Getting Botox in my 20s Was The Best Decision I Made

Getting anti-wrinkle injections in your 20s, I have learnt, is a controversial thing to do, and I have to admit, it's not something I thought I would be doing at the age of 27. With the rise of popularity in aesthetic treatments (and alongside this, of my insecurities) I knew I would be getting anti-wrinkle injections sooner rather than later, but I had envisioned waiting until I hit 30. But what would really change when I entered into my third decade of life? After my consultation with Dr Ash Soni, my mind was settled. There was no point waiting when the frown lines at rest were already appearing, and so I began my Botox journey.

Dr Ash Soni, UK & US trained Plastic Surgeon based at The Langham, is known for his holistic, medically led approach. In the consultation we discussed my goals, facial expressions, skin quality, and potential benefits. What I appreciated most was the sense that this wasn’t about chasing perfection, it was about prevention and wellbeing.

My key concerns were twofold: baby Botox on my forehead and masseter Botox for jaw clenching. The forehead lines had started to etch themselves into permanence, exacerbated by years of expressive movement and likely, countless hours staring at a screen. I’d noticed my makeup settling into those creases, making them appear even deeper by the end of the day.

Then there were the headaches. I suffer from chronic tension headaches, sometimes tipping into migraines. I had read that Botox could help, and clinical data supports this: onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) is FDA-approved for chronic migraine management, with multiple studies demonstrating reduced headache frequency and intensity. According to research, Botox works by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory neuropeptides like CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) from peripheral nerve terminals, which are known to be involved in migraine pathogenesis. Studies have shown that patients treated with Botox for chronic migraine experienced up to a 50% reduction in monthly headache days.

The forehead Botox, commonly referred to as "baby Botox" when administered in small doses, did exactly what I hoped it would. My expression remained mobile, but the resting lines softened. And the surprise benefit? Fewer blemishes. While not widely marketed as an acne treatment, Botox has shown promise in reducing oil production in targeted areas, indirectly improving skin clarity. Emerging data suggests that botulinum toxin can inhibit sebum production by modulating cholinergic signaling in sebaceous glands, providing a plausible mechanism for its effect on acne-prone areas.

As for the masseter Botox, this was an issue I had been living with in the background for years. My dentist had advised night guards for jaw clenching and suspected early bruxism. But the idea of sleeping with a guard every night felt like a compromise, not a solution. Botox, on the other hand, offered muscular relaxation directly at the source.

Clinically, masseter Botox works by targeting the overactive masseter muscles responsible for jaw tension and teeth grinding. Once injected, the botulinum toxin weakens these muscles enough to prevent excessive clenching without interfering with chewing or speaking. Within two weeks of my treatment, the jaw tension began to ease (but it was such a strong muscle for me, that a top up was needed). I even noticed my face subtly contouring, a well-documented aesthetic side effect of this particular injection site. Clinical trials on masseter hypertrophy have confirmed both functional and cosmetic benefits of botulinum toxin treatment, with sustained effects for three to six months post-injection.

The science behind Botox is simple but effective. Botulinum toxin type A inhibits the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, temporarily paralysing targeted muscles. When used in low doses, the hallmark of "baby Botox," it allows for subtle, natural-looking results that wear off gradually over three to four months. Beyond muscle relaxation, botulinum toxin has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects and may influence local biochemical pathways associated with pain and oil secretion.

Preventative Botox is a growing trend, but it's not without controversy. Critics argue that treating wrinkles before they fully appear is unnecessary, but there's an emerging body of evidence suggesting otherwise. A 2006 study in Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery found that patients who used Botox regularly over a period of years had fewer and less severe dynamic wrinkles than those who hadn’t. By minimising repetitive muscle movement early, you potentially slow the development of deeper static lines. This preventative mechanism aligns with data showing that botulinum toxin can reduce muscle contraction intensity, leading to diminished mechanical stress on collagen and elastin fibres, thereby preserving dermal integrity over time.

Of course, Botox isn’t a miracle. It doesn’t replace good skincare, sleep, hydration or SPF. But it is a useful tool, especially when administered by an experienced medical practitioner who understands the anatomical and functional layers of the face. Dr Ash carefully assessed my muscle strength and facial symmetry before deciding on the dosage and placement.

From a safety perspective, Botox is one of the most extensively studied and widely used aesthetic treatments globally. Complications are rare when done by trained professionals, though they can include temporary bruising, asymmetry, or unintended muscle weakening. In clinical studies involving over 15,000 patients, the incidence of serious adverse effects was less than 1%, reinforcing its excellent safety profile when appropriately administered.

The stigma around "starting young" with Botox seems outdated in an age where we talk openly about self-care, prevention and mental health. For me, the results have been both aesthetic and therapeutic. I feel more comfortable in my skin, my makeup sits better, and my jaw tension no longer dominates my mornings.

In a way, Botox has given me more than smoother skin, it's given me relief from pain, confidence in how I present myself, and a deeper understanding of how our muscles affect our mood, our habits and even our skin. Would I do it again? Absolutely. And the next time someone raises an eyebrow when I mention Botox at 27, I’ll raise mine right back, minus the crease.