First Time Botox: How Many Units and What to Expect
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Why would a woman get Botox in her 30s?
Less than a year ago, I heard a woman talk about Botox, and thought it was slightly…I don’t even know the word for it. Not egotistical. Not dangerous. Not vain. Just not something I would ever consider or do.
Now, less than a year later, I find myself loving the results of getting Botox in my early 30s.
After talking to coworkers and doing independent research, I decided to get Botox for the first time in my 30s.
Continue reading to learn why I decided to join the fan club and what my first Botox experience was like.
Why I Tried Botox for the First Time in My 30s
If you aren’t a fan of Botox, no worries. I felt the same. Here’s why I changed my mind in my home city of Atlanta, GA:
Botox is more common for young women than you may think.
I used to think Botox was rare. But – it’s not! Depending on the study, 20-30% of women in their 30s get Botox. That’s a lot!
When I complimented an attractive, 50+ year old female coworker, she admitted she gets Botox. Then, she informed me her daughter gets Botox, as well as two other power-house females in my office.
I’ve also randomly complimented attractive females in their late 30s, and straight out asked if they use Botox. (Horrible, I know. I have no shame in asking.) They use Botox.
When I realized Botox for women in their late 20s and 30s isn’t rare, I become more open to the idea.
My Experience Getting Botox for the First Time
Getting Botox for the first time was very quick and easy for me.
The first time I went to get Botox, Laura (my aesthetician) recommended 12 units of Botox. I was concerned about not being able to move my face, so I got 10 Botox units to start out. She had me lift my forehead a few times, and the whole process took about 5 minutes. That was it! No pain at all. No side effects. No bruises. Nothing. She suggested I come back in two weeks, to see how it goes.
Two weeks later, I came back and got 16 more units.
I wanted to have a vertical line in my forehead go away, and take Laura up on her offer to do an injection above one of my eyebrows to raise it slightly and make it even. (If you were unaware, most people’s faces aren’t symmetrical, and symmetry makes a person more attractive). I also wanted the units to be more focused on the furrows of my forehead, which is what my very red-headed, pale, attractive coworker recommended for me (and she’s at least 50!).
After the second treatment of Botox, I can move my forehead, but I’ve noticed the very fine line on my forehead go away, and no bad side effects whatsoever.
Overall, my experience with Botox for the first time was a good one. Find a good aesthetician! In Atlanta, I went to LUX Med Spa.
First Time Getting Botox: Things to Know if You are Starting Botox
Here are a few first-time Botox tips and things to know.
Price for Botox: The average price, at least in Atlanta, is about $12 a unit. Assuming you need 15 units, that is $300.00.
- Some places are $10 a unit for Botox.
- Xeomin is slightly cheaper, at $8-10 a unit. Unlike Botox, Xeomin doesn’t need to be kept at a certain temperature. My red-headed coworker swears by Xeomin, but I wanted to go with the tried and true Botox my first time around.
Units of Botox needed first time: It seems like the average number of units can be anywhere from 20 to 35.
- I’d start on the lower end like I did, and go back to the aesthetician in two weeks.
- Since I was paying per unit, it didn’t matter that I went two different times, versus just once.
Frequency/How Long Does Botox Last: Most online research says that you will need Botox every 3-4 months.
- My coworker who has been getting it for years informed me that she used to get it every 4 months, and now she goes every 6-8 months. The muscles weaken over time, so you need to go less often.
- I personally plan on going every 4-6 months.
Post-Botox Care: After Botox, the key things are to 1) not do exercise for 24 hours, 2) not lie down for 4 hours, and 3) not scrub your face too hard. That’s pretty easy.
- My aesthetician said that she goes running the following day in the morning, and has had no problem – so the 24-hour rule may be a bit strict.
- I usually work out in the morning, so I found it easy to get Botox on my lunch break. Then, I definitely won’t be exercising until the following day, sleeping, or washing my face!
To tip or not: For this one, I wasn’t sure. From speaking with folks, it seems like Botox is seen as a medical treatment, so tipping is not expected. Good to know!
Post-Botox Treatment Instructions: Botox Aftercare
If you do decide to get Botox, make sure to take care of yourself afterward!
Here are simple and easy post-treatment Botox instructions.
1. Do NOT lie down for 4 hours after your Botox treatment.
Lying down can cause the Botox to track into the orbit of your eye or cause a drooping eyelid.
2. Do NOT exercise for 24 hours.
Do NOT perform activities involving straining, heavy lifting, or vigorous exercise for 24 hours after treatment.
This is one of the easier post-treatment Botox instructions for many women to follow. 😊
3. Don't touch it!
Do NOT manipulate the treatment area for four hours following the treatment.
4. Don't get facials.
Do not receive any facials, laser treatments, microneedling, dermalblading, microblading, or microdermabrasion after Botox injections for at least 10 days.
5. Avoid the heat.
Avoid extreme heat such as saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs for 25 hours.
Botox vs. Xeomin
Considering Xeomin or Botox? I personally go with Xeomin because it is cheaper.
How to Look Younger Without Botox
Not ready for Botox? I get you!! If you are unsure, then I’d recommend sticking to a good skincare routine that includes a daily SPF moisturizer, an anti-aging cream at night, and an eye cream.
Below are my top tips and picks for beauty products to prevent aging and to look younger.
1. Use a Daily Moisturizer with SPF
I swear by the Laura Mercier primer with SPF. It doesn’t cause breakouts and wearing a daily SPF is key to staying young!
The Primer with SPF by Laura Mercier is THE BEST daily SPF moisturizer in my opinion.
2. Use an Anti Aging Cream at Night
It’s expensive, but the StriVectin anti-wrinkle cream works wonders.
The StriVectin Anti-Wrinkle Cream is the best anti-aging cream for the night in my opinion.
3. Use an Eye Treatment at Night for under-eye circles
I love the ROC Retinal Correxion eye cream. It's the best for under-eye circles.
4. Take Care of Your Health
Have plenty of water, eat your veggies and fruit, and get enough protein and healthy fats.
Get plenty of sleep too and make sure to get quality sleep at night.
5. Always Wear a Hat!
A hat will protect your face.
FAQs about Botox
Have a question that's not answered below? Leave a comment and I'll help you out! 🙂
How many of units Botox should you get for your forehead the first time?
I recommend getting 20 units of Botox for the first time. It’s enough that you will see a difference, but not too much.
How long does Botox last the first time?
Botox usually lasts about 3-4 months. I get Botox every 6 months.
How many units of Botox should you get the first time?
I recommend about 15-25 units of Botox the first time. If you get Botox around your crow’s feet too, you may need 20-30 units.
You can always get more Botox the second time around.
I’d recommend asking the aesthetician what they recommend you get and then get 5-10 units less than that.
I get 31 units total. I get 6 units (technically it's Xeomin) in my forehead, 15 units near my brows, 8 units for crow's feet, and 2 units to raise one eyebrow.
According to my aesthetician, 31 units is on the "low" end, but it works for me!
Does Botox cause bruising?
Botox shouldn’t cause bruising, but sometimes it does.
To avoid bruising, you should avoid turmeric, pain medications like Advil or Aleve (Tylenol is okay), green tea, and fish oil before using Botox.
Can I exercise after Botox?
No, you should not exercise after Botox. You should wait at least 24 hours after getting Botox for it to work its full magic.
However, moderate exercise (like walking) is okay.
How long does it take to get Botox?
Botox is really quick! If your aesthetician is good, they should be done in about 5 minutes. Literally. It’s fast.
Does Botox hurt?
Botox is kind of like getting the flu shot. It hurts a little bit, but not a lot.
How much does Botox cost?
Botox usually costs between $240 and $350. It depends on how many units of Botox you get and how much the place charges.
Most places charge $12-$15 per unit of Botox. Xeomin is usually a little bit cheaper.
Do I need to follow the Botox post-treatment instructions?
Yes! You don't want to have spent $150+ and then have the results vanish because you worked out.
Do I need to wait 24 hours to exercise after getting Botox?
You could probably push it a little bit...walking is fine. You can probably go on a run the following afternoon if you get Botox the prior night.
How long until I see results from Botox?
It may take 4 to 14 days for results to be seen. I notice the results within the next day!
Will I be in pain after getting Botox?
You should NOT experience pain after your Botox treatment.
Related Articles
Learn about Xeomin vs. Botox. Xeomin is cheaper and it's what I now get regularly. Learn more about Xeomin here.
Not ready for Botox, but want to look younger? Then check out these top-rated Vitamin C serums that are the BEST serums...according to women in Atlanta.
How to Look Younger In Your 30s
