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'I Tried Botox for the First Time at 29 -- Here's What It Was Like'

This is what went down when I went under the needle
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My Initial Thoughts
I knew I wouldn't notice any immediate results post-Botox -- Dr. Henry said that it could take up to a week for it to kick in. Although I couldn't see any differences in the way my face looked in those first few days, my forehead did feel heavy and stiff. At around day five, I noticed a subtle change. If I had to pick a word to describe how I looked, it would be refreshed. While I couldn't scrunch my forehead, my face didn't look frozen -- and I did notice that my forehead was very smooth.

In the days after the procedure, I couldn't help but tell people about my Botox. I wanted their affirmation that my face wasn't frozen, "Real Housewives" style. Everyone I talked to was curious about the process and said that I looked exactly like I did before -- which I was happy about!

Image Courtesy Christina Heiser

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Why More Young Women Than Ever Are Getting Botox
I'm not the only woman in her late 20s who's had Botox. In an interview two months later, Dr. Henry told me that she's seen an increase in younger patients, especially in those who are in their early 30s. "Selfie culture is driving it," she said. "It's making patients very aware of how they photograph, and they're comparing themselves to their friends."

All those photos my millennial counterparts are snapping are also making them more aware of forehead lines and crow's feet. Dr. Henry also told me that people my age are more knowledgeable about how starting anti-aging treatments early can help prevent future signs of aging (hence why so many of us are turning to Botox before we have noticeable wrinkles).

Image via Getty

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How My Skin-Care Routine Changed Post-Botox
After getting Botox, I decided my entire skin care routine needed an overhaul. Botox only lasts three or four months, and I wanted to make sure that I was doing everything in my power to keep my skin in as good as shape as it could be for years to come.

I asked Dr. Henry what I should add to my routine now that I'm approaching 30, and she said that sunscreen was most important. Phew -- I've always been diligent about SPF (again, thanks, Mom!) and apply it every morning before leaving for work.

Dr. Henry said that using a vitamin C serum and a retinoid could be beneficial, too. I bought Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum, $85, with a coupon I had at Sephora and have been applying it every morning under my go-to sunscreen, Neogen Dermalogy Day-Light Protection Sunscreen SPF 50/PA+++, $30. It has an instant brightening effect that is no joke. I don't even feel the need to wear foundation any more.

As far as retinoids go, Dr. Henry said I should start slowly by applying a cream twice a week at night until I built up a tolerance. Retinoids do everything from minimize the appearance of wrinkles to keep breakouts at bay. I picked up a tube of Roc Retinol Correxion Sensitive Night Cream, $22.99, which is formulated with a low-strength retinol perfect for beginners like me, and have gradually worked my way up to applying it every other night. (Retinols are weaker than retinoids, BTW.)

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So, Would I Try It Again?
Before I got Botox, I for sure had preconceived notions -- I thought it'd make me look frozen and I was terrified of having needles injected into my forehead. But I was wrong. For starters, my results look really natural. It's like the Botox has just perked up my face, and it's given me a major confidence boost. When my skin looks good, I really do feel better about myself. And now that I've had Botox, I know exactly what to expect so I'm not scared any more. It's quick and nowhere near as painful as I'd imagined (it honestly barely hurt at all!). I haven't made another appointment just yet (I still have a month or two before the results fade), but you better believe I'll be in Dr. Henry's office again -- probably before my 30th birthday.

Image Courtesy Christina Heiser

BY CHRISTINA HEISER | DEC 19, 2017 | SHARES
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