Hummmmmm… I started a bit late in life, possibly in my 40’s if I recall correctly. Some may say that’s a bit late and I agree but guess what…. I DID NOT HAVE THE BUDGET FOR BOTOX!!! That’s it!! Single mom and balling on a budget. I finally purchased a Groupon…NOT a good idea in my case, then a special here and there often leaving me looking like the Joker but I finally found my injectable home with Kelly Walla at Westlake Dermatology in Austin. I have been going to Westlake Dermatology for over 10 years. I have a very difficult time trusting providers as the healthcare provider should be highly qualified, highly trained, knowledgeable, up to date on the latest in the industry AND know MY face. That takes years and years for me to trust. I have so many people say…” go to my gal, she is great”, but again…I want to know and trust. Okay…. now on to the topic at hand. Botox. I love it!! I love following Westlake Dermatology and its team of professionals, the below information can also be found on their website. Go to their website and follow along on their blog for a wealth of information on so many treatments. They are my go-to for guidance and research on beauty and cosmetics.
The images above are pre and mid-injection, and the photos to
the left are the “after”, both with and without makeup!
WHAT IS BOTOX?
Botox is a popular non-surgical, injectable treatment to
suppress or eliminate lines and wrinkles. Botox is one of the
most popular cosmetic procedures in the world, with more than
7 million treatments being performed last year alone.
WHEN SHOULD I START GETTING BOTOX?
You may be curious if you are ‘too young’ or ‘too old’ to try Botox. Botox is such a
personal decision, and there truly is no right or wrong age to begin the Botox process.
Patients should be evaluated and receive a consultation by a medical professional prior
to treatment. Many millennials are starting to use Botox in their twenties when they first
start to notice lines and wrinkles or as a preventative measure, however, I personally
began in my forties.
HOW DOES BOTOX WORK?
According to Westlake Dermatology’s website, Botox is a neuromodulator (a form of
botulinum toxin type A) that is injected into targeted treatment areas using an ultra-fine
needle. It works by blocking the nerve signals needed for facial muscles to contract. It’s
the continuous contraction of facial muscles that causes expression lines (AKA
wrinkles). Once injected, the neuromodulator relaxes the muscles and decreases their
movement to reduce the appearance of lines or wrinkles in the area. Results are often
seen gradually over three to seven days post-injection. My results are usually best seen
in two weeks!
WHAT AREAS OF THE FACE CAN BE TREATED WITH BOTOX?
Botox can be used to address lines and wrinkles on a number of different facial areas,
including the forehead, eye area (crow’s feet), and lip lines. It may be injected to soften
the dimpling of the chin. However, something many might not realize is that Botox can also
be used for non-cosmetic reasons. For example, Botox can be injected into the muscles
of the jaw to help alleviate pain from teeth grinding or TMJ.
WHAT DOES A BOTOX TREATMENT FEEL LIKE AND DOES IT HURT?
According to Westlake Dermatology’s Natalie Yingling, FNP-C, “Botox treatments are
quick with minimal discomfort. The treatment requires no anesthesia or recovery time.”
However, something you might not know about me… I am a weenie and have a little
anxiety when it comes to needles! While the procedure isn’t considered painful, most
patients report brief discomfort during the injection. This discomfort is short-lived and
doesn’t continue once the procedure is complete.
HOW SOON WILL I SEE RESULTS?
While everyone is different and thus will have differing experiences, it usually takes 3-5
days to see the effects of Botox. For some, it may take up to 2 weeks to realize the final
effects. Again, I am the two-week gal!
HOW LONG DOES BOTOX LAST?
The results of Botox typically last between 3-5 months from the date of injection. Over
time the body metabolizes the Botox, leading to the slow return of muscle movement in
the treatment area. Patients can choose to maintain their Botox results for longer
periods by scheduling periodic maintenance treatments every 3-4 months. I personally
follow these maintenance recommendations, going back in for treatment every three
months.
IS BOTOX SAFE?
Yes, Botox is an FDA-approved treatment for reversing lines and wrinkles. However,
patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain neurological diseases should
not receive Botox treatments.
SHOULD I DO ANYTHING TO PREPARE FOR THE TREATMENT?
A week before the treatment most physicians will advise patients to stop consuming
alcohol or taking medications or supplements that thin the blood like aspirin, ibuprofen,
Gingko Biloba, or Ginseng. This will help minimize bruising after the procedure. I bruise
easily, so I begin taking Arnica supplements two weeks prior to my treatment in order to
minimize bruising.
ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS?
Side effects from a Botox treatment may include bruising, swelling, redness, or
tenderness around the injection site, all of which will resolve without intervention after a
few days to a week. I have included photos of my bruising below, photographed three
days post-injection. Personally, the bruising subsides within a week following the date of
injection.
DISCLAIMER: I am NOT a medical professional and have accessed and cited the above information
from Westlake Dermatology’s website
Great Post! THANKS FOR SHARING.