10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Got Botox

BY NARCISSISTA

Note from the editors: Narcissista is the nom de keyboard of a New York ad exec, mom, wife, and self-described "beauty veteran" whose online destination, Narcissista.me, deliciously and incisively examines the intersection of beauty, anti-aging, and loving (and navigating) life. Look for more of her stuff at Narcissista and check back on RealSelf for more columns soon. 

I’ve been getting Botox injections regularly for the past 4 years.  To my surprise, there’s been a lot more trial and error in finding the right doctor, paying the right prices and knowing what to look for and ask for.

My first experience was 4 years ago when I turned 40.   I went to a widely known (and expensive) doctor who gave me just a touch between my brows on my forehead (the area known as the “11s”).   Within a week I looked fantastic.  My eyebrows were lifted ever so slightly and I looked natural, rested and a lot less bitchy.

Read Narcissista's take on why Botox parties are "Fight Club for Women."

5 months later, after my first injection began to wear off, I began to think more was better.  A stylist I was working with recommended a plastic surgeon that reportedly did excellent Botox (along with Kate Hudson’s new nose).  Armed with a false sense of security in the hands of celebrity plastic surgeon, I went one step further and had my crows’ feet and more of my forehead injected to get an even stronger brow lift.

Hmmm.  The results were a little harsher than I wanted, but I still liked my glamorous lifted new look.  Botox was creating a new normal for me.

6 months later, my first Botox party (more on that later). Despite the doctor’s excellent credentials, I had too much Pinot Grigio and didn’t tell him about my earlier Botox injections, so wound up with more than I needed.  My eyebrows were now so high and arched it looked like they were going to fly off my forehead.

My hairdresser whispered the name of yet another famous doctor (also with a skin care line), but when I learned he treated Madonna, I cancelled my appointment.

Read "The Thinking Woman's Guide to Being Incredibly Sexy" [Narcissista]

So I went back my original doctor who must have had a bad day.  I told him to repeat what he did the very first time.  He suggested more, I said yes wanting to trust and believe.  A week later, my eyebrows were unnaturally arched and disturbingly uneven.

I looked like the sinister love child of Dr. Spock and Dr. Evil ... 

Click over to Narcissista for the rest of her Botox journey. 

Have you ever tried Botox? Share your experience (the good and the bad) with the Botox community here.