In 2020 I decided to ignore all of the negative comments I’d received whenever I had mentioned in the past I was thinking of having Botox.  My 35th birthday was approaching as fast as the speeding train and I decided after the sh*t show that was 2020 I decided to treat myself to some Botox. 

For me, I’d always been someone that was super expressive. From an early age I had noticeable forehead line. They bothered me so I went to have my first treatment with Kaizen in October 2020.

So, I wanted share with you my experience with Botox from October 2020 until now April 2021 and more importantly, so of the benefits and results I have. 

 What is Botox?

Botulinum toxin, is most commonly referred to as Botox. It is a series of injections, which are in most instances,  used in your face  to help relax the muscles.  The result is that lines and wrinkles on your face, such as crow’s feet and frown lines, are smoothed out and reduced ( wooo!) . Most people experience to a more youthful appearance with much smoother skin. It is good to remember that this is not a permanent treatment and generally lasts between 12-16 weeks.  

My first session didn’t last as long as 12 weeks but this was explained to me during my consultation. I was aware it wouldn’t and It was very much expected. Good news is my second session lasted much longer. I still had some of the effects long after 12-14 weeks mark. 

Why Botox?

There seems to be a negative stigma associated with Botox. It’s a taboo word for many. I know many women feel ashamed for having it. For me I wanted to be open about my treatment. I’m not ashamed and I know if it’s done well it can look incredibly subtle. 

Initial consultation

Before proceeding with the Botox, I attended an initial face consultation with Nurse Emma  

at Kaizen Medical Clinic.  This was an opportunity for her to review me, and my Heath.  We were able to  discuss any concerns I might have and she was able to let me know about side effect and aftercare. I was told on the phone that If everyone was happy to proceed I could have the treatment on the same day. So I was prepared to undergo the treatment there am then. 

 injection time! 

After Nurse Emma explained everything clearly and thoroughly it was time to get on with the Botox itself. 

Before any treatment was given my upper face was cleaned.  

I was then asked to smile, frown and clench my teeth so that Nurse Emma’s could mark the areas needed with small white dots . This so she knew where to administer the Botox.

Things to note about my experience receiving the Botox injections:

• The actual treatment itself took approximately 10 minutes.
• The botulinum toxin was injected into the muscles in my face using a very fine needle.
• It not painful, you can’t feel many of the injections. The worst ones are around your hair line where the skin is thinner and there is less muscle. 
• The first treatment tends to be on the more cautious side to make sure the results are natural. 
• You are given as follow up appointment 2-3 weeks after your initial injections to tweak the results if it hasn’t given you the desired effect. I didn’t require any further Botox at my first review. was really happy with the results.  

Post – treatment care

After the Botox Nurse Emma explains a list of things to avoid and how to take care following treatment. 

They advice following  your injectable appointment you should apply these steps into your daily routine. 

• Kept upright abs avoid bending / laying down for a few hours
• Avoid any strenuous exercise for 48 hours. 
• Alcohol should be avoided for 48 hours as it can bring excess blood  to your face. 
• Carefully remove makeup on the first evening. Use gentle patting movements. No excess pressure.  
• No facials, saunas, jaccuzzi or steam treatments for 2 weeks. 
• Keep well hydrated. 
• It is common to get headaches after Botox, this will subside and can be treated with normal pain killers. 

I was advised that it would take 2-3 weeks before the effects were truly noticeable. 

I started to see some of the Muscles stop working after about 4-5 days. As the week went on I was loosing more and more movement. 

I was told that I may see less movement on one side over another as we do have a dominant side and this is exactly what happened. The side eye wrinkles subsided first, followed by the lines across my forehead.  There was an interesting point around day 7 when only one of my eyebrows could be raised 

Botox Side Effects & Risks

As with most cosmetic procedures, there are some potential side effects and risks associated with receiving Botox.  

These can include:

• a headache, they advise you to take paracetamol. I had this and it lasted about 1 week but it doesn’t happen for everyone. 
• You may experience bruising, swelling and redness where the needles went into the skin. I have had a few very small bruises. 

Would I Get Botox Again?

Absolutely!  I have now had my 3rd treatment this week and I LOVE the results. I love the fresh-faced smooth skin that the Botox treatment has given me.  I am feeling less conscious of my forehead and made me feel so much happier in my  own skin. 

If you are considering having Botox I really recommend that you do your own research abs find a clinic like Kaizen who will look after you and do a very professional job.