The decision to get Botox is a big one, and was something I toyed with and researched for a year before finally taking the plunge. And now a year into getting it, I couldn’t be happier with the results, and I know a big part of that is because of all the diligence I put in to finding a great doctor that I was comfortable with. Now, I’ve decided to share my tips with you after a bunch of friends interested in having the procedure urged me to. Below are my tips for finding the right Doctor and also tips for getting Botox and things you may not know about the procedure.
First, this is a medical procedure, so it’s important to go to a licensed dermatologist whose area of focus is the face. That means avoiding dentists, nurses and Botox parties. The idea of going to a party to get Botox really creeps me out. I chose my longtime dermatologist who has been administering Botox and other fillers for over a decade.
Once I knew I wanted to get Botox, I scheduled a consultation with my dermatologist and came prepared with a number of questions for him before committing to Botox. Some important questions I asked were If he is a so-called “high-volume” injector, meaning has he injected more than 1,000 times. The answer was a resounding yes, and think about it – would you want to be a guinea pig for a procedure that alters your face? I think not.
I asked if he had ever hit a nerve in someone’s face or caused a patient to have a droopy eye, which can happen when Botox is administered in the wrong part of the face. His answer to this was no, which was comforting. This is exactly why I suggest going to a cosmetic dermatologist, because they know the construction of the face arguably better than any other doctor and even a centimeter’s difference in where it is injected could cause a complication.
I asked whether my doctor was comfortable working with Botox, Dysport and other fillers and for him to explain the pros of cons of each before making my decision. It’s common for doctors to charge a fee for a consultation, so don’t be alarmed. Usually, if you choose to get Botox, the consultation fee is applied toward it.
Now, once you decide to go for it, there are certain aspects of it I didn’t know or expect. First, Botox or Dysport takes a few days to gradually kick in. I get it done in my forehead, and the day of the procedure, it doesn’t look any different. Over the course of 10 days, it gradually starts to work and each morning I run into my bathroom to inspect the result in the mirror. It’s pretty much like getting a gift each morning.
Botox doesn’t hurt, which was the most welcome surprise of all. I remember waiting in the office for the few minutes before my doctor arrived and coming up with excuses to back out of it because I was afraid it would hurt badly, but that wasn’t at all the case. There is a tiny pinch at each little injection, but that’s it. Also, it doesn’t leave much of a mark, so literally ten minutes after getting it done, I’m able to go to work or appointments and no one can even tell.
If you’re getting it done, work out that morning, as you shouldn’t work out the rest of the day following it because it can cause bruising. Also, make sure not to drink the day before or the day of, because that increases the risk of bruising. For what it’s worth, I’ve never had any bruising from it.
Be very specific in the look you are going for. I stick to what we call baby Botox, or very small dosages, because I don’t want my forehead to look stretched out and have no movement. This means one vial for all of my forehead. Some people use two whole syringes in that area. I find overc communicating is better.
Lastly, the injections should last between three and four months. For me, Botox is a no brainer. For less than $1k a year, my forehead looks really smooth and I look more alert and young. It’s not invasive nor does it hurt and requires zero recovery time. I also think it is stopping my forehead from aging going forward, which is a plus. All of my girlfriends who have since gone to get it done have been instant converts, too.
Have any other questions? Leave them in the comments!
Covid Update: I haven’t been getting Botox as we are still being very careful about limiting exposure to the virus. Instead, I have been relying on these skincare products high in Retinol: Drunk Elephant Retinol Cream and Dr. Brandt Eye Cream.
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