Why I've decided to get Botox

I'm the first person to criticise people who get breast implants or lip fillers. I'm the first to mock people who have weight loss surgery and I'm the first to say that people overdo it with cosmetic surgery or procedures.

I have however decided to get Botox myself. It's not a decision I made quickly. A couple of years ago I thought, "yeah I'd get Botox". It was sort of a casual, "yeah I'd be open to it" thing but I have read so many horror stories about people who get addicted to it and I've seen pictures of people who looked better pre Botox than afterwards.

In the weekend though two things happened.

1. I was having a convo with a friend and commented that they needed Botox. They turned it back on me saying the same thing and I was like, "yeah I'd have it".
2. I then took a photo and noticed some lines on my forehead that I don't like.

Now before you ask the question, I'm not the type of person who uses products. I have never used anti ageing cream and I don't use moisturiser either. I would rather let my skin work for itself than relying on chemicals or products.

So why Botox and why now? Aside from the two factors I mentioned, it's preventative. You don't actually need to have a lot of lines to have Botox and because it's a relaxer, it means that any lines that do develop will be finer. Of course it does also mean that I'll need to have it 3-4 times a year and that's okay. It's a small price to pay to look youthful.

I got to thinking about why it's important though and why now. I'm not sure how many news stories you read of people who've had cosmetic procedures but you often read these stories about people who've just just lost a stack of weight and then they decided to have a procedure done so I got to thinking about the psychology behind it.

Well it's not actually just the psychology. You may not know, but people who lose weight often look older than people with fuller rounder faces, so when you lose weight and your facial features are distinguished there's an unwanted side effect of looking a couple of years older than while you were bigger.

Then there's the other side of the coin. You lose a lot of weight and suddenly you have a lot of pride in your appearance and want to look perfect. It's not enough that you've lost the weight. You need to look youthful. See when you lose weight you feel and look better generally but lines on your face can hold you back from where you want to be, and that could be another reason why people get Botox after losing weight. It's about completing the image.

 Some people think that you should start getting Botox in your 20s as a preventative measure, others say wait until your 30s or 40s while others believe you should never have it. Personally, now that I've booked in to have it done this weekend, I would be of the group of people who says you should have it in your later 20s or early 30s. It's better to get it before the lines are really sunken in.

It's becoming more and more common for people in their 20s and 30s to get it before they do have a lot of wrinkles. The major thing before you get your first procedure is to know that it's a lifetime commitment. That means once you start you can't stop unless you want the wrinkles and lines to come back.

As for me, I'm having my first procedure done in the weekend. I'm getting my forehead done initially and then after that I'll be getting around my eyes done in another procedure. I like the idea of Botox because it's a quick 30 minute event and then you're done for six months. You don't have to constantly be using creams everyday (and I don't believe creams work in the first place). I like to think I've maintained my youth pretty well but ultimately ageing is unavoidable. You can however slow it down and keep your youthful appearance for longer.

I'll be posting another blog on Saturday after I've had the procedure.

In the meantime I'll leave you with five tips:

1. Only choose a reputable clinic. Although it's unlikely you'll have side effects, you're better to be safe.
2. There is nothing wrong with getting Botox as a preventative measure.
3. Be aware that once you start you will have to continue. It's much like bleaching your hair unless you make a conscious decision to grow out your natural colour (as I have done because I'm naturally blonde anyway and I prefer my natural shade).
4. Take the advice of your medical professional when you book in for your appointment.
5. Do your research before you get your first procedure.