Botox in Forehead. Too Much or Wrong for Me (Six Days Post) Glendale, CA

September 10, 2014

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences in such detail. They have helped me a lot with what I'm dealing with at the moment. My lids have dropped in exactly the same way; I look angry and frozen just at a time when two close family members have died and I have been panicked and distressed by my inability to express my grief on my face. I am encouraged that you saw improvement before the three month mark and I hope for the same for me! I hate this so much, I hate looking in the mirror. I am so angry with m doctor--I told him I wanted a lift and be insisted in treating the frontalis with 12 units which is his "standard treatment". Any injector that has a "standard treatment" is not to be trusted--I wish I had known! I have thick "bangs" and big glasses and I comfort myself with the thought that this bizarre look is not noticeable through those. Thank you again for sharing your experience.

September 10, 2014

I should say its been exactly two weeks since I was treated. I pray that this is its peak. I wrote to the doctor today and gave him some very honest feedback about my disappointment and distress. I feel bad about it but felt it was important to do it in case it helps future patients of his avoid a similar fate. I so hope this wears off quickly! I am miserable :(

September 12, 2014

I told my story earlier that I had resorted to scotch taping my forhead into a lift...putting my brows in place...and wearing a cute fedora hat to hide the scotch tape. It lifted my hooded eyes just enough. I was hiding out for my first month. Miserable! That was the only way I would be seen again in public! Sooooo maddening to spend that much time & effort to be presentable to the world. I have no bangs. But I did wear sunglasses alot and reading glasses at work...to hide behind!

September 12, 2014

I have read tour story Sandra and considered trying tape and hiding it with my hair. It would not be visible until there was a gust of wind! I hope you are feeling better now? Has it worn off? How long did it take if so? For many people there is improvement at the six week mark and so that's my first milestone that I'm looking forward to. That's a month away. I hate this! No response to the email i sent to the ps. I wonder if he cares at all.

September 12, 2014

I see now that you're still waiting for it to wear off fully. I'm so sorry you've had to live this way for four months. I hope that over the next month you'll finally see it dissipate.

September 13, 2014

Thank you...I'm at 15 weeks today. Not happy!

September 13, 2014

As any of you heard of eye magic. It is designed just for this. Just type in eye magic and see what you get.

September 13, 2014

I thought Botox wore off in three months

September 13, 2014

I've ordered this from amazon. Will update!

September 13, 2014

I pray for this. I had it once, years ago (not in the forehead) and I had movement in three months. Hope for improvement sooner this time as I've heard errors soften at six weeks...

September 17, 2014

Bertborws: I'm so sorry you're going through this. I understand! I'm also pretty much certain that you are going to be fine! This will be better in six weeks. You might even be better sooner but you're probably in the same state I was in -- fragile, vulnerable, emotional. It's hard to see anything normal during that stage and especially when you think even the Botox is impeding your emotional process. i hated that feeling too. Like it was doing something to me mentally because my range of emotions were impaired. But dammit -- it went away! And fast. We're all different but given your conservative dose and the fact that you did this before and it went away, I feel like you're going to be out of this hole a lot sooner than you think. i know that hole and I know waking up and checking every dang morning, and the "why did I do this?" regret, but seriously, it'll go away and you will be yourself again. I don't even THINK about looking at my brows even more, that's how gone away this is for me. What I spent all of July obsessing over, has gone from crying jags and daily freak outs, to nearly all of August and certainly every day this September just getting up, washing my face, looking at myself passively, putting on makeup and being normal again. I actually look back and think, oh my GOD! I was so nuts! And I kind of cringe and laugh a little. You will get to that place. I hate that you feel like this right now -- it's crummy -- but you're going to get all the movement back. Mine is. All over the place. If anything, it made me more in touch with what actually ages a person (not some dumb forehead lines) and my own vanity and how important showing my emotions ARE. That's a good thing. It also, weirdly, made Botox less scary than it was. I totally understand the stuff now -- I get what it does and how some people are fine with it. It's not for me in that area, but if others are OK, that's OK with me too. I don't think people scaring the crap out of you is going to help you through this! Again, we are all different and you are going through a lot regardless of the Botox, but just know it's going to get better every day. It will!

September 17, 2014

I agree with you Tessa. I'm at week nine and although I still have one hooded eye I am improving, in fact my husband now tells me that I look better than ever. The monstrous neanderthal look is slowly fading away and I am starting to look fresher and sweeter in spite of the fact that my wrinkles are slowly returning to their usual places. Even the chipmunk cheeks are less noticeable so I think I'll give this another month to be back to normal. I hope you are all noticing some form of improvement. Be positive! Visualise yourselves as being beautiful and you'll get there.

September 20, 2014

I'm so glad you're feeling better! Isn't it crazy? I'm back to my self again, it's gone. But I had that second month -- maybe by week six -- where I was like -- I actually look kind of GOOD. Wait a second. I DO look good and this is probably how it's supposed to look save for the random days where my eyes were swollen. Well, great. That lasted for another four weeks, maybe? And then I was pretty much near baseline. Was it worth all of that HELL just to have slightly softer lines for a few weeks? No. Does anyone notice any freaking difference now that I can raise my eyebrows? No. Did the world stop spinning on its axis because I now have lines in my damn forehead again? No. It's just a few lines. I get that the Botox in continued use will make those lines not become static but I will have to seek other methods for my forehead. Either just accept them or you know, bangs! I hope others on here are starting to improve as well!

September 20, 2014

Having done this twice now for cosmetics and once initially for a medical reason, I can say I've never been frozen, drooped or emotionless. I've also done max 20 units and about 5 months apart. Have no forehead lines or crow's feet so only do brow lift. Good results.

September 22, 2014

I'm really glad you're both feeling better and that your results have softened up--I chuckled at your handle, Neanderthal, because that's how I feel like I look right now (my handle is a reference to Bert from Sesame Street because THAT'S what I look like). Thank you very much, Tessa. Your descriptions of feeling emotionally impaired are true to my own experiences. I even find myself talking to people and I find it difficult to emotionally connect with them; I didn't realise how often I "mirror" the facial expressions of those around me. Like you say, it's a fascinating learning experience and it teaches you a lot about why we NEED those expressions, and that those lines are a price you have to pay (though I don't actually have lines on my forehead yet and already have bangs--I only wanted a brow lift--stupid doctor). The fact that you and Neanderthal were looking so much improved halfway through the "life" of the botox has given me a lot to look forward to! I'm coming up to four weeks after treatment now; the funerals will be next week. It's too much to hope that I'll have movement by then but I am already noticing that the droop is less pronounced and I look less "cross". BTW, I have tried the Eye Magic. It is very effective for hooding and is barely noticeable on, but it does not achieve a brow lift.

September 22, 2014

I'm glad this hasn't been a problem for you. I was delighted too when I was last treated (in 2008) when like you I had nothing in the forehead, only in the brows. Also you had a conservative dose. I had 50 units total, 12 of which were in my forehead. (I only know this because I asked afterwards--poor consultation).

September 25, 2014

I am sorry for what you have both gone through. I would not give up on Botox due to what occurred. I think too much was injected or the wrong area. I went to a nurse one time working out of a dermatology office and had a similar result you are describing, which was sagging eye lids. I went there because they were offering a special. This was a mistake because I did not have the same result as when I went to my doctor. My doctor puts very little in my forehead and it does the trick. There is also a way for them to inject the Botox to raise up the eyelids. I wonder if this can be done to resolve the situation in your case. If you still want some expression in your forehead area, then they can just inject less, however that prevents the purpose, which is to stop the wrinkles. I have had 14 years experience with having Botox, but I have a doctor who has also been doing it for years. I suggest going somewhere else, if your current doctor cannot help you. I wish you both the best.

September 26, 2014

Never again! 4 full months now, and I still have a very droopy eyelid...am so tired of looking angry! I tried the Eye Magic, and not knowing there were different strengths, got the milder one (it did nothing at all for my eyes) so will have to try finding the stronger tape now. I am sooooo mad at myself for wasting the $$$ and putting this poison in my face. The scotch tape on my 11's is the way to go for me. I use that every night while I sleep, and wake up without wrinkled forehead. I will never go the Botox route again. I hope my case is just a slow dissipation, because I will be so relieved if I ever look happy again.

September 26, 2014

Anon, I'm one who tends to agree with you. The Botox "creep" into areas where it should not be occurs in only a small percentage of cases. But I do realize that if YOU are one of the cases, you're freaked out. BTW that's also one reason they tell you to keep your head erect and elevated for a certain amount of time after a treatment. Don't go home and lie down!!! And there's always the possbility it was simply injected into the wrong area or too much (injector errors). Those you can eliminate by never going to THAT person again, and seeking someone out with a lot more injection experience. And never buy those volume discount deals! And figure out how much they gave you and tell the next person to reduce it.

September 26, 2014

The nurse placed it in the wrong location. I was able to get it fixed by a doctor who injected a small amount into another area above my brow. It is VERY important to go to a doctor who has been doing this for a very long time. My other experiences with this product have been good. One time one of my eye brow arches were up slightly higher and my doctor corrected it with one injection. He corrects at no charge, and in 14 years I had one correction of my brow. I have learned my lesson and will only go to him. I just wanted those who has some bad results to know sometimes they can be corrected. Thank you again for sharing your story.

September 30, 2014

I think you're right jqw, in many cases. But there are other cases where it just is a matter of not being a suitable candidate for treatment. People who don't like how they look when their brows are in a resting position should not have botox in their frontalis! They should stick to the 11s and the brow depressors!

Medchic

October 2, 2014

Thank you for posting every day. It helped me decide to never touch it again even for my 11's. Had it done for the first time Sept 4th 2013 on my crows feet and now I have bags under my eyes.. I've NEVER had bags and now I'm afraid they are there for good... It's been over a year. As a medical student, my "professional" advice would be not to get this literal poison injected into your body. No one can know how each individual may react. To make matters worse, not even the company knows the half life of this thing... I asked their rep and she had no idea. If your under 50... Just stay away!!! You may not end up as one of the positive results!!! Are you willing to take that risk?!

October 6, 2014

A quick update from me. It's now almost six weeks since treatment and just like you predicted, Tessa, I have improved a LOT in the past few weeks. I have a little more movement in my brows now, in that I can raise them a little more, and the hooding is almost gone. My face is still a load less expressive than it was but I feel like I can go to work without my glasses on now and be confident that no one will notice. It's too early to really feel myself again but I do feel huge relief to know that it clearly won't be six months before my face is totally in the clear--more like three. I just went to the funerals of my loved ones last week and I didn't feel very self-conscious and I cried along with everyone else. People, take courage. It may not feel like it but this IS temporary!

October 6, 2014

Also, I now feel like I can make appointments to see people instead of hiding away in my house like the Elephant Man. How much of this is a psychological thing I wonder? My partner says I look just the same!

October 6, 2014

If you do not like the feeling that botox gives I would stay away from it. I do not mind the feeling at all, in fact I am used to it. I get sad when the botox disappears. I think everyone is different, and for those trying this product for the first time try it is one location, and by a skilled injector. After a month or two some movement returns and it will slowly get back to normal. I am glad you are feeling more yourself and no longer feel worried about being seen.

October 7, 2014

I think that is good advice, to stick to one area. That will limit the "freeze" that feels so unusual and you may get used to it. My own advice would be to look at yourself in the mirror beforehand, with your brows in a totally relaxed state. Really let the muscles go. If you don't like how you look, then make sure you ask NOT to be treated in the frontalis muscle.

October 7, 2014

That is a good idea. Your injector should also be taking before pictures of you in case there are any issues. This is a sign of a good injector.

October 7, 2014

Haha, I wish my injector had done that! He wasn't paying enough attention. Didn't answer my complaint email either. Never again.

October 7, 2014

I love your username.."bertbrows". Wow, most injectors take pictures, at least for the first eval. Then if something does not look right afterward, they would know how to fix it. I think you had a bad experience due to your injector. I asked a person at my doctors office if your situation could be fixed and she said most of the time yes, and they fix it for free when there is a problem. The fact your injector did not respond to your questions tells me that is not a good facility. I am glad it is wearing off for you. Just know your experience is not the norm (IMO).

October 20, 2014

Bertbrows: Yay! I'm so glad you're feeling better and since I'm a little late reading this, I bet you're even better now. I am totally fine and have been for a while. I think this stuff lasted about three months for me. And after two months, all drooping, etc, was gone. Now, all forehead lines are back, no drooping, brows, wonderful. I even had someone compliment me on my arched brows in a picture. I did not think *that* was going to happen when I was losing my mind all through July... I agree with anon101010, stick to one place it works. In my case, the 11 lines and not the forehead. If you're happy with how it looks, don't get greedy. That being said, having been through this journey, I'm not as scared anymore. It would seem I would be terrified but I do know botox leaves sooner than one thinks. I studied my face too and what actually makes me look older. Forehead lines aren't really the issue so I'm leaving that alone. I'm so happy you aren't hiding and feel more expressive. There's something creepy about not being able to raise your brows. Again, not an issue with the 11 line treatment but I really need to move my forehead. I hope you're feeling great!

October 20, 2014

I am so glad you two are doing better. Tessa, if those lines bother you, you can get a much smaller amount placed in the area and still move your forehead. My doctor does just enough to get rid of the wrinkles, but I still have some movement, and no sagging. I can understand why you would not want to even try this due to your bad experience. In 14 years I think my doctor had to do one touch up on one of my eyebrows that was up higher than the other. He has been doing this for years though, and little movement does not bother me (I think it is something you get used to but completely empathize if you do not like that feeling). Good luck to you both.

October 21, 2014

I'm so glad your arch is back! Yes I'm now eight weeks post, and as you predicted, I feel SO MUCH BETTER. I can raise and lower my brows--still can't frown but, like you, don't mind that. I didn't get the brow lift I went in for and when I raise my brows I have a *hint* of the Evil Queen about me due to more movement in the lateral brows than the medial, but it's not something people would notice and I'm fine with it given that the fine lines around my eyes have disappeared. I may dabble again but I will stick to the 11 lines, go to a better practitioner and be very specific about what I want. Like you, I'm less scared too--I've come out of this hardier and with a lot more knowledge (though feeling ridiculous). I hope everyone else is feeling better too!

October 21, 2014

"not an issue with the 11 line treatment but I really need to move my forehead" - this was exactly how I felt. I felt VERY anxious when I couldn't move my forehead! I'm a chronic eyebrow-raiser :)

April 2, 2015

I am so glad I found this thread. You have helped me more than anything. I feel horrible that I got botox in my forehead 14 days ago. I had never had anything done to my face and wanted to start a better skin care routine. I went to a med spa for a consultation about the wrinkles around my mouth and what might help decrease them. The owner said that her skin care dr. was coming by in a few minutes for botox on a client and would I like him to fit me in with an appointment for my forehead? I'm always pressed for time since I work full time and am a caregiver for an elderly parent after work. I should have said no and researched this. I said yes. I have a low forehead and he spent about one minute assessing my face and shot me up with 40 units of botox across the forehead and at the 11s. As you can imagine, my eyes look beyond horrible. They used to be large and I had a good amount of eyelid area for make up as well as nice brows. I now have tiny, recessed and hooded eyes and there is nowhere to even put makeup on the lids because they are so creased. My brows are drooped so low I look like I am either sick or mad about something. I wanted to start dating this summer when I am off from work and have more time but this is impossible now. My social life is shot until this goes away in 4-9 months so I have lost at least a half a year of my life to this disaster. About 4 days later, I went back to see the dr. who said I looked just fine and that this always happens with botox. It's a trade off and I should have known that. Hello, I'm not the expert and no one would get this procedure if THAT was the trade off. He offered to do some electric current stimulation to get the botox out of my system faster if possible. I tried it but I got a bruise on my forehead from it (and I already had a significant bruise from his botox injection) so I was afraid of what else this might be doing. I went back a week later and showed him 3 plastic bags full of hair that I had lost while shampooing my hair. I am afraid to shampoo my hair now and clumps of hair fall out even when I just run my fingers through it. I told him this could be a side effect as I have never had this issue before. He laughed as said he had never heard of hair loss from botox. I told him I researched it and it is indeed a possible side effect. Then he said, "Oh, wait a minute. My girlfriend gets botox in the scalp for migraines and she has hair loss from it, but it doesn't happen with botox in the forehead." Then I told him that from my research 40 units is too much and he should have known this. He went on to tell me about famous drs. he has worked with and classes he has taken, and he know what he's doing. I told him that I got the treatment to look better but now I look older and worse than I did before the treatment and I would like at least half my money back. That's when he got mad and said I have taken so much of his time that he is at a deficit financially with me. Had I thought quicker, I would have added, "It's too bad you think correcting a problem you caused to a patient is a waste of you time." I am not finished pursuing this issue with him and he does not know me: I am a fighter and I am sure I am not the first person he has done this to. So now I look like a freak and my hair is falling out. The problem in this industry is that any dr. can get certified with a weekend course or even an internet course and that is not enough time and experience to know how to be a skillful injector. The person also needs to have an artistic eye for this work and I don't think everyone should be qualified so easily. I would certainly like to know if anyone ever got their money back or some kind of satisfaction from having this devastating experience.

April 3, 2015

Myra, you said that this occurred at a MedSpa - and this doctor is somehow on their staff or freelancing providing injections to their patients. I'd follow that trail. Ultimately, the MedSpa itself should make you whole. Did you pay to them - or directly to this "doctor"? Was this an MD or an osteopath or some foreign qualified person (whose degrees may or may not be recognized in the US)? Personally, I've seen all sorts of arrangements like that at "MedSpas". Generally they have to have an MD "affiliated" with them, if not wholly or partially owned by them. But these people's credentials vary wildly. I would suspect that the woman at the MedSpa at least got some cut or kickback from this service since the story was he was coming by to treat another MedSpa customer. So pursue that end of it. Good news is - it will pass. Maybe not as fast as you want - but it will pass. I happen to have had botox in the scalp years ago "off label" for migraines, however, I personally experienced no hair loss. It might be hard to prove whether it's directly related to the Boxtox - or your stress level over the Botox. Stress can do a real number on hair and nails.

April 3, 2015

I think that is a lot of Botox in that area. I do not recommend going to a med spa for Botox. I know many people do and get good results. I have a MD who primarily does injectables do my Botox. I would not allow anyone who is not a doctor or nurse do this procedure. It should wear off a little every month. I think in 2 months you should see some improvement and 3-4 months a lot of improvement. When they say it lasts 9 months I do not agree, at least not my experience with this product. Some of the product stays for up to nine month but usually not all of it. You should be fine in a few months. I have not read about anyone getting reimbursed for this. You can go to another injector and possibly they can inject a different area of your eye brows to bring them up. This may not be possible if too much was injected, but I think worth looking into. My experience with Botox has been good, except for the time I went to a med type spa with a discount. I will never do that again. I have had the same injector for 15 years and he is a medical doctor. There are some good RN's out there who also do injectable well. Again, this will start wearing off a little every month. It should not take 9 months before you start to see some improvement.

April 3, 2015

Thanks for writing me. This doctor is an MD and actually has his own clinic up the street from the med spa. He periodically comes in to treat patients at the med spa instead of his clinic. He probably does have a financial arrangement with the med spa owner. My Visa was charged to his office, not the med spa. His credentials are fine, he's just not very good at what he does apparently. I looked him up on Yelp and he has one good review and one bad review. The text of the bad review seems to have been deleted. Yes, maybe my stress level is contributing to the hair loss, but I've never lost hair before during stressful times. However ongoing stress from an unfulfilling job and dealing with my dad's health issues could be taking its toll. I'll think about that.

April 3, 2015

This reply is for jqw: Thanks for writing me. This doctor is an MD and actually has his own clinic up the street from the med spa. He periodically comes in to treat patients at the med spa instead of his clinic. He probably does have a financial arrangement with the med spa owner. My Visa was charged to his office, not the med spa. His credentials are fine, he's just not very good at what he does apparently. I looked him up on Yelp and he has one good review and one bad review. The text of the bad review seems to have been deleted. Yes, maybe my stress level is contributing to the hair loss, but I've never lost hair before during stressful times. However ongoing stress from an unfulfilling job and dealing with my dad's health issues could be taking its toll. I'll think about that.

April 3, 2015

This reply is for anon: Thanks for the encouragement. This man is an MD who has at least some experience in injecting (I don't know how many years.) I also think 40 units was way too much from what I am reading, especially since I am a petite size. I really wonder if he injected that much but I have no way of knowing. I only know he charged me for that amount. Hopefully it was less in my case, since I want this to wear off as fast as possible. I read that exercise can help wear this off faster and I am putting myself on a running and workout schedule, which I need to do anyhow. If it helps I will be relieved and if not, then at least I will be in better shape. Maybe a detox cleanse or juice fast could help clear the botox out of my system. I'm ready to try anything!

April 3, 2015

I still think your best tack will be to pursue the MedSpa. If his own clinic was so thriving, he would not go there to do business with them - and they could not attract extra business without offering injectibles. Enough complains TO the MedSpa - would get his attention if they cancel his services. And making your refund demand to them - means they'll have to take it to him - you should insist on that - say, "No - you invited this person in and recommended him at your site. Therefore, I expect you to mediate with him on my behalf for a 'make good'." Even if you paid directly to him - I guarantee there had to be some sort of kickback to the owner - even if it's her own personal "treatment" for free!

April 4, 2015

Thanks. I see your logic. I will call the owner of the med spa Monday when they are open. I'll let you know what happens. I think I'll do a charge back on my Visa if they do not agree some partial refund at least. He needs to get the message that not all women will be too embarrassed to just accept poor quality treatment and he better be more careful, like taking time to assess someone's face and not be in such a hurry. This has scared me off of injections like Juvederm that I had considered for my lip lines. I will now just try some dermabrasion and mild peels and possibly the dermapen which was recommended by the med spa. But I'll do that at my dermatologist's office.

April 4, 2015

There are good and bad injectors. 40 units sounds huge to me. I do 20 or less for eyebrow lift. 1st guy threw remainder in upper forehead but I have no wrinkles there. 2nd place I said if leftover then throw away. Juvederm good for nasal labial and marionette. Avoid eyes! Nurses can be great injectors. Dr's can be lousy. Depends on how much experience.

elsacorral1

April 11, 2015

Thank you so much for your thread. I had 46 units in my face, forehead, crows feet, frown lines...... I look like a freak. I have Spock eyebrows, bags under eyes and pockets full of "stuff" where wrinkles have come to gather. I am embarrassed, humiliated and really ashamed at my vanity. I was fine looking, not now. I wanted "perfect" when in actuallality, I was much better than average. Never again.

UPDATED FROM Tesssa

1 month post

Pretty Much All Better

TesssaJuly 31, 2014

I think I'm almost all better. Again, as above, I think the Botox makes stuff that already happens to me worse, but even that is improving. I really took a good look at my forehead today (haven't done that) and my lines are back. It's still a wee bit harder to lift the brows, and it looks smoother, but it's not a strain and I have a lot more movement. If I actually LIKED this in my forehead, I might be pissed it didn't last very long. Who are these doctors that say it lasts 6 months? Um, no it so does not. Try 2-3. OK, maybe 6 if you shoot your face up with triple units. So... Botox in the forehead: One month of smooth lines but drooped brow, sadness, freak out, wondering how long is this gonna last!?!! Second month, I presume, of watching it go away, improve, lines return, feeling normal, resuming somewhat normal thinking and activities. Month three I see as everything gone, back the way it was and ... nope. Not worth it. But at least it's better! My eyes are back to normal. What a ridiculous drama. Forehead? Never again!

Replies (4)

sydniejean

August 1, 2014

I get Botox and love the results. I did get it once with a doctor that wasn't a facial plastic surgeon and had some drooping in my left eye. I will only go to the same place and the same person now all of the time and she is great.

August 1, 2014

Sorry some have had a lousy experience. I've had 2x cosmetic Botox and once for migraine. First went to opthalmologist. Figured he'd know nerves and not blind me. Only 20 units but he threw the remainder in my firehead where I don't have wrinkles. You could have bounced a quarter off the forehead but not the lift to the brow or hoods I wanted. Waited 5 mos. Went to medi spa with experienced PA injector. Specified brow lift. She threw the 20 into the brow area carefully asking me to squinch or look up. Nothing in forehead. I'm delighted. No Mr. Spock crazy brows. No unnecessary waste on an already smooth brow.

August 1, 2014

You are one of the lucky ones. I don't like to play with the odds, Once burned you don't play with fire. You were lucky this time but there is no guarantee it won't be a nightmare for you the next time.

August 1, 2014

I keep walking out of the house every day - and never know what might happen. Life is full of risks of all sorts. You don't have to do Botox again - so that's great. I don't have to, either, but my rather more positive experience won't prevent me from reupping in some months. Hey, I've flown on Maylaysian Airlines before, too - and my story ended well with a great vacation. But if the recent news about MA would dissuade you, then the good thing is we all have a choice!

August 1, 2014

My experience with a very reputable specialist was to be hiding out in my home crying for 2 months...because I looked like an angry hoot owl...is not something I want to ever do again. Life is too short and I have to face the public! My intent was to look my best. Botox never again.

August 1, 2014

We all have positive experiences we will do again...but we also have negative experiences we choose not to relive. That's what we call life lessons.

August 1, 2014

Good for you. I got this Botox for medical reason and what it was originally developed for and it turned out to be a disaster and made my symptoms worse.This was injected by a Neurologist who is supposed to know what he is doing. Nothing good can come out of putting poison in your body that isn't necessary and you might not notice it now but one day you will when your face suddenly can't take it anymore and gives up. Just a reminder. When you look in the mirror and see a no wrinkle face try standing in front of a full body mirror naked. The reality hits you real fast. The rest of your body will continue to age no matter how much you treat your face. I personally wouldn't like a plastic face and that is what you get with BOTOX. It ain't natural. Whether you realize it or not you can tell when someone uses BOTO X,

August 1, 2014

I first had Botox for migraines - also with a neurologist. And it worked WONDERS for that. The only reason that I didn't repeat is that, at the time, it was still considered "experimental" and "off label", and, in the crazy world of insurance, while they would actually pay for the medication - they would not pay for the neurologist's services to inject it! Of course, I appealed, "What am I supposed to do, go home, crack the bottle open and drink it?" And he was a great guy who just let his own charges slide. Of course everyone has different experiences of all sorts in life. We have different DNA, different doctors, different procedures - different batches of Botox. And I respect anyone deciding something is not for them. At the same time, I think that sounding the siren's call - for a particular set of circumstances that might not actually be applicable to everyone, is not a great service. It may be like throwing the baby out with the bath water. I would recommend to anyone with debilitating migraines that they try Botox. Now, if it didn't personally work for them - then I would understand their not wanting a repeat. But not to paint the entire medication with a tar brush as a result. There are also great things that can be accomplished using Botox for muscular issues associated with Cerebral Palsy, for example. Whether one would attempt any of these treatments - or the use of Botox as a cosmetic - must be an individual decision. Because it will surely have varying outcomes. As does any other treatment or procedure in the world. In that respect, Botox is no different than any other med. Some people are allergic. Some people will get a side effect. Some people will experience "operator error" (a/k/a injector error). And sometimes stuff just happens.

August 1, 2014

I must have misunderstood as I though you were just talking about a cosmetic procedure. Surely if it worked for your health issue I would try it again. Even after this was all said and done I would have to pick it up at the drug store and the co-oay would be $295 plus my fee for the doctor. It is pretty bad when it has to cost anyone ridiculous amounts of money for something to treat their illness just because the insurance company doesn't want to pay. What gets me about these insurance companies and their decisions to pay or not is ridiculous as they don't know the patient. Imagine how frustrated doctors are.

August 1, 2014

We are simply on this board to share reviews...Some are positive and others are negative

August 1, 2014

we are asked for our review in order to help people make the right choice, so if they are compelled to follow your lead because you had good experiences ... we all simply wish them the best of luck.

August 1, 2014

It sounds like JQ did what I did -- except she did the right thing the second time! I also had the droop, once, and then I thought... maybe if he uses a little it won't do it again. WRONG! But since he did use a tiny bit, the drooping has gone away, and I feel normal again. I mean, she's right. It CAN work wonders for a little lift. It did for me the first time I did it and the second time, before I got all stupid and greedy about the forehead. I am personally gonna lay off the stuff because I'm all paranoid now. But I'm sure I'll look at my 11 line again in a few months and go "well..." But the forehead. No, no and hell no! Anyway, I know too many friends who do this and seem to be fine. I DO think there are those who are going to have a bad result one of these days because they are getting obsessive about it. But my friends who stick to their routine, stick to their three to four month touch ups. They seem to be fine. I guess I am a bit surprised when women do their forehead and have no issues. Even slight issues and drooping? Maybe they do and they don't care? I don't know... Anyway, thank you for your positive feedback JQ -- I like hearing positive experiences! Makes everything less scary.

August 8, 2014

A little update. Sandra I do not have MS, a brain tumor, or brain cancer. Those things have been ruled out although the MS Neurologist still doesn't know for sure what is causing my eye problems. As of now his new diagnosis is Nerve Palsy Cranial which also causes double vision. He has me on a medication for this and if this doesn't work he is putting me on Prednisone as there are more symptoms besides my eye problems. Get this. He doesn't think I have Blepherospasm anymore and so what I went through and still am with the Botox was for nothing. At this point I feel like a science experiment, You told me to tell you if I was diagnosed with MS so this is my update.

August 8, 2014

Darn I just erased my entire message! Now I have to start over. Becky I am so relieved it is not MS or a brain tumor or brain cancer...I have never heard of Nerve Cranial Palsy so we'll have to research that to understand it better. it sounds like you're going to the similar hell I went through 12 years ago. I was on prednisone for many many months and because of the long term use it made me pretty crazy and miserable. As I told you the Med I am on right now has kept that all in remission. Those were times I will not ever forget ...I pray for you Becky. Thank you for that update

August 8, 2014

I asked my doctor about the LDN and he knows about it. He said they put people on that when they need to withdraw from other medications. He didn't recommend it but then I don't have MS. The other thing he is checking into and having blood drawn for is Sjogren's syndrome. I may have more then one thing. At least I feel after 3 years that someone is finally trying to help me.

September 9, 2014

Becky!! How are you?? I'm still here...struggling to look like myself again (into my 4th month). May 30 was my injection day. Such a lesson...many regrets!!!

September 9, 2014

Your doctor simply doesn't understand LDN... I hear this all the time. I've been on it for 12 years and my MS is halted.

September 9, 2014

I'm so sorry to hear you are having problems Sandra. My situation took a very bad turn. I should not have had Botox at all. I have been diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis an Sjogren's syndrome which are two auto immune diseases. My eye Dr. Said the Botox would make my condition worse and cause droopy eye lids. I an very sick and the Botox made me sicker. These are both auto immune diseases. I have to wonder if the reason so many people are getting the droopy eye lid has to do with another factor in their body rejecting it.The Neurologist who injected me was in the process of the diagnosis and suspected it when he did this. He thought I had Blephrospasm and now doesn't think so. The good news is I did not have this covered by the Insurance at the time and offered to pay the full $850. I was so desperate. The doctor has never billed me. I think he knows he goofed. I was just at the hospital today for blood work and a CT scan to see if I have the tumor in my Thyrus that can make the condition worse. If I do I will need surgery to remove it. There is no cure but there is treatment and this could help improve my symptoms. God bless you Sandra and even if you don't hear from me in awhile I want to know how you are doing. And thanks for thinking about me.

August 19, 2014

Thank you Tessa for your day to day account. It has given some hope during this nightmare I'm going through.

September 9, 2014

Neanderthal: No problem! I was hoping people didn't think I was being totally obsessive. But I figured, those in the same boat, many are doing the same thing every damn day -- mirror! What is it gonna look like?! And you're keeping it private, but you NEED to talk to someone about it or you'll lose it! It's been almost a month since you posted this. I hope you're already feeling better. And again, you WILL feel better. It doesn't last as long as they say... Take care!

September 9, 2014

I posted earlier with Tesssa...and here's my update. I am actually into my 4th month now and am worried that I did something irreversible when trying to soften my 11s. My brows were so heavily done and now my eyelids still give me an evil look. I sooo regret my botox experience. The world around me thinks I'm mad at them. I only pray it will soon fully dissipate. I'm 62 and afraid I was too old to go and ruin what elasticity I still had around my eyes.

September 9, 2014

Thanks again Tessa. My eyes are still quite scary looking. I really don't know if I see some improvement or Im just getting used to it as I have spent the 2 months looking in the mirror. I do definitely have more movement in my forehead so I am hopeful that I will start to experience positive effects soon. Thanks to everyone for your helpful comments.

September 9, 2014

Thanks Sandra for your message. Im so sorry that you are still having to suffer what now seems like an unending nightmare. I am nearly 47 and people I know who have had botox before say that the older you are the slower your body metabolizes it. Maybe you will start seeing improvement by the end of the month. I sure hope so. I think we are all learning a very cruel lesson. I will certainly never do this again.

September 9, 2014

Neanderthal...reading your post sounds exactly like what I went through!

September 9, 2014

Thanks! I felt sure it would dissipate more by now and can only pray this is not permanent!

September 26, 2014

4 full months! I still have one eye more hooded than the other. Ugly!!

September 26, 2014

Hang in there! My right eye is still very hooded and saggy. I thought I noticed some improvement last weekend but it has got a bit worse. I think that because I was suntanned I looked quite well recently but now that is wearing off Im noticing more hoodedness and saginess. Hope its just a passing phase for both of us.

August 19, 2014

I think if you read the literature carefully, you'll see there's a RANGE for length of effectiveness - with 6 months being a maximum. So, it depends from person-to-person; from procedure-to-procedure, etc. I personally waited 5 months in-between #1 and #2. Then my problem is not so "severe" that I suddenly looked in the mirror and screamed, "OMG - I have to have more - NOW!" And I did not bump up the total units, either - I just had them concentrate on the area I wanted treated most of all - the eyebrow lift for the hooded eyes. I believe that one of the problems may lie in the "deals" where you are sold a minimum number of units - even 20 - and to treat certain areas (such as those "11s") - 20 is way too much. So the injector puts maybe 4 in that area - and then there's leftover - and then - they throw it around - wherever. Whether you need it there or not. Like your forehead.

September 9, 2014

Jq3827: I agree with you. The deals. One of the docs I went to said he wouldn't do below a certain amount of units. No matter what. Um... well bye, bye, then. Your consistent method is smart. And stick to one area that works for you. I have the same goals as you do -- help hooded eyes -- 11 lines. Therefore, I must accept forehead lines. And I don't worry about smile lines. And yeah, I don't let them sprinkle the rest around. No! Just do what I'm concerned about. It's been almost five months since I did my 11 and I'm waiting another month -- just to make sure ALL of this stuff is really gone in my forehead, even if I don't see any of it. I keep remembering -- you weren't this stressed last year - when you NEVER did this stuff. It's a rabbit hole and you must be much more careful than doctors say. They are too casual about all of this.