Ok, so it’s no secret that I love a little ‘tweak’ every now and again, but this time, along with Botox to my forehead and around the eye crinkles, I had something a little bit different.
When I first started having fillers – ( non-animal based Hyaluronic acid that literally ‘fills in’ lines) they really, really hurt. Like grit your teeth and try not to cry kinda hurt. I had my nose to mouth lines done and loved the effect, but it was either dental blocks – so dribbling for the rest of the day – or a seriously excruciating few minutes. I’ve written before that nowadays Juvederm Ultra 3 has a local anaesthetic built in and the pain is dramatically reduced, so I didn’t baulk at trying a filler treatment I haven’t had before. Rather than the entire nose to mouth line, the practitioner (seriously, never go to someone who isn’t recommended) – in this case, one of the lovely cosmetic doctors at Courthouse Clinics, Wimpole Street, injected a small amount of filler to either side of the nose right down by the nostrils. This has an immediate effect (and unlike Botox, where you need to wait a few days for it to take effect, fillers are an instant fix) and while it doesn’t exactly eradicate nose to mouth lines, it defintely gives a much softer appearance for a lot less discomfort. To do the entire nose to mouth lines relies on filler being injected in several places, and while it doesn’t hurt when the filler is going in the initial jab is sore. The effect of having one jab either side of the nose isn’t dramatic, but it is noticeable and gives that area a softer look that I loved straight away. Annoyingly, there isn’t a particular name for this trick of the trade, so not all practioners will do it.
The thing about any non-surgical cosmetic procedure is that, administered properly, it is clever stuff, that can do far more to help you look younger and less tired that any face cream ever will. It can make you look ‘like you, but better’ without fat lips or startled eyes. I have it because I want to look good for my age, not because I want to look younger than I am.
I’ve also said many times that I loathe creams that promise a ‘Botox like’ effect – it just isn’t going to happen, and once you’ve spend X hundreds of pounds on these creams, you might as well have had Botox and be done with it, because the results are so superior to any cream I’ve ever found.
So many people say they’re afraid to try it: I was initially, and in fact held off trying it for years. But the day I caved and went for it, I was instantly smitten! I have my tweaks probably twice – maybe three times – a year, and it just does keep everything looking a little fresher than it would otherwise. I haven’t got a trout pout, I haven’t got scary startled eyes and no forehead movement at all…it all just works within the structure of my face for a natural look that’s a bit more perky than it otherwise would be.
I always feel it is a bit of a risk to recommend non-surgical procedures on a blog – nobody should feel pressured into having it, and anything that goes to the extemes of Jocelyn Wildenstein as seen above has moved from being about looking good for your age into something entirely different. It’s isn’t a cure for feeling bad about yourself, more isn’t more – in fact, the polar opposite applies, and it won’t change your life. It might help you feel you look fresher and younger, but please remember, a good practioner would never do to your face what JW’s had done.
I’d seriously consider getting Botox. Just don’t tell the mister. Then I can look ten year younger and imagine he’s my sugar daddy. Yes. I am strange.
very well written!!! i’m not opposed to the idea…but not super scary JW surgery. surgery itself scares me, but fillers and things…i’d be open to it in the future! i still think that even though you can buy ‘anti-wrinkle’ creams aimed at 25/26 year olds (my age) doesn’t mean they’re the right choice! i’ll stick with my vaishaly and avene!
xo
sara
I want my forehead filled in!!!
I’ve been having Botox for years. I went last week to my doctor and he did a cool thing where he injected in my upper cheeks below my eyes so when I smile I don’t have lines going all the way down my face.
I saw the documentary on the perils of plastic surgery on channel 4 so now I think I’ll just put off surgery and keep trying these less invasive things.
I am seriously getting tempted by Botox. But not just yet, as I’m only just starting to get lines. In the future, yes!
I couldnt agree more botox, fillers,peels delivered correctly can produce amazing results.
Ive been in the industry for years and beleive that it should be so natural that everyone notices but nobody knows…i see great positive emotive benefits of producing physical change…my passion EMOTIVE BEAUTY..confidence self esteem and that spring in your step…to all you ladies and gents just find the right practioner thecorrect diagnosis and enjoy the benefits…i do.
I also swear by Retin-A cream and ferulic acid on the face.
I’ve had botox twice and would do it again. But perhaps I won’t have it the same time as a hair colour, micro dermabrasion, a tan, a hair cut, and all haha. I’ve had also some evolence injected into my naso labial lines. Although the effect was nice, it wasn’t drastic enough for my liking. I need, well i want something stronger but pooped scared at the idea of proper surgery xx
liloo/@tsunimee
I have recently had my first bottox injections and went for the usual frown line and crows feet areas. I had a
Lovely nurse who came to the salon to chat to me first and make sure that I knew everything about it, free of charge unlike major clinics who wanted to charge 50.00 for a consultation with the assumption I would have the treatment. I had done my research I am 38 and 3 quarters! Not a daft woman nor exceptionally vain and aware that despite suntans etc over the years I look okay for my age. I really want botox for my frown line because frankly frowning is a habit I have always had, even when sleeping but I wanted to retrain it as now at the age I am at it really isn’t a good look and also gives me a headache, that’s my story anyway, and also in all honesty I have wanted to try botox for ages. So so so happy I did, I look like me, just more relaxed. To give you some idea my own daughter and mother have not noticed, and believe me they really would. Only weird thing, which is actually common sense but hadn’t occurred to me, my eyebrows moved!! Again this was subtle but I really should have thought about this first. Otherwise perfect results and nothing overboard. Nothing to be scared of.