Botox still conjures images of frozen faces for some — not for me. For me, it conjures images of a younger self. But I get it. I hope that in the last couple of weeks I have shed some light on this subject. Today, in the last of the three-part series on Botox, I’ve listed the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) that I get, as well as questions I myself have had in the past. The answers come from my own research, medical professionals I’ve interviewed, and my own over-10 years of experience with Botox.
I have come to realize that there is still a lot of confusion, misinformation, and fear surrounding Botox — perhaps due to its scientific name, botulinum toxin, or the still prevalent belief that it freezes your face, rendering you unable to express yo self. I believe this fear is causing many women to miss out on a chance to smooth out those critical wrinkles that cause you to look older.
As you may know, I am a firm believer that how you look affects how you feel. And it has nothing to do with vanity. Aging is a hard pill to swallow. So if you can smooth out wrinkles while you grapple with all the changes that accompany growing up, it may also smooth the transition into acceptance — a little something to make you feel prettier and younger, give you confidence and help you better cope with the passing of time.
As of 2017, an estimated 11 million people worldwide have used Botox. It is the most common non‐surgical cosmetic procedure performed in the world because it works. But because we live in a world full of humans, there will be those who will want to cash in on aging women’s pain.
That’s why it’s so important that you find a licensed, experienced medical professional to inject you. This isn’t a handbag. It’s your face. The problem is that some have tried to get a deal, go to some quack, get a botched result, and then spread the word that Botox is unsafe. They spread unnecessary fear. Do your due diligence.
BOTOX FAQs
How does Botox work?
Botox works by paralyzing (don’t freak out with that word) the neuromuscular junction which is basically where the nerve and the muscle communicate. So the nerve can’t tell the muscle to move. Once these muscles are unable to contract, the overlying skin is smoothed out and the wrinkles disappear like magic.
What wrinkles can Botox helpt o smooth out?
There are two types of wrinkles: dynamic and static. Dynamic wrinkles are the ones that are formed when making a movement with your face, like smiling (crows feet), surprise! (forehead lines), question or worry (vertical lines between the forehead). These wrinkles are formed by repetitive contraction of the facial muscles. (source)
Static wrinkles are visible whether you’re making a movement or not and most likely caused by sun damage. These will not be helped with Botox. (source)
But does Botox paralyze the muscles?
Botox temporarily reduces muscle activity. It’s more of a relaxing than a paralysis, and you should still be able to move the muscle, just not as much, which is the objective. After the Botox wears off after 4 months or so, you will get full movement back.
What is the difference between Botox and fillers?
Botox does not fill deep lines, it just makes it harder to make the muscle contraction that creates the lines. In 2009, the FDA also approved Dysport, another botulinum toxin product that is supposed to act faster and last longer than “Botox”. The newest to be approved is Xeomin and is more similar to Botox than to Dysport. My experience: on me, Dysport acts faster but Botox lasts longer. I have not tried Xeomin.
Dermal fillers are injected into your skin to “fill” in areas of your face that have sunken or deflated, like the cheeks. Fillers are also used in the smile lines (the parentheses around the mouth).
Is Botox safe?
Botox is FDA-approved and considered very safe. It has been used for more than 20 years for cosmetic treatments and has now been approved in over 78 countries.
Botox is not cheap. If you see someone running a deal for cheap Botox, run. Before you buy into any deals (and some legit practitioners do offer deals) know who is offering it. My dermatologist, for example, has one week each month where she offers 15% off Botox to her patients. Other practitioners will offer discounts on holidays too.
If it sounds too cheap it could be a bad product. The Botox they use may be acquired on the black market, might be expired or about to expire.
That said, you should also check with your doctor if you feel that you have a medical condition that may prevent you from getting Botox, for example, any autoimmune disease. Inform your injector of any surgery plans, weakness of forehead muscles, recent injections, or medicines you are currently taking.
Are there any side effects?
You may get a tiny bruise from the injection but that should go away after a day or two.
Some people report getting headaches following injections. But this is rare and should go away within 24 hours.
I’ve heard of people getting droopy eyes from Botox. Is that true?
If the injection is done incorrectly, Botox could migrate into other areas and cause drooping eyelids, a crooked smile, or crooked eyebrows. This is why doctors tell you not to bend your head, lie down or rub the area for four hours after the procedure.
This has never happened to me. I did once get a little too much injected into my forehead lines which caused a heaviness. Now I do very little on my forehead and prefer to keep some of the lines.
Drooping of the eyebrows can occur from a bad injector or if too much Botox is injected in one place. This can cause the muscles to become too weak to support the skin.
How long does it last?
Botox usually lasts about three to four months. It may last up to six months for those lucky ones.
How much does it cost?
This will depend on the treatment area and how much of the toxin is required. One of the doctors I go to charges by the unit of Botox while the other one charges by treatment area. (I have two or three doctors on rotation.)
Will people be able to tell I got Botox?
Nope. Not if you opt for subtle. Remember, “Frozen” is a Disney movie; it should not be your forehead. But if frozen is what you’re going for (and I know women who go Disney), you do you. Others should notice that you look younger and more refreshed. And then you should tell them because over here, we spread the youth.
But I hate needles?
Chickie, so do I! Take it from someone who passes out when having blood work, but becomes fearless when the needles are rejuvenating meant to rejuvenate…it doesn’t hurt.
All you feel is a tiny prick (that statement could be construed to mean something else entirely and could lead us into a whole other conversation. But we’ll leave that discussion for happy hour).
Ask for numbing cream.
How long does the treatment take?
About 10 minutes to half an hour depending on whether you get that numbing cream and on how many questions you may need answered.
If the injector does not answer your questions to your satisfaction, doesn’t know the answer to one of your questions, or blows you off…run like a chickie whose being chased by a dog.
When will I see results?
You may begin to notice results as soon as 4 days to a week. I usually see them faster.
What’s the downtime after treatment?
There is no downtime.
Can I get Botox while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No.
Are there any drug interactions?
Yes. Please check with your doctor if you are taking any medications just to be on the safe side. Also, Botox should not be used if a person has any disease that causes the muscles to weaken like ALS, myasthenia gravis, or and motor neuropathic disease. The same goes for people who have problems swallowing or breathing.
One final note: In the right hands and in small quantities, Botox is extremely safe according to all the doctors I asked and all the research I found. Something else to think about: every single doctor I questioned uses Botox on themselves.
Other References:
Girl, I so appreciate your informing women and normalizing what is “taboo” for many women to get or talk about. Botox is a great option and can truly make you feel younger and more vibrant!
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Thank you, Kim. I still get a little surprised when I hear someone is afraid of it. I feel like they’re missing out on something that can help them look younger, and feel better about themselves. I like to think of it as hope in a needle.