I was always afraid of getting Botox injections. The thought of putting something foreign into my body scared me. Aside from that, I saw too many frozen faces and that was not something I wanted to replicate. Then I turned 60, and suddenly I didn’t think about the risk as much as I thought about the results.
Doctors Give Botox Injections the Thumbs Up
Botox has been around for about fifteen years. For me, this was long enough for doctors to gain their expertise and I felt ready to experiment. I’d spent almost ten years pondering the decision to get injections. During this time span, I had many conversations with various doctors. I consulted with two dermatologists, my allergist, and even my ear nose and throat doctor. All the doctors I had spoken to seemed to feel that Botox injections were relatively safe for me. On a side note, my internist has referred to me as having a hyper personality, so needless to say she was not one of the doctors I consulted. Unlike many of my friends that “just went with it”, I was much more apprehensive.
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Taking the Leap
My first injection wasn’t planned. I was getting a microdermabrasion treatment with an esthetician I’d been going to for several years. She was very aware of my all fears and hesitations. We had talked often about botox injections, but like I mentioned, I was more eager to talk about it than I was to get them. When my microdermabrasion was finished, she asked me if I was ready to give Botox a try. I was so relaxed from my treatment I said yes. My dermatologist then entered the room and injected a few units into my forehead.
I immediately called my daughter to tell her because I was excited. The next day, my children came over for a birthday dinner. Not one of them even noticed, which was exactly what I was hoping for. After a few days, the Botox smoothed my wrinkles and I was pleased with the results. Nonetheless, I was back asking for more a few months later.
Where I Received the Injections
The most important area of concern for me was the vertical lines between my eyebrows. After years of squinting from the sun, those lines were quite deep. The area around my eyes did not bother me as much. Although, once I tried injections around my crow’s feet, I liked how it softened up the lines.
What Does Botox Do
Aside from smoothing out lines and wrinkles on your face, Botox is also used to reduce excessive sweating and for relief with migraine headaches. My ear, nose, and throat doctor even mentioned that Botox injections may help with my sinus issues.
How Much Does Botox Cost and How Long Will it Last?
Most offices will charge per unit and the cost can range between $10-$15. The number of units you need is determined by the depth of a wrinkle and what you are looking to achieve. This is usually discussed previously with your doctor. The good news is results have been known to last longer after you have injected the same area a few times. Most injections will last anywhere between three to six months. This is also based on the time you spend in the sun and your physical activity. Excessive smoking and alcohol consumption will also play a role in how long Botox will last.
What are the Side Effects?
Okay, this is what really terrifies me as with any medication I take. We have all seen the commercials where they show a person happy and enjoying life because of some miracle drug they are taking, and then, just when you’re convinced the medication is a wonderful alternative to living with a chronic illness, they read off the list of life-threatening side effects.
I can’t even write about the severe side effects of Botox. As with all other medications, they do exist. By law, and for us as consumers, they need to be disclosed. It is up to you and your doctor to make the call as to whether you would be at risk. I can tell you that my side effects were minimal. I had a small amount of redness and spot of swelling where the injection was administered for my crow’s feet. It lasted for a few hours and that was it.
How Many Units Do You Need?
I recommend that you decide with your doctor what is best for you, as an individual. Many times there will be offices or day spas that routinely administer a preset amount to all their patients. Each of us has different areas of concern, so make sure that your doctor personalizes the number of units specifically for you. You can always start out small and then get more.
Will I Continue to Get Botox?
Yes, for now I’m happy with the results. For the record, I think they did help somewhat with keeping my sinus headaches away. Mostly, I liked seeing the wrinkles disappear!
Thanks for talking about this. I am really considering it but had the same fears. No one ever shares their experiences….I guess they don’t want anyone to know they had it done! How did you choose a dr ?
Hi Sallie,
I found my dermatologist many years ago. I started seeing him for skin checks and then when I turned 50, I consulted with him about wrinkle prevention. At that time he recommended I start using retinol and microdermabrasion. Mostly because I was still on the fence about injections. I didn’t start with injections until I turned 61. I think the most important thing is to find a doctor that you feel comfortable with, and trust. Someone that listens to you and what you want. I’d recommend that you stay away form any practice that offers the same antidote to everyone. This might take a couple appointments but it may be worth the time and effort.
I hope this helps.
Love Botox. Have been getting it in my forehead for 20 years and have gone through a variety of doctors. Be aware of the doctors that won’t sell it per unit and want to sell by area because they are usually not providing transparency and overcharging. The doctor I am now using reduced the number of units I was receiving because he said the previous amount by other doctors was ‘overkill’. This was the first time I had a doctor advise me to get less since the previous ones were always telling me I should get more, more). I now only get 7 units in my forehead and it is exactly the look I want. I go every 3 months and pay $10 a unit so it is very affordable and worth every cent. (Some doctors will sign you up with the botox provider’s program so you get credits. On my last visit I received a $20 reduction from Allergan. None of my other doctors had even mentioned this program was available.)
I guess it hasn’t yet been 20 years, since I see it was only FDA approved in 2002. LOL
Hello Dawn,
Thank you very much for taking the time to write and offer some very good input about finding the right doctor. I could not agree with you more that some doctors use too much. It’s also too bad that the other doctors office’s didn’t inform you about rewards programs. I use Brilliant Distinctions myself which I’m sure is similar to what your using. I apologize for the late response and hope to hear from you again soon.
My Regards,
Nancy
I’ve done Botox for over 5 years. Do you ever think about getting fillers? My cheeks are starting to droop ;(. But I’m reluctant because of how some actresses look so fake with their huge cheeks!
Good Afternoon,
I did try fillers about 6 months ago. I was very nervous about it and the doctor could tell so he used very little. He explained to me that with fillers you see the results immediately and if you don’t like what you see they can remove it right away. Botox takes about a week to come in and unfortunately if you don’t like what you see you have to let it wear off. Most importantly, before you decide to get fillers you need to find a doctor that you trust and will listens to you. Good Luck and keep me posted if you do decide to try fillers.
My Best,
Nancy
How good of you to share this experience and your concerns. I’ve been getting Botox about 5 yrs (I’m 64) and prefer getting injections from my dermatologist. The last time I went in he was about to inject me when he asked what I’d been up to. I said I was going to LA ( I live in TX). He quickly stepped back and asked “When”, I said tomorrow. He immediately replied, “I can’t give you Botox injections today”. Naturally I asked why not. He said it’s advised that you don’t fly within 48 hrs after receiving injections. He said displacement can occur due to pressure. He discussed the fact that I could easily find someplace that would tell me it’s not a problem or that they’ve flown right after having it done, but he said he takes the precautions seriously and wouldn’t do it. I appreciated the fact that he was aware of any possible adverse reactions and stood by what he felt was best.
Please just keep this in mind if you planning to travel. I still get Botox about 3 times a year and it does tend to last longer between each treatments.
Hello Jan,
The information that you shared was very important and it was good to know that you have a doctor that cares about you. Thank you for sharing this with me. I know that that the precautions may vary, however I prefer to have doctors such as your take any side affects seriously. I will certainly keep this in mind for the future.
All the Best,
Nancy
I am so scared to get botox. I got it twice and had no complications but I didn’t realize how much I relied on squinting my forehead when j slept. It relived tension and without that I was a ball of anxiety the 2 months my botox lasted. I havent gone back but now my lines are even worse and I’m only 34! I look furious even at rest. I’m so sad and don’t want to look at myself in the mirror. Surely this is no way to live. I think I may call them tomorrow to make an appointment and find a way to release my tension some other way.
This is so heartbreaking to read. I just turned 35 and have really deep elevens. I did sun bathe quite a lot growing up which caused the premature aging. I have an appointment next week for a consultation but I’m not sure I will go through with it.. I hope you found a way to release your stress!
You need to follow your gut and do what is best for you Stephanie, I took several years to make my decision.
Best of Luck to you!
Nancy