Botox Before and After – My First Experience with Botox
Recently I had my very first experience with Botox. Shocking, I know! And whilst I never thought I would be the ‘girl who gets Botox,‘ here I am, a 35-year-old mum and experimenting with my first cosmetic procedures. So, let me share with you my first experience with Botox and more importantly, the Botox before and after pictures. I’m not going to lie; the results are pretty amazing!
Disclaimer: I was very kindly gifted these treatments by Blossom Dental Care to trial the process and share my experience and thoughts in this blog post.
What is Botox?
Botulinum toxin, commonly referred to as Botox, is a series of injections in your face which works to 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, leading to a more youthful appearance. It is not a permanent treatment and generally lasts between 4-6 months.
Why Botox?
I don’t know about you, but I thought Botox was reserved for the LA types who strut around in 6-inch heels and carry their dogs in designer handbags. There seems to be a negative stereotype associated with Botox, and I think that perhaps stems from people who have gone too far. Think completely frozen faces and big fish lips.
Personally, I feel as though Botox has become more socially acceptable in recent years. It seems more and more people are opting for this entry level cosmetic surgery.
Either that, or I’m just on my wrong side of my thirties!
I was initially intrigued about Botox when my sister had a small amount before her wedding. It sparked my interest that perhaps it was something I would try when I was ready and needing it. And now that I am a mum, there is no denying we all need a little help feeling sexy after motherhood.
So when Dr Mafalda offered me the opportunity to try Botox for the first time, I figured why not! Given its a non-permanent treatment, if I absolutely hated it then it would be no different to dealing with a bad haircut.
Dr Mafalda
Botox Before and After – The Process
Initial Consultation
Before proceeding with the Botox, I attended an initial face consultation with Dr Mafalda at Blossom Dental Care. This was an opportunity for her to review my skin and discuss any concerns I might have. I’m also receiving some treatment to deal with the hyperpigmentation on my skin – so watch this space!
We took some ‘before‘ photos and scheduled an appointment for the Botox injections a week later.
Botox Injections
My first impression is that the entire process was extremely easy and professional. Dr Maflada explained clearly and thoroughly everything that I would experience during the treatment, in the days after the injections and any potential side effects.
To start with, my face was cleaned, and a numbing cream applied to the areas that would be injected. This was simply because it was my first time and she wanted to make the experience as comfortable as possible. I was then asked to smile, frown and act surprised. During each of these facial expressions, Dr Mafalda put dots on my head, so she knew where to administer the Botox.
Face marked, ready for the Botox injections
Things to note about my experience receiving the Botox injections:
The actual treatment itself took approximately 5 – 10 minutes.
The botulinum toxin was injected into the muscles in my face using a very fine needle.
I would say that it hurt a little bit, but it was more of a sting than truly painful. And I think it was more the anticipation of whether it would become more painful than it actually hurting. But it never did!
I estimate there were about 15 injections in total.
The injections at the top of my hair line and under my eyes hurt the most.
I didn’t think I was too nervous about the treatment, but my watch pinged a note that high stress was detected, so I must have been more anxious than I was willing to admit.
Immediately after the Botox injections
Dr Mafalda advised I received a beginner’s dose of Botox. Just a small amount to see how my muscles reacted to the treatment. It is of upmost importance to her that the treatments look natural and that her clients do not look fake.
Post Treatment Care
As I said my goodbyes, I was given some Arnica Cream to assist with any potential bruising, a Recover Balm from Alumier MD and a face cloth to wash my face that evening (because it’s very important to be gentle with your skin post treatment). I also received a list of instructions for my Botox post treatment care. Some of the notable ones include:
No lying down for one-hour post treatment,
No working out that day,
Do not massage, rub or lean on the area which has been injected,
Avoid sun exposure,
Sterile makeup may be applied the following day, and
No facials for at least one week.
Follow-up Consultation
The next day I received a follow-up phone call to see how I was feeling, which I thought was a lovely and caring touch. I then had an appointment set for 2 weeks’ time to follow up on the effectiveness of the treatment.
I was informed that I would not see the effects of the Botox straight away, and that it would take 2-3 weeks to see the final results. The side eye wrinkles subsided first, followed by the lines across my forehead. There was an interesting point around day 4 where I looked disturbingly like Jack Nicolson when I raised my eyebrows, ha!
When I visited Dr Mafalda 2 weeks later, she was very happy with the results and no touch-ups were required. We took some photos for the ‘Botox before and after’ comparison and she reminded me that the effects usually last for about 4-6 months.
If I want to have Botox injections again, then I need to wait at least 3 months as it might stop working if I were to have them too often.
Botox Before and After Photos
Now, the part you have all been waiting for. Drum roll please … the Botox before and after photos.
Act Surprised – Botox before and after in forehead – Lines visibly reduced
This is my angry face – creases significantly reduced between eyebrows
Botox before and after under eyes
Botox before and after – crows feet reduced around eye area
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,
bruising, swelling and redness where the needles went into the skin,
a frozen look if too much Botox is injected, and
temporary weakness and droopiness in your face if the Botox moves into different areas.
Personally, I experienced a bit of a headache for the remainder of the day and a tightness across my forehead. Dr Mafalda explained that this might have been because I was anxious during treatment. However, it is also worth noting that I suffer from a sore back & neck (I have Scoliosis) which often leads to headaches and occasionally migraines. I think the Botox procedure may have aggravated the areas which are usually sensitive for me, so in future it is important that I am more relaxed and feeling well going into the treatment.
In terms of the injections, I could feel that they had been administered but nothing really hurt.
There was a bit of heaviness and you could sense that something has been done. But thankfully I suffered no bruising or major discomfort. The tenderness across my forehead started to subside by day 5, but I think I experienced the discomfort for longer due to my pre-existing conditions.
Would I Get Botox Again?
Absolutely! I think the Botox before and after photos speak for themselves. And whilst I never obsessed about my fine lines and wrinkles which were starting to form, I love the fresh-faced look that the Botox treatment has given me. I am feeling less inclined to wear make-up which overall will be better for my skin (and my wallet).
Sure, it was a little painful and there is definitely the cost factor to consider going forward. However, if it makes me feel good and gives me a small confidence boost then I am all for it.
Plus, Dr Mafalda tells me that Botox is one of the only products available that is truly anti-aging. This is because during the time the Botox is in effect, the fine lines and wrinkles are not worsening.
About Blossom Dental Care
Blossom Dental Care, based in York city centre on Blossom Street, is a well-established and award-winning private and NHS dentist, offering a variety of dental and facial aesthetics treatments.
Blossom prides itself on being a Platinum Invisalign Provider – the only practice of this kind in York, and also offers cosmetic treatments such as composite bonding and Enlighten teeth whitening.
I hope you have enjoyed learning about my first experience with Botox and that it’s given you some valuable insights about what Botox treatments entail. I must admit, I am very impressed by the Botox before and after pictures and I am surprised by how much I like the results.
If you are based local to York, I cannot recommend Dr Mafalda and her team enough for facial aesthetics. You are guaranteed to receive wonderful treatment from an experienced, professional and friendly team. Here’s to the start of your anti-ageing journey! Shell x
Shelley is the Founder of Wander & Luxe. She is an award nominated blogger and has worked in the travel, motherhood and lifestyle space since 2016. Her mission is to inspire family wanderlust by showing her adventures and sharing her knowledge and know how when travelling with kids. All whilst she tries to conquer motherhood and indulge in life’s little luxuries.
Shelley is the Founder of Wander & Luxe. She is an award nominated blogger and has worked in the travel, motherhood and lifestyle space since 2016. Her mission is to inspire family wanderlust by showing her adventures and sharing her knowledge and know how when travelling with kids. All whilst she tries to conquer motherhood and indulge in life’s little luxuries.
about me
Inspiring and Informing Your Family Wanderlust
Aussie Wife | Yorkshire Mama
Lover of Coffee, Champagne and A Little Luxe Perth, Western Australia
I can see the appeal of getting rid of crows feet, but I kind of like expression lines on your forehead. I’m far too much of a wuss to actually go for it myself, I woupd fret about something going wrong.
I was only talking about botox to a friend last weekend as she’d just had it done. I’d never really thought about it before, but I definitely am now! #KCACOLS
It’s great you had such a positive experience with it! It’s not something I’d ever considered before but I was recommended it for my migraines (I guess it wouldn’t hurt those lines around my eyes either, which the botox seems to have eased for you, even though I thought you looked so pretty in the before photos anyway!) I actually hadn’t realised it takes a while to see the results. For some reason I assumed you’d see anything straight away, or at least the day after once any potential bruising goes down. It’s good to see a first hand experience and real photos, rather than ads where you can never be sure of what’s true or not. Great write-up of how you got on with it! xx
Oh wow! The results are amazing. Do you feel a lot better for it? I love how you’ve written about your experience and how the procedure went, and the after effects. I’m not sure I’d ever deliberately do this myself, as I’d probably faint on sight of the needle, but it is really good to see the ins and outs of it. Thank you for joining us for the #DreamTeamLinky x
I am a botox fan I must admit. I don’t have much as I want to be able to move, but also just take the edge off the ageing process and basically slow it down. #DreamTeamLinky
One of the dentists I used to work with did botox but it isn’t somehting I’ve ever considered for myself. You had great results so my frown lines are now tempted! Thanks for linking up with #dreamteamlinky
You look great. I’ve often thought about Botox but having been pregnant or Brest feeding for the past 6 years it’s not been an option. So maybe next year when I’m done with breast feeding for good.
#KCACOLS thanks for joining us @WithFranca @senlearnuk
I think crows feet and other lines often look lovely, so I can’t say I’m a fan of botox, and personally I would not inject my face with a toxin for cosmetic reasons. This was an interesting read though, and you look good in both the before and after pictures 😉 x #KCACOLS
14 Responses
Love it! I’m sold! Will DM you for details on prices. C
I can see the appeal of getting rid of crows feet, but I kind of like expression lines on your forehead. I’m far too much of a wuss to actually go for it myself, I woupd fret about something going wrong.
#KCACOL
Very interesting. Thank you for sharing your experience!
I was only talking about botox to a friend last weekend as she’d just had it done. I’d never really thought about it before, but I definitely am now! #KCACOLS
It’s great you had such a positive experience with it! It’s not something I’d ever considered before but I was recommended it for my migraines (I guess it wouldn’t hurt those lines around my eyes either, which the botox seems to have eased for you, even though I thought you looked so pretty in the before photos anyway!) I actually hadn’t realised it takes a while to see the results. For some reason I assumed you’d see anything straight away, or at least the day after once any potential bruising goes down. It’s good to see a first hand experience and real photos, rather than ads where you can never be sure of what’s true or not. Great write-up of how you got on with it! xx
Oh wow! The results are amazing. Do you feel a lot better for it? I love how you’ve written about your experience and how the procedure went, and the after effects. I’m not sure I’d ever deliberately do this myself, as I’d probably faint on sight of the needle, but it is really good to see the ins and outs of it. Thank you for joining us for the #DreamTeamLinky x
I am a botox fan I must admit. I don’t have much as I want to be able to move, but also just take the edge off the ageing process and basically slow it down. #DreamTeamLinky
One of the dentists I used to work with did botox but it isn’t somehting I’ve ever considered for myself. You had great results so my frown lines are now tempted! Thanks for linking up with #dreamteamlinky
You look great. I’ve often thought about Botox but having been pregnant or Brest feeding for the past 6 years it’s not been an option. So maybe next year when I’m done with breast feeding for good.
#KCACOLS thanks for joining us @WithFranca @senlearnuk
I think crows feet and other lines often look lovely, so I can’t say I’m a fan of botox, and personally I would not inject my face with a toxin for cosmetic reasons. This was an interesting read though, and you look good in both the before and after pictures 😉 x #KCACOLS
Aw I wish I’d known about this place when we lived in York. If I’m over visiting friends I might try to book in for some stuff.