When Skincare Isn’t Enough: Emma’s First Botox Experience
Meet Emma, a skincare enthusiast. She followed all the rules—using SPF daily, applying her favorite retinol at night, and layering serums like a pro. But as her 40s rolled in, she began noticing something her beloved creams couldn’t quite fix: deepening lines between her brows and across her forehead.
"I started seeing these lines that didn’t go away, even when my face was relaxed," Emma shared. "No matter how much I upped my skincare game, those lines just stuck around."
Emma knew it was time to explore something beyond her routine. But how do you know when skincare isn’t enough anymore? After some research, she found herself asking the same question many others have: "When do you actually need Botox?"
For Emma, her decision came down to one thing—her expression lines were becoming more permanent, and no amount of retinol or hydration could smooth them out. That’s when she decided to schedule a consultation with Dr. Godley.
Deciding to Try Botox
During her consultation, Emma learned that while a good skincare routine is essential for overall skin health, Botox is designed to treat those deeper, dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movement—like the frown lines between her brows. Dr. Godley explained that Botox works by relaxing the muscles responsible for creating those lines, giving her skin a smoother, more refreshed appearance.
"I was still a bit nervous," Emma admitted. "I didn’t want to look frozen, or like I’d had something done. I wanted it to be subtle."
It’s a concern many first-time Botox users share: Will it look natural? But after talking with Dr. Godley, Emma felt reassured. She learned that Botox, when done right, is meant to enhance your natural beauty, not change it. “You’ll still look like you—just a more relaxed version,” Dr. Godley explained.
The First Treatment
When the day of her treatment arrived, Emma was prepared but still a bit anxious. The actual procedure involved a series of quick injections in targeted areas, each delivering a brief but noticeable pinch. "It wasn’t painful, but I could definitely feel the injections," she said. "It was over faster than I expected, though—maybe about 15 minutes."
She asked Dr. Godley another common question many people have: "How long does Botox take to work?"
He explained that it typically takes 3-5 days to start seeing results, with full results appearing within 10-14 days. Emma left the office excited, yet patient, knowing her smoother skin was just around the corner.
Seeing the Results
After about a week, Emma noticed a big difference. Her forehead looked relaxed, and those once-deep lines between her brows had softened considerably. "It’s like my skin looks refreshed, but still me," she smiled.
The best part? "No one noticed I had Botox—they just kept telling me how rested I looked!"
Maintaining the Look
As Emma’s results settled in, she started wondering how long they would last. "How long does Botox last?" was another question she had already asked Dr. Godley during her consultation. He told her the effects typically last around 3-4 months, which gave Emma peace of mind. She knew she could return for a touch-up when needed, but the treatment wouldn’t require a constant commitment.
In fact, Emma learned that some people even use Botox as a preventative measure. "Starting Botox before lines get too deep can actually help slow the formation of wrinkles," Dr. Godley had mentioned. While Emma hadn’t started that early, she was glad she’d taken this step now to keep her lines from worsening.
Complementing Her Skincare Routine
For Emma, Botox wasn’t about replacing her skincare—it was about enhancing what she was already doing. She realized that no matter how much effort she put into her skincare routine, there comes a time when treatments like Botox can target what products can’t—those deeper, expression-related lines.
"Skincare is still my daily ritual," Emma said, "but Botox gives me that extra edge for the things my serums can’t fix."
In the end, Emma was thrilled with her decision to try Botox. It wasn’t about looking perfect; it was about feeling confident and refreshed in her own skin.
Book a consult with Dr. Godley in Vancouver or Abbotsford B.C.
Would you like to learn more about Dr. Godley’s approach to skin health? Book your consult today.
