Rosie Green, a journalist, has detailed her two-decade-long journey with Botox, sharing insights and advice for women over 45 considering the cosmetic treatment. Green began her Botox treatments at age 32, motivated by the exhaustion and visible signs of aging that followed the birth of her son.

In the early 2000s, Green noted that Botox was not widely accepted in the UK and was often a topic of secrecy, with practitioners and individuals facing potential mockery. Her initial experience involved a visit to Dr. Sebagh on Harley Street, where she felt rushed and left uncertain about the results. However, within a few days, she observed a noticeable improvement, with her face appearing fresher and more rejuvenated.

A subsequent experience with a different practitioner resulted in a "horror show" outcome, characterized by a frozen forehead, exaggerated eyebrows, and an inability to smile properly. This led Green to swear off the procedure, but she eventually returned to it after the birth of her daughter.

Green now receives treatments two to three times a year, noting that techniques and understanding of Botox have advanced significantly over the years. Dermatologist Dr. Sam Bunting is quoted saying that Botox remains a valuable tool for helping individuals look their best without appearing obviously treated, provided it is administered correctly. Bunting explains that early approaches used higher doses, aiming for complete facial stillness, whereas current methods focus on lower doses and preserving natural movement and expression.

Tips for Women Over 45

Green, in conjunction with dermatologist Dr. Vicky Dondos, has outlined 12 tips for individuals over 45 considering Botox:

  1. The primary goal should be to appear less tired or grumpy, not to eliminate all wrinkles.
  2. Modern techniques employ lower doses distributed across the entire face, including the lower face for older individuals.
  3. Botox in the DAO muscle can counteract the "sad face" effect caused by the downward pull of mouth corners with age.
  4. A small injection at the top of the nose can temper creasing that may occur due to restricted movement in the eye area.
  5. Using less Botox in the forehead is advised, as excessive amounts can create a waxy appearance and make the skin look unnaturally smooth compared to the rest of the face, potentially leading to a tired look.
  6. Heavily Botoxed brows can exacerbate the appearance of sagging eyes by creating a heaviness that pulls the eyelids down.
  7. Botox can reduce the appearance of crepey skin on the neck by restricting the contraction of vertical bands, but it should be combined with good skincare.
  8. Focusing less on the '11' lines between the eyebrows is recommended, as blocking movement in the glabella area can affect the ability to show empathy. Those who have had Botox for a while often do not have deep lines here anyway.
  9. While strategically placed Botox can achieve a brow lift, caution is advised to avoid an angry appearance.
  10. Under-treating crow's feet is suggested; excessive use around the eyes can emphasize changes in skin quality. Targeting higher crow's feet and the tail of the eyebrow can provide a subtle lift.
  11. Botox can address a "crone" chin by relaxing the chin muscle, which strengthens with age and pulls the chin upward. It can also smooth out a "cobblestone chin."
  12. Injections in the jaw muscles can create a slimming effect by relaxing the masseter muscles, which can become enlarged due to grinding or clenching, making the face appear square. This can highlight cheek contours and reduce the prominence of nose-to-mouth lines.

Green also advises checking a doctor's registration with the General Medical Council at gmc-uk.org.