Meet five Sun readers who explain why they can’t do without anti-ageing treatment and use Botox as ‘instant pick-me-up’
There has been a 50 per cent increase in users aged between 18 and 35 using the anti-ageing treatment
DANNII MINOGUE has admitted using Botox in her early thirties and new research reveals millions more are “addicted” to it.
The Let It Shine judge, 45, used the drug to disguise her emotions when she felt unhappy.
Once an antidote to middle-aged wrinkles, Botox is now used by people in their twenties and thirties as an instant pick-me-up.
According to Dana Berkowitz, author of Botox Nation: Changing The Face Of America, users now start young and have a “crack-like” addiction to the toxin.
In the US, use among women aged 19 to 35 has risen by 41 per cent in the past six years.
UK practitioners have seen a similar trend.
Dr Munir Somji, Chief Medical Officer at Dr MediSpa, says: “I have seen a 50 per cent increase in the use of Botox for 18 to 35-year-olds in our clinics.”
And Dr Rita Rakus, whose clinic is in Knightsbridge, London, says: “We are seeing younger people wanting the treatment as a preventative measure before fine lines and wrinkles develop.”
Here, LYNSEY CLARKE speaks to five self-confessed Botox addicts.
Drew, 36
Drew Scott, 36, of Newcastle, started using Botox to beat the January blues and says it is his way to get back at the school bullies who had teased him because of his looks. The account manager says:
"I had my first session last January because I was feeling tired and under the weather.
"I needed a pick-me-up and I loved the results.
"It is addictive.
"The week before each appointment, my mood is very low, but as soon as I leave the clinic I am on a high because I am feeling my absolute best.
"At school, I was skinny with bad skin and frizzy hair.
"There was name-calling and I didn’t feel like I fitted in with the cool kids.
It's my way of telling the school bullies; Look at me now
Sun reader Drew on botox
"Botox is my way of saying, “Look at me now”.
"I see them on Facebook and how they’ve aged.
"It’s good knowing I look younger than them.
"My 20-minute sessions are every three months.
"I haven’t found anything else that gives me the adrenaline rush like Botox.
"It is more accepted today that men are having Botox.
"I know lads in their twenties who wear bronzer on nights out.
"That was unheard of ten years ago.
"As long as I feel good about myself, I don’t care what people think."
Lauren, 21
Lauren Crick, from Bracknell, Berks, had her first Botox injection last year and has topped up every six weeks since, spending £1,500 in total. The weight-loss consultant, 21, says:
"Days before my 20th birthday I was horrified when I looked in my rear-view mirror and saw frown lines and potential wrinkle creases.
"I decided to get Botox – before the wrinkles developed.
"A day after, my frown lines were gone.
"Every six to eight weeks since, I’ve topped up.
I've topped up every six months, I love the feel of the needle
Sun reader Lauren on botox
"I love the feel of the needle as it targets wrinkle areas.
"I get a high from the procedure and count down the days until the next one.
"I am addicted to Botox.
"For some it’s smoking, alcohol or exercise – but for me it’s Botox.
"Each session costs around £150 and I’ve spent around £1,500 so far.
"I have always wanted to look good.
"I had my ears pinned back at the age of 12 after kids teased me because they stuck out a bit.
"I felt amazing afterwards.
"Since then, I’ve made sure I’ve worn make-up, from 14 I was on a healthy eating diet, and from 18 I started using expensive anti-wrinkle cream.
"In the same way, I am using Botox to look good, and as a preventative measure against ageing and wrinkles.
Kirsty, 29
Kirsty Burgess, 29, from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, started having Botox when her self-esteem dropped after she split with her boyfriend in July, 2014. Kirsty, a merchandise co-ordinator, says:
"When I look at photos of myself taken before I began Botox, I can’t believe how awful I look.
"I now book in for sessions every three months.
"I also have lip fillers and I’ve had a mastopexy (breast uplift) to make my breasts pert.
"I’ve spent £10,000 so far.
"It all started when I broke up with my boyfriend of six years in 2014.
Heartache over split got me hooked and results are incredible
Sun reader Kirsty on botox
"Later, I found out he had started dating a mutual friend. That knocked my self-esteem.
"I couldn’t understand how he could move on so quickly while I was heartbroken.
"I felt insecure and hated how I looked.
"I was prescribed antidepressants and it took me months to pick myself up.
"I then decided to give myself an overhaul. I lost 3st, dropping from a size 14 to a 10.
"My friend got me into Botox.
"She had it regularly and looked amazing.
"I gave it a try and the results were incredible.
"I soon became addicted.
"I’ll keep having Botox and wouldn’t rule out a facelift in future.
"If I look my best, I feel my best."
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Graeme, 27
Graeme Donnelly, 27, from Leicester, has had Botox every couple of months since he was 18 to keep his face frozen in time and prevent wrinkles. The salon owner says:
"I feel like I am addicted to Botox because I now see it as a way of life.
"To have movement in my face makes me feel old and not as attractive.
"I think that wrinkles and thin lips are signs of ageing and I don’t want that to happen to me if I can prevent it.
"I get a buzz when I have Botox or fillers and I like the fact I won’t get wrinkles because my face is frozen.
"Prevention is better than the cure.
I get a buzz and won't have wrinkles as my face is frozen
Sun reader Graeme on botox
"I work in an image-based industry and I started having treatments because I wanted to stay looking young – and everyone else I knew had it done too.
"We have also used Botox at times when our confidence has been knocked.
"If we go through a break-up and feel unattractive it can help boost self-esteem.
"I have gone overboard with Botox and fillers in the past.
"I used to have my lips done every month until they exploded.
"They had to be drained and I wore a mask for week. You do have to be careful."
Wendy, 46
Wendy Williams, 46, from Wigan, first had Botox as she thought having five children and four grandchildren had aged her. Wendy, who runs a 4D-baby-scan business, says:
"I am definitely addicted to Botox.
"If I couldn’t have it anymore I’d be devastated.
"I’d feel ugly and self-conscious about looking old, like a grandma.
"I am a grandma but when I say I am, people say I don’t look old enough.
"I’ve been having Botox since I was 35.
"I think having children ages you because of the stress.
"I would have started having Botox earlier if I could have afforded it but when you’ve got five children you don’t have a lot.
Children age you but people say I don't look like a gran
Sun reader Wendy on botox
"Now they have all left home so I can afford it.
"Two of my daughters, Tiffany, 22, and Chloe, 26, have started having Botox.
"Tiffany started when she was 19.
"I’ve always told them to start early, for prevention, whereas I’m trying to find a cure.
"I spend between £150 and £250 a session and have it done every three months.
"If I can feel wrinkles coming, I go for a top-up.
"I’ve had it on my forehead, crow’s feet and frown lines and also in my neck for a neck lift.
"I own my own business and I want to look good all the time."