Botox 101 + My Injection Story

Okay, so before we get down & dirty w/ some serious Botox talk, step into my non-judgemental office.

About 3 million people a year are getting Botox, so we are gonna talk about it & I hope it doesn’t offend you. If it does, I am sorry!!! Everyone is so *hush hush* about their choice & honestly, it’s no big deal!

K- that’s all on that subject, now let’s just clear one more thing up: 

I am not a doctor or a medical professional *DUH*. I am NOT in any way giving medical advice or suggesting that you should run out & get Botox tomorrow, I am just sharing my experience for any of you guys considering it or interested in learning more. The most important thing is to always always always fully research any medical procedure before trying it. The decision is yours, so make it an educated one!

As for my Botox story… long story short, I spend A LOT of time on the computer doing a lot of squinting (always forget to wear my glasses) & a few years ago I decided to take the problem by the balls before it was too late. Botox is a preventative measure that, in the long run, will save you money by avoiding having to get expensive fillers to fill in deep folds & wrinkles. So- that’s what I did & I’ve done it once a year since (only in my forehead– about 24 units!).

It doesn’t change my face shape or alter how I look, it simply smoothes out my forehead giving it a slightly airbrushed look & prevents lines from forming. Really, the only issue with Botox is that you can’t do any of the Snapchat filters that ask you raise your brows (LOL!).

Again, your decision may not be my decision & vice versa, there are a lot of articles about the ingredients in Botox + some side effects that I of course suggest you look into more. ALSO- there are a lot of great products & other alternatives people swear by for wrinkles- so research that too before jumping to make an appointment with the derm.

As for me… I’ve formed my own opinion over the years & am obviously a fan. Team prevention all the way.

Now– for the full blown Botox breakdown (so you can learn a little more about it!).

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What is Botox?

Botox (aka Botulinum Toxin) is a muscle paralysis agent that, unlike fillers which plump up your skin or fill in existing wrinkles, simply relaxes the muscles to prevent new wrinkles & decrease the appearance fine lines.

People are often scared of that word “toxin” in the name, rightfully so, but it’s important to know the neurotoxins in Botox are VERY diluted so that they can safely be injected into one muscle without migrating to surrounding muscles.

The Process

I am sure it is different at every doctor office, but for me the process is always so quick & simple. I first sit down for a consultation with my doctor (Dr. Wu, will tell you more about this gem of a doctor in a second!) & he asks me to raise my brows, smile, frown, etc. He evaluates my face, makes a few marks, & shows me in a mirror where he is seeing I need a bit of Botox & tells me how many units he would put where.

Then they take before pics, clean my face (well… I do this), & then get to work. The whole deal takes about 15 minutes.

Does it Hurt?

Yes… it hurts, but it’s not terrible. You can ask for numbing cream, but I don’t (it takes too long to take effect) & I am just fine. It only hurts when injected & just for a second. My doctors assistant taps on my shoulder when they are about to inject the needle & that helps BIG TIME distracting me. It’s a tiny pinch & then it’s over. Ask for the tap.

There is some initial puffiness at injection sites (like little bug bites on my forehead), but the doctor can give you an ice pack for the ride home & swelling goes down pretty quickly.

I also don’t take ibuprofen or drink any booze before Botox to help prevent bruising. At home, if I get a bruise, I take some Arnica & apply Arnica topically.

How Much Should I Get?

Most important thing of all is to know how much you should get before you get to the doctor. Do your homework on this one, trust me!!!

You want to go into the doctors office fully informed so you don’t end up with 45 units in your forehead looking like botched Barbie! Less is most def. more when it comes to Botox. Here is a little guide to how much Botox to get (save it to your camera roll & bring it with you to your appt!!!)

What’s the Cost?

Totally depends on where you go, but typically ranges from $8-$20 per unit or if your doctor prices by the area, anywhere from $200-$500 dollars. It all depends on their pricing, where you’re getting it, & how much you need!

Is It FDA Approved?

Not fully. Cosmetic Botox was approved in 2002, but only for the eleven’s between the eyes, crows feet, & excessive sweating.

How Long Until You See Results & how long does it last?

The results don’t show up right away, it takes time. I start to see initial results within two days, but it isn’t fully set in until about 2 weeks.

As far as how long it lasts, well that depends on the person I think because some of my friends go every 4 months, but for me it seems to last almost 7 months & each time I do it, it seems to last a little longer. I hear you can get immune to it, so I like to use it sparingly & space it out by about a year so that doesn’t happen!

Where Should I Go?

Not a medi-spa & DEFINITELY not a Botox party (rumor has it dentists are doing it too, so 100% do not get Botox at your dentists office!!!).

Please please please go to a board certified physician. Not all Botox clients are created equal & everyones needs are different, so a licensed professional is the key to getting a great result.

I know I’ve got a few San Diego readers, so I can share where I go, because it’s the BEST! Cosmetic Laser Dermatology & I see the amazing (& so well dressed) Dr. Wu!!! Dr. Wu is so so so good at Botox. He looks at my face & always knows the perfect amount. He NEVER overdoes it & always makes sure I know exactly what I am getting. Plus, he’s very gentle.

I have gone to Cosmetic Laser Dermatology for YEARS & they literally have everything. I have done tattoo removal, IPL’s, chemical peels, & fillers under my eyes (another controversial one, which if you want me to talk more about, let me know & I will do a full post!!) at their office and have loved every experience.

As far as medical procedures, that’s all I’ve done BUT I am not opposed to other non-invasive treatments. I am actually really interested in trying Coolsculpting!!! Have you guys tried it? Tell me your thoughts!

x, E

[ image source here & here ]