When I thought of Botox I always said no way! Are you crazy?! Injecting a toxin in to my face! That was until I saw the results on my friend, quite literally, it was not written all over her face. Smooth skin, which screamed late 20’s. Now she was in noway old, late 30’s infact, but the flawless forehead and lineless eyes were too good to miss out on. Is this really a miracle? I found out for myself.

When I picked where to have my first experience for the cure of my early signs of ageing, I decided to ask friends and colleagues for advice. Better still were the people who owned up to having been fans for quite sometime. In my opinion judging the results close up was the best way to go.

Like a Botox virgin ... Madonna goes under the needle in the clip for her song Hollywood

After countless Googling hours of celebrity Botox spotting and checking out all the relevant certificates for the shortlisted surgeries, I picked my doctor and made an appointment. If it’s good enough for Kylie, then it’s good enough for me!

I had to wait four weeks to get in to see my desired Botox guru, which actually made me feel much better as he was obviously in demand for his miracle services. Got to be a good sign! When the day came I was excited and nervous at the same time. After checking my fine lines and expressive forehead for the last time, I hailed a cab and started my journey for a more youthful face.

The surgery was luxurious and tranquil. The lovely receptionist asked me to fill in a few forms detailing any medical issues before I went in to see the doctor for a consultation before committing to the procedure. The doctor was extremely pleasant and explained all the possible side effects as well as answering all my questions, which were many! “So,” he said, “are we going to go for it?”, I thought hard for a moment, my friends flawless face popped into my head. There was no doubt in my mind. “Yes, yes, yes!”

The whole procedure didn’t last long. I had 12 tiny injections in my forehead and a few in my frown lines between my eye brows. The doctor explained it would take up to two weeks to see the full effect, at which time I would come back for him to check the results and make any corrections. On my way home I read and re-read the do’s and don’ts. I arrived home, propped myself up with pillows and waited for the Botox to do it’s magic.

As the days and eventually weeks past, my forehead became smoother and smoother. The frown lines seemed to melt away, I was hooked! The sensation took a while to get used to. I was unable to raise my eyebrows like before, and it was impossible to frown, but I was in my late 20’s again! On my return appointment the doctor was as happy as I was with the results. I had a little top up in the odd place, but overall, the appearance was better than I dreamed.

Six months later? I made my next appointment to keep the results going. Addictive? Yes! A miracle cure? No! Continued 4 to 6 monthly injections required to maintain the results.

Botox reaches all those places where my serum can't! | Picture courtesy http://www.dailymail.co.uk

SHINE’s Top Botox Doctors in the UK:

Dr Michael Prager – Described as the ‘Karl Lagerfeld’ of injectables. The stars flock to his Wimpole Street clinic. For more information call 020 7323 3660 or visit www.drmichaelprager.com.

Dr Jean-Louis Sebagh – The undisputed king of Botox. His clinics on Rue De Longchamp in Paris and on Wimpole Street will be packed! Tel: 020 7637 0548 or visit www.drsebgh.com.

Dr Andrew Markey – An expert with lasers as well as Botox and fillers. Book well ahead as there can be a long waiting list at his clinic in Lister Hospital. Tel: 020 7730 1219 or www.listerhospital.com.

SHINE’s Top Botox Doctors in the US:

Darrick E. Antell, MD, top NY Manhattan Plastic Surgeon – New York’s most famous cosmetic surgeon. As well as fantastic botox he offers face lift miracles. For more information telephone 212-988-4040 or visit www.antell-md.com.

Dr Frederic Brandt, MD. A pro when it comes to facial rejuvenation, a whizz with botox, lasers and the famous Dr Brandt skincare line. With locations in New York and Miami go to www.drfredricbrandt.com for more information.

Dr. Kenneth Beer. A highly sort after Palm Beach Botox guru! There are many prcedures at the clinic to rejuvenate the face, but Dr Beer is the best at Botox. For more information go to www.palmbeachcosmetic.com.

Seek medical advice before committing to Botox. Check all relevant certificates and governing bodies. Be beauty safe.