condition. Its better to aged naturally. They say aged gracefully is the way to natural beauty. Don't you agree too? Look at those natives who live in the mountain tops.. don't you think they look beautiful? They have a longer live span than the rest of us. Because they stay in an unpolluted environment, eat the freshest food(mind that they don't fried and eat junk stuff) and their activities are hunting, cooking..etc.

Answer 8

Another name for Botox is Botulinus toxin - a severe form of food poisoning - so my question to you is this - so you have a few lines on your face which shows that you have (and still are) leading a full life. Therefore why would you wish to inject yourself with a highly dangerous toxin just so your face freezes and the lines disappear for a short while (they do return eventually - nothing is forever)?????

Better to save the money you would have expended on this treatment and have a night out 'on the town' enjoying yourself and adding to your memory and your experiences.

Answer 9

why bother with botox?! you shouldn't be that bothered about whether you have lines or wrinkles! The world is so vain! Age gracefully!! Its like trying to look like a teenager - when you've already been one, you cant reverse time, besides its not worth the risk.

Answer 10

dont do it if you are less than 40 because if you start that earl your skin is not gonna be able to resist botox after 5 years so start around 50 and stop at 60