Binnybin1

Can't Wait to See Results!

I have had Botox on numerous occasions. The bruising generally goes away and results take about 7-10 days to really show. I am a firm believer in using Emla cream (lidocaine cream)on the areas that I am having done. This is a prescription cream- apply a thick layer and cover it with saran wrap about 45 minutes before the procedure. The last time I had it on the forehead I develped bilateral brow droop and that lasted as long as the botox. While it wasn't severe, it still was noticeable to me. For me it is more uncomfortable to have the forehead done than around the eyes. I had Active FX done a month ago so I want the Botox again to really inprove those wrinkles around my eyes. I have also had Restylane and that was a little painful. Also had redness and swelling but after about 10 days that disappeared and everything smoothed out. I was happy with those results. Best thing to do is to apply an icepack to the area- 15 minutes on, 15 off for a while right after the procedure. My doctor put wet paper towels in a plastic bag, and then put it in the freezer. Conforms well to the face and lasts for about 15 minutes. Easy to do at home. Just be a little patient.

LaserLee- I can't believe you didn't have any pain with the microdermabrasion! I know there are different degrees of the chemical they use but if it does anything like the laser, well, you must be one tough cookie. Did you post any pictures? I think I'm going to go with some botox next chance I get, but only around my eyes. Have you ever had that? Last time I did it I got too much on my forehead and it caused my brow to droop. Sounds like you had your procedure the same day I did or close to it. This website has really been helpful to me and I am grateful for your imput.

Hey, Maxine- I don't have any marks or darkened areas on my face. I have had to take Valtrex to control any fever blisters(thankfully I get that for free from my doc!)but all redness, swelling, etc, is gone. I have noticed a decrease in the deep wrinkles that run from my nose to mouth, lips are fuller, furoughs between my eyes are't as deep and overall appearance is smoother. I remember thinking when the doc that did the laser said he could see a difference about an hour later that is was probable just starting to swell. Thankfully I don't need to wear makeup to cover anything- it just plain makes me look a little more presentable! Had a patient remark the other day that he had never seen me in the office before. Actually I had seen him twice before! I guess I clean up okay. Will post another picture tomorrow-it will be the one month mark.

I would urge you to be very careful with the active and deep fx. A friend who has olive skin had her procedure the same day as I did and said that she looks like she has two black eyes and a permanant chocolate "mustache" around her entire mouth. She is just horrified and embarressed. Her doctor has recommended micro-dermabrasion to fix the problem. Her condiditon is called hyperpigmentation. Because I am fair-skinned I did not have this problem, even though the settings were higher than mine. I am 52 and she is about 15 years older so I don't know if this factors in. As for the pain- you know how someone will say something feels like a "bee-sting"? Think more like putting your face into a wasp nest and ticking them off! It was painful. I had no pre-op med(except for extra-strengh tylenol) so I would highly recommend taking something much stronger and continue on it for at least 24-36 hours. Use ice packs and try to get a prescription for Biafine cream. I don't know how much you are paying for the procedure- mine was done free as the doctor was demo-ing the laser (this requires a great deal of trust in your doctor). I will post a new picture soon!

Have you noticed anymore improvement since you posted this in May?