Before botox
I like to check things before I commit to any purchase. At least when it comes to things that I would do to my own body. So I went off on a search of available options and solutions to the ever-growing wrinkle problem.
I have a drawer full of many different types of moisturisers and exfoliators. You name it; I probably have it. AHA, BHA, Vitamin E, Snail cream, Vitamin C, serums and boosters. All are very nice, smell divine and provide with moisture or cleansing respectively. None of it, however, gives me any visible results when it comes to my wrinkles. I keep moisturising, and wrinkles keep growing.
Stronger stuff
So I moved on to stronger stuff…namely Retinol. It supposed to be amazing, and if you prevail with it, the results are not only visible but close to miraculous.
Well, that’s all good, but I tell you what, every time I tried, I end up with a rush, irritated skin and swelling. And yes I took all the precautions, moisturising cream first to dilute, used only twice a week, used a small amount to get my skin accustomed to it. I really want to believe in it and want it to work for me, but so far it has been a total failure. And just for the record, I tried a few separate makes, just in case I react badly to one brand or something along these lines. It made no difference; I react each time.
I keep trying…
A closer look at Botox
Sooner or later, I was destined to start investigating Botox. According to many books and plastic surgeons, it is the only sure solution to wrinkles. They swear by it and claim there is no equal remedy. I have to admit I got curious.
For example, the world-renowned anti-ageing expert Anthony Youn, MD, in his “The Age Fix” book claims that Botox is the only sure remedy for wrinkles and the only solution that will give you quick and lasting results.
I am in the naive stage when I don’t see or recognised if someone had the treatment or not. I don’t recognise when people had it, at least when it was done properly. I didn’t even know that someone close to me… and I mean very close to me, started using Botox a while back. Not only that I didn’t notice I was stunned when I heard. I didn’t suspect or expect someone younger than me to start using it. And that made me think… if she, so many years younger than me, is having Botox, am I too late? Am I not caring for myself enough? Am I the wrong generation that thinks Botox is “wrong”? Maybe…
Midlife considerations
In a true midlife crisis style, I started to analyse this.
- So am I of the generation that thinks that cosmetic and plastic treatments are the indulgence of the rich and famous?
- Do the younger, more “hip” people treat Botox (and similar) in the way I consider my moisturises, part of a beauty routine?
- Am I merely afraid of admitting that I am getting older and it is visible, or
- Am I afraid of ending up looking weird and like I had a heavy session in a wind tunnel, or
- Am I simply scared of needles?
Either of the above scenarios is plausible.
Because I am kind of telling myself that I don’t look so bad for 40 something. There are plenty of examples of women looking worse than me. And maybe my wrinkles don’t necessitate the use of cosmetic treatments yet.
I have to admit that I am a bit wary of ending up looking like the cat women. And yes, I know that was surgeries and a bit of cosmetic abuse, but still, the danger is there. Extreme I know.
And now, onto the needles. Well, I think anyone who will say that they don’t mind needles next to their eyes, is simply lying. I am not generally scared of injections, but the idea of having it so close to my eyes is worrying me somewhat. Not only because I would be injecting a paralysing agent to my face but also because it is so damn close such sensitive organ as eyes. Say what you want it is worrying me.
What is Botox actually?
OK, let’s stay scientific and look at some facts.
According to a widely accepted definition: “Botox is the trade name for a substance injected into the skin which is known to inhibit muscle movement, and that can prevent wrinkles from developing or worsening.
The name ‘Botox’ actually comes from the word ‘botulous’ – which means sausage. Botox is a neurotoxin derived from Clostridium botulinum – an organism found in the natural environment where it is pretty much inactive and non-toxic.
It is called this because the substance is related to a naturally occurring poison, which can occasionally be found at dangerous levels in bad meat products.”
So it is a bit scary on face value, but it doesn’t stop around 6 million treatments from being administered every year. OK, in that case, it can’t be so bad… right? Apparently, the side effects are minor (in most cases), and the desired effects last between 4-6 months. So not a bad result for around £300 investment. I probably spend more on prosecco in the same period. 😂😂
Wherever I look or read about it, I always come across a warning “Botox has to be applied by a specialist and someone who is trained”. It is after all a chemical that is injected to the muscles of your face. It is best to have someone who knows what they are doing, where they are doing it and why in this place precisely.
In summary
The Botox results:
- are proven
- last the longest
- are most predictable (of course, if Botox is applied by a specialist)
The investment is high, but not scary if compared to other life’s indulgences. There is an equal amount of good and bad stories around, so I suppose it is down to personal research and choice. And judging by my family member, the result can be subtle and so good that are not obvious and disturbing. The caveat here is that she is young and probably didn’t actually need it. Hence my surprise and lack of recognition.
Taking the above to consideration and balancing all of the views, I am still sitting on the fence. I can not decide if this is something for me and if I really need it. I might be just a coward and can’t make a decision. Not sure. One thing is clear, it is not about money for me, but about making a decision. Yes or no… should I do it or am I going to age “gracefully”. Is there such thing anyway?
I am trying to decide for almost a year now, and am getting nowhere. But I am still considering and thinking. I would love to hear from someone who felt similar to me. Have you made a decision and went for it, or did you decide against it? And why?
Can anybody help?