5 things I learnt when I tried Botox in my thirties
In my twenties, I could work multiple jobs throughout the day, drink wine all evening, sleep for a few hours, and still wake up with skin that was crease-free and glowing. Fast forward to my thirties and let’s just say that is no longer the case.
Of course it’s normal that my face now appears much older – there is nothing wrong with looking your age. It’s just that I often feel I look quite a few years beyond my age (although maybe that’s just because I’m constantly being exposed to faces that have had lots of work). Anyway, I’m not ashamed to say I have dabbled in Botox in the past, and I discovered quite a few surprising things in the process.
From the speed at which it takes effect to how long it lasts, there are plenty of common myths about Botox. Here, Dr Jonathan Dunne of the Montrose Clinic in London explores the misconceptions - and explains what you need to know.
Myth 1: You’ll walk out of your Botox appointment with a frozen face
Before I tried Botox, I assumed I’d walk in to the clinic, have the injections, and walk out with an immediately transformed face. That was quite a frightening prospect. The truth is that the effect is a lot more gradual than I’d presumed – and actually the whole experience is less scary as a result.
Patients begin to notice the effects of Botox 3 to 5 days after treatment
‘Typically, patients begin to notice a softening of fine lines and reduced muscle movement 3 to 5 days after treatment’ explains Dunne. ‘The full results become visible within 10 to 14 days. The degree of muscle relaxation depends on the dosage and the individual's muscle strength, so results can vary.’
In fact that whole impact was so gradual and subtle that my husband didn’t notice I'd had anything done at all – although a few friends mentioned how fresh-faced I was looking, which was lovely.
Myth 2: Botox will move around and freeze other parts of your face
The big fear for many people is that Botox will not only freeze the parts of your face you want to control, but other bits as well (the scary prospect of droopy eyelids, for example).
My number one recommendation when it comes to Botox is that you don’t try and scrimp and save by going to someone who is barely qualified to administer it. Visiting an expert means you’re much less likely to experience any mishaps. The NHS has advice on choosing a practitioner here.
‘In properly administered doses by a qualified professional, Botox remains localised to the targeted muscles’ says Dunne. ‘The product is injected in small, precise amounts, and its diffusion is minimal. However, if injected improperly or in excessive amounts, there’s a small risk of unintended spread to nearby muscles, leading to temporary side effects. Systemic spread to distant parts of the body is extremely rare and generally occurs only in cases of very high doses, which are not typical for cosmetic use.’
In properly administered doses Botox remains localised to the targeted muscles
Myth 3: You can’t drink alcohol or exercise after Botox
‘You know you can’t drink any booze for like, weeks after having Botox’ one friend told me before I tried it. Ditto exercise, according to another mate. In reality, the guidelines are a bit more forgiving – Dunne outlines them as follows:
- Avoid Alcohol for 24 Hours: Alcohol can thin the blood, potentially increasing the risk of bruising at injection sites.
- No Strenuous Exercise for 24 Hours: Exercise increases blood flow, which may cause the Botox to migrate slightly or reduce its efficacy.
- Stay Upright for 4–6 Hours: Avoid lying down or bending forward to prevent unintended diffusion.
- No Facial Massages or Pressure for 24 Hours: Pressure can displace the product.
- Avoid Heat Exposure: Skip saunas, hot tubs, and hot showers for 24 hours, as heat can increase swelling.
‘Following these guidelines helps ensure optimal results and minimises side effects’ he says.
Alcohol and strenuous exercise are off limits for 24 hours after Botox
Myth 4: Botox lasts forever
This will sound very stupid to anyone who has had Botox regularly – but I didn’t realise how quickly it wears off before trying it. All these voices of doom telling you how much you’ll hate your frozen face should know that – even if that is the case – Botox doesn’t actually last that long.
‘Botox results typically last between 3 and 4 months’ says Dunne. ‘Over time, muscle activity gradually returns, and lines and wrinkles may begin to reappear. Some individuals may experience slightly longer or shorter durations depending on their metabolism, muscle activity, and dosage. Regular maintenance treatments can help prolong smooth skin and prevent deepening of wrinkles.’
Myth 5: Your whole face will stop working if you use Botox for too long
Having read a few things online about ‘muscle atrophy’ – loss of mass and strength – as a result of Botox, I was quite worried about the long-term impact it could have on my face. So is this a cause for concern? It depends how often you’re having Botox, says Dunne.
‘Prolonged and repeated Botox use can lead to mild muscle atrophy due to decreased muscle activity over time’ he says. ‘This is most noticeable in smaller, frequently treated muscles (e.g., in the forehead). However, this atrophy is generally subtle and reversible if treatment is paused.
To Minimise Muscle Weakness:
- Adjust Treatment Frequency: Space out treatments appropriately to avoid over-relaxation of muscles.
- Tailor Dosing: Use conservative doses that soften wrinkles without completely paralysing muscle movement.
- Rotate Treatment Areas: Avoid targeting the exact same muscles repeatedly; alternating areas can help maintain natural muscle tone.
