The day before my 33rd birthday I got Botox! It was something that I had thought about on and off since I turned 30 and started to notice that the lines in my forehead were bugging me a little bit, specifically what’s known as the “11’s” in between my eye brows. Now that it’s been a little over two months and the results have really settled in, I felt like I could give a thorough review of my experience. Fair warning, trying to get facial expressions in a selfie makes for some really interesting photos!
Pre-Botox and showing a lot of expression
About 10 minutes after getting Botox. You can see a little bit of the redness, but it’s actually from the ice pack, not the injections.
I had been approached by a few Med Spa’s in the past and never really knew whether to take it as a compliment that they would want to collaborate with me or as a diss because I needed it, but when Dr. Jeffrey Lee, a plastic surgeon reached out about checking out his practice, learning about the procedures he offers and only then if I wanted to move forward with Botox I could collaborate, I felt like it was a natural fit.
This is the next day and already lines are fading fast!
While a separate consultation isn’t necessary prior to getting an injection, since this was the first time I was doing anything like this, I wanted to feel comfortable with Dr. Lee and for him to answer a lot of my questions – many of which I would assume other first timer’s would have.
The next night, so a full 24 hours later, not a bit of pain, no filter and no lines!
Some frequently asked questions:
Some frequently asked questions:
How long does it typically last?
This is purely dependent on how your body metabolizes the injection. Typically it lasts about 3 months but could be more.
Does it hurt?
The pain level is very minimal, it feels like pinching. After going through it I will say there is a very strange sound that you hear with the needle going it, like a crunch, but after the pinch it doesn’t hurt. You also put an ice pack on right after to minimize any bruising.
Is there a difference between the types of injections?
There are two commonly known injections, one being Botox and the other being Dysport. Botox happens to be a little more well known and what Dr. Lee uses. Other than that, there aren’t many differences, but Botox does have a better reputation.
Are there any risks with Botox?
Some people may react differently on one side than the other. The other is that it is a toxin, but it’s broken down specifically for this purpose and injected into the place that you want to “relax.” This is actually why Dr. Lee likes to go a little less and adjust as needed.
Anything that should be avoided right after getting an injection?
Dr. Lee said he recommends not going to the gym which would increase your chances of bruising and to not use any powdery makeup where the injections were. Other than that, you could carry on with pretty much anything.
Two days later and the forehead lines are pretty much gone!
What’s great about injectables is that it can be scaled, what that means is that it’s better to start with less and then increase if needed. For Dr. Lee he likes to see his first time patients 2 weeks after the first injection to make sure you’re happy with the results and to make sure that the botox is doing what it’s supposed to be doing. For me, I had 16 units in between my brows and 8 across the forehead. It was the perfect dose and I started to “feel” results the next day. It feels a little like your muscles are frozen, not like you can’t feel them but when you try to do your normal expressions, they’re not quite as pronounced. Which is of course what you’re after with botox!
Exactly two weeks after getting the injections and so very happy with results! Photo taken from InstaStories.
While I would have loved to go back into the office for my follow-up, COVID-19 took over and we had to FaceTime our session instead. He was able to see the results and had me do a few facial expressions so he could see how it was reacting.
Two months later and the only lines that have gotten more prominent are around my eyes 😆
I am so incredibly happy with the results and couldn’t believe how quickly I could see them. It’s been a little over two months since my appointment and I can definitely see myself going back for more. The way Dr. Lee explained getting botox either preventively or to help relax the lines is thinking of it as a piece of paper that you fold. The more times you fold on the same line, the deeper and more pronounced it will get. So if you have a line that’s not quite pronounced and you get botox, you’re basically stunting it from getting deeper.
It actually took me longer to get to the office from my house, than the injection itself! Quick, fairly painless and results that I saw the next day! Overall, it’s probably no surprise at the end of this post that I would 100% get Botox again. Now instead of using the Beauty Plus app or a smooth filter, the Botox is my filter 😂
Huge thank you to Dr. Jeffrey Lee and his staff which provided me with a free Botox injection in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Brave girl!!! You're beautiful before and after! XOXO, R
Beautiful.
Such a great read. You look fab!
~Samantha
goldcoastgirlblog.com
Amazing!! Thank you so much for sharing more about your experience. It's definitely something I've considered as well and can see me exploring it more down the road. You look great!!!
I tried it once before getting pregnant also at 33. I feel the same as you. Good review!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Thanks for sharing! I have been getting it for a few years and it makes such a difference. My friend is a plastic surgeon and I get it from her. She bruised me once and it looked like I had a black eye! If that ever happens, arnacare is your friend.
Gorgeous and glowing as always! I too have developed the "11" sigh.
Green Fashionista
I am literally sitting here with my jaw dropped- the difference is CRAZY… So does insurance cover any of this or is it fully out of pocket? I am VERY intrigued!!!!!
The difference in your lines is insane! So glad that you're happy with the results – you're beautiful either way! xx
Karly
whatkarlysaid.com
I dont think I could do plastic/elective surgery to alter anything. But I am definitely not opposed to trying botox one day. I have the 11's or I like to call them…my wtf lines, and a few wrinkles on my forehead. My main concern is my under eye area though. It has been a mess lately. Darn age! You look fabulous, and I am glad you had a good experience.
You look amazing! I fully support things like this that make you feel happy! Plus, it's soooo painless it's crazy!
I have been thinking of doing this but I always get bit afraid when you know of the possible risks. But you are right, the results are great!!
Allie of
allienyc.com
You are so brave to try this! it scares me a little, the poison and the needle – haha! I don't think I'll get anything done like that but who knows, maybe when I'm older I'll consider it.
Hope your week is off to a good start 🙂 It's a busy week here with the kids back at school!
Away From Blue
I am all about getting botox. Mine wore off during this pandemic and I can't wait for them to open back up.
Looks good! I'm glad you had a positive experience. I didn't realize that Botox's lifespan was so short. My Mom wants to have some maintenance done as well so we've been talking about treating ourselves one day. How was the price point for your treatment and will you continue to go every 3 months to maintain results?
Kaitlyn @ Oh, the Places We’ll Go!
I'm happy you had a great experience! My best friend raves about botox!
mariannyc.com/grounding-morning-ritual-with-matcha-kari/
This is a really great, informative post. I LOVE BOTOX. I work in a derm office and get it at cost! I've done it 3 times now and I'm in love. I do 28 units and it really smooths out my forehead and glabella. It makes me look refreshed and less tired!