As a woman over 40 I have used many beauty products over the years, I was forever dying my hair at university and have tried a number of non-surgical procedures over the years. I know I have good skin, something I have always been blessed with and I have always looked younger than my years, which used to annoy me as a teenager but something I am grateful of now! I was recently offered the chance to chance try Botox and was keen to give it a go, I wanted to see if anyone would notice and how my face would be after botox!
Taking care of yourself means more than just curling up with a good book every now and then. Sure, it’s a great escape from the real world, but it’s not going to keep you physically healthy. You need to be vigilant about everything in your life, including the way you look after your body.
We often decide to make a positive changes to our lifestyle and well being and I am no different. I am taking steps to overhaul myself and give myself a health boost. I have also decided to revert some of the ageing processes with a little Botox. I actually had the treatment two months ago and I am now happy to reveal all and explain the process and what happens after Botox injections.
My Experience Having Botox
I visited a clinic in Stourbridge for my treatment as part of a training session for Gild clinic. The process was straightforward. It began with me answering some general questions as my face was analysed. I have quite big eyelids that droop a little, and I was told some people are advised against Botox because of this although mine were fine to carry on after checking how I look around.
I had chosen to have the Botox treatment around my eyes and forehead. The therapist when set to with drawing little dots on my face where she would inject the filler.
When she was ready she began injecting the Botox into the required places. It was not painful and consisted of a number of injections. They felt like little scratches and the process probably took half an hour. The woman was training and took her time under supervision and I was relaxed throughout. She said after I had actually made her feel very comfortable – so that was a bonus!
After Botox Injections
After Botox I was given a care sheet and told what to expect. I then came home. I must say that at this point I hadn’t told my husband or parents what I was having done and I still havent!! – I will wait and see if they read this post and then say anything!
After Botox nothing felt any different for the first couple of days and I wondered if maybe I was resistant to it or something, and my one deep wrinkle between my eyes was most definitely still on show. Then on about day 4 I woke up with a heavy feeling in my forehead. I couldn’t really move it and thought ahh this is it.
That heavy feeling lasted a few days and whilst I could raise my eyebrows nothing else much moved! It was a strange feeling and I thought it must be really noticeable but no-one commented.
I had told two friends and both looked at me and said there wasn’t a huge difference. However, there is definitely a subtle difference, which is how I wanted it if truth be told. My fine lines have all but disappeared and the larger crease I had is barely noticeable.
I am now two months post-treatment and I love the results. I think my face looks fresher in close up photos. I can move my face and pull expressions (which I know people worry about) and don’t feel any different.
Would I have Botox Again?
After Botox you can expect the results to last for between 4-6 months. They did explain it can wear off sooner if you exercise and sweat a lot. My family might not have noticed but I certainly have and I would have treatment again when this does wear off. It was painless and I like the subtle effects and think I look fresher, less tired and that bit smoother.
There are a number of other ways that I am looking after myself from the inside out including:
Exercise and Running
These past 18 months have seen me getting fitter with Iron Zuu and I work out two or three times a week. I love how strong it has made me although I am still work in progress! I have also agreed to run a 10K at Easter so I have downloaded a running app and have started pounding the streets. This is because I want to tone up some more.
Hydrate
Starting your day with hot water with fresh lemon is going to make a huge difference to your digestive system. Staying away from coffee and too much tea may feel like an impossibility, but did you know that water can give you the same boost as caffeine, and hydrate your brain at the same time? Well, now you do!
Wholesome Food
If you spend a lot of your meals downing junk food and food that is high in fat and sugar, then you will end up feeling the effects via sluggishness, exhaustion and a distinctive ‘hangover’ feeling. Sticking to food that is green, basic and wholesome is going to change everything. The energy your body draws from fruit, vegetables, and meat is going to keep you sustained and the benefits are endless. Last year I lost over a stone and a half by eating better and working out more.
Relax
A big part of taking care of yourself is making that time to read the book, to take the walk and to generally be up and about. The stress of family life and work can mean that you are constantly running on empty, but just as with anything, you need to be able to recharge and focus. Take the time to do those things, and you don’t have to burn out.
Affirmations
So much is unknown about the brain, but if there is one thing that is certain, it’s that it has the power to make or break you. Thinking happy thoughts can reflect out of you and onto everyone around you. Constantly harbouring negative thoughts and sad thoughts can mean you are suffering. Make yourself repeat affirmations throughout the day so that you can effectively convince yourself that you are happy as you are.
New resolutions work for some and I want to focus on feeling my best in 2020 and that starts right now with some lifestyle changes. I am running again and plan on doing a 10K at Easter. I haven’t run for a few years but it is good for the mind and I need a goal!
