Annie360

Thank you for your review. The only way to make informed decisions is from feedback from the patient's experiences and results. Press for a complimentary treatment since the advice to apply ice may have interfered with a more positive outcome.

Hi TBF: Need to tell you that I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of the LED devices. Long story HOW I managed that. Getting two units...one smaller unit for face...and a larger unit for the body. We will be using them for 30 days and make assessments from personal use. Glad to hear you are positively progressing. Perhaps, as the botox wears off the regenerative results increase exponentially with less and less toxin and more and more muscle movement. What an horrific ordeal! Hopefully all coming to an end. I am also concerned about the residual effects and hope they improve as this poison wears off. Will let you know if there are any perceptible changes from the use of this device -- on the other three women without botox "damage", as well as myself. Will keep in touch. A

Hi TBF: Thanks for writing. After inquiring further regarding the contraindications of the use of botox with an existing infection -- when pressed, the doctor said they were referring to a "systemic" infection -- not a "local" infection. What the hell that meant, I'm still not certain. It is something to think about, however, either way! There MUST be some clinical evidence to suggest botox does get into the system...hence the, sometimes, vague flu-like symptoms some users have experienced. Like you, TBF, I am SO DONE with botox. Even in skilled hands, there are too many "unknowns" and as you stated...not worth the risk. It will be 8 weeks tomorrow. There appears to be some "loosening" and more movement in the cheek and lip area...but still lopsided. Perhaps not as bad. It depends on the day. I may begin some type of facial exercises. It may not help...but it won't hurt either, and it will afford some feeling that I'm doing something constructive. What I have learned, thus far, about the LED devices is their efficacy depends upon several factors such as wavelength, milliwatts, etc. I'm pursuing this in a somewhat "scientific" way having been so disappointed by the "cosmetic" way. This particular device is used medically for wound healing and pain reduction. There are LED devices being sold now...with FDA approval...that purport to 'rejuvenate' skin. They are costly and I do not know if they possess the necessary criteria that were used in the studies. I am in communication with the company that manufactured the medical device that was used in the study. The study showed before and after photographs of the eye area using the device for 20 mins., 3x per wk. for 9 wks. and the results were very visible. A definite reduction in lines and wrinkles. The best part, TBF...NO BOTOX! I will keep you posted. A

Hi TBF: Thanks for responding. In answer to your question re: my taking antibiotics at the time I had the botox -- No, I wasn't, but did have swelling, tenderness and inflammation from a recurring sinus problem. Since that time, I have read, and also heard, that if you have an infection you shouldn't have botox. Someone suggested it may also be in the Allergan literature that accompanies the product. I don't know. It is interesting that I did call the office the morning of my treatment to ask if I should reschedule because of the swelling. The nurse asked the doctor and he said no. Maybe a bad judgement call on his part. In retrospect, I should have gone with that feeling of doubt and concern that prompted the call that morning. Part of the lesson here may be to be more trusting of my feelings...to listen more closely to that "inner voice." Now, a quick question for you: You said you are using the Tua Viso. How is that coming along? There are also hand-held infra red devices with certain wavelengths that are capable of stimulating collagen production. They are used primarily to enhance circulation and speed wound healing. But users...and clinical studies --have also shown reduction in wrinkle depth and firmer skin tone. I called a medical device manufacturer and am awaiting scientific information and a copy of the study. Perhaps this device could somehow be of some benefit and help move recovery along. What do you think? When should I begin some sort of exercise regimen? October 15th is week 7. I'll let you know how things are going. Hope to hear from you soon. A

Thanks again, TBF, for your reply. Coming up on week 6 this Thursday (10/08). The only "change" is the feeling of less stiffness. Went back to the "perpetrator" last Friday just so he could have another look. All in all, he is a nice man who does take responsibility and is sorry for what has happened. Tried to reassure me that it will pass. Said he only gave me 4 units in each of the 3 locations for the crows feet and cannot believe the extent to which it has affected the cheek muscle. I asked if, perhaps, it had anything to do with the depth of the injection...or the swelling from the sinusitis that morning. Of course you know his response -- 'No, no, that would not have anything to do with it.' Then I guess it was just improper placement of the shot...too low into the cheek? To this, he said he was sorry...and it had never happened before. OK. I'll just continue to wait. Told him to enjoy his weekend. Where are those enjoyable weekends for us? Spent another "one" hibernating. Must go out this afternoon, it will be another "just came from the dentist" story...if she is bold enough to ask what is wrong with my face. As for my boyfriend, we have not spoken since Friday afternoon. My father used to say that if they (boyfriends) were so easily "lost" then they weren't worth having in the first place. I guess we'll see about that. Did I mention that the doctor in Miami prefers Perlane over some of the other fillers? What do you think about that material? Does anyone have any experience with its usage? Fillers? Honestly, it looks like I need an entire face lift on that side. It's entirely scary to see what botox can do. My God! It seemed so relatively harmless! Because it's called a "cosmetic" procedure, it makes it sound less dangerous. But it is invasive, and it is a "toxin" or a foreign substance. Not really a cosmetic at all. I will really think about that next time and not be so unsuspecting of the potential side effects or consequences. We are having to live through the nightmare of some of those consequences, and as you said, it changes one, in some subtle...but very real ways. Hopefully, like all of lifes' lessons, we come away from the experience a little smarter and a little stronger. Not much of a consolation at the moment, as I ready myself to "face" the day with this "face." Keep in touch. I will do the same. A