Are you wondering if you should start getting Botox at 30?
Maybe you’re nervous, unsure, or just looking for before and after photos. Don’t worry, I’ve got those. I’ll also tell you about my experience since I was exactly 30 when I went for the first time.
What is Botox?
According to MedlinePlus.gov, Botox is a drug made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
How does Botox work?
Botox works by weakening or paralyzing muscles or blocking specific nerves. Insanely enough it’s the same toxin that causes botulism. (A life-threatening type of food-poisoning).
What are the possible side effects?
The most common side effects are pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site. As you’d expect after being poked multiple times with a needle. You could also have flu-like symptoms, headache, and upset stomach. Injections in the face may also cause temporary drooping eyelids. You should not use Botox if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Some medical conditions will keep you from being eligible for Botox injections, but your provider should discuss your medical history with you before the procedure.
When should you start getting Botox? Should you get Botox at 30?
There is no such thing as starting too early or, on the other end of the spectrum, being too late to start. Botox in your 20s and early 30s can act as a preventative treatment.
Why did I choose to start at 30?
I literally got my first injections on my 30th birthday. Little gift to myself, ya know?
But I was noticing lines in my forehead even when I was at rest, making no expressions. NOT ok with me, ok?
The overall rule is that you should start getting botox when your facial lines are lingering.
The age you start is the age you stay.
Liz k., my injector
After a mini consultation with the nurse I had chosen…I knew that I could start now and completely get rid of the lines. If I waited until they were deep then I may only be able to soften them instead of completely obliterate them. And I wanted them O B L I T E R A T E D, ya know? GONE.
Here is what my forehead looked like with my brows raised and then scrunched together.
You can see in the scrunched brow photo, I have faint lines across my forehead. Those were permanently there, no matter what my face looked like. Those are the lines that really made me decide to go for it.
How was the appointment?
Firstly, my nurse was amazing. I couldn’t recommend her more. You can check out her Instagram here. Sweet, warm, friendly, smart, all the good things, ya know? Her name is Liz and she practices in Folsom and Granite Bay in California.
There are a ton of different places that you could actually go to get your botox. A med spa, a doctor’s office, a cosmetic surgery office, or maybe it’s a private practitioner.
In my case, Liz was working out of a cutie patootie rental space. Sort of like those mega hair salons where there are multiple individual stylists’ salons inside.
Liz had already sent me consent information, procedure information, and possible side effects to read over the day before. I also had sent her a video of my face making several different expressions so she could gauge how many units I would need.
She verified I only wanted to address my forehead area and then I signed all necessary paperwork.
Because I had worn makeup to the appointment she removed my makeup from the procedure area and then further cleansed my skin. She had her syringes pre drawn and ready to go. Fast and efficient, loved her. She told me the needles were 32 gauge in size. Being a nurse, I knew this was TINY so I wasn’t nervous at all about pain. But she does recommend in her pre-procedure instructions that you take a Tylenol before hand if pain concerns you.
The injections themselves took maybe five minutes. MAYBE. Honestly it was probably less time than that.
Pain wise, it was a mix of pressure and teeny tiny pricks. 3/10 on a pain scale maybe.
I didn’t feel any different in my ability to make facial expressions immediately after. My forehead was slightly tingly for a couple hours after the appointment but other than that you would have no idea anything had happened. No bruising, no bleeding, no nothing.
When do you see final results?
Two weeks post injection is when your results are finalized.
But I noticed a dramatic difference starting at day 4.
Here are my two week results making the same expressions as my “before” photos:
What did it cost?
This will differ depending on where you live and what your provider charges. But Liz charges $10/unit of Botox. After her consultation with me we decided I needed 38 units and would reevaluate at two weeks. Since it was my first time and we weren’t sure how I would react she suggested we go on the lower side and add more if I felt I needed it.
I really appreciated this about her. Felt that she wanted the best results for me and not just more money out of my pocket.
My total came out to $380 to address my forehead lines and my “elevens” (the lines in between your eyebrows).
How long does it last?
Botox lasts around 3-4 months. People obviously vary and it may be shorter or longer for you. But the more treatments you get the longer it will last as time goes on. First timers tend to have the shortest lasting results.
Before & After, Botox at 30
Final thoughts
I am so glad I went through with it friends. I love my results and I will continue with whatever upkeep is necessary.
I really don’t have any cons besides that it is not permanent and will require repeat visits. But I don’t see this as a con because your face will change overtime and you’ll require different placement!
Overall I think GO FOR IT! I hope this was helpful in pushing you to make a decision.
I’ll leave off with a short video I made of my entire experience.
xoxo, Nadia
