• Video
  • Botox: 7 Things I Wish I Would Have Known
{{ showTranscript ? 'HIDE' : 'SHOW' }} TRANSCRIPT
#1: Check Your Injector’s Qualifications
Just because someone’s licensed to practice medicine...
Doesn’t necessarily mean you want them injecting Botox into your face.
Training courses for Botox can be taken online.
And by ANY person in the medical field.
That doesn't seem right.
Even my dentist offers it... yikes!
These are the muscles of your face. It's intense.
The moral of the story: Always check your injectors qualifications.

#2: Be a Smart Shopper: Beware of Pricing
Make sure you’re getting charged per unit of Botox…
NOT a fixed price per area of your face.
Everyone’s different and needs a different amount of Botox.
Who wants to pay $350 when you only get 200 bucks worth of Botox?
Not me, I can tell you that much.
No way.

#3: And If You’re Worried About Pain...
On a scale of 1-10, RealSelf users describe the pain of Botox as a 1.5.
You might have a few red spots or swelling at the injection sites…
But no worries. It goes away in a couple of hours.
Some people see a little bit of bruising…
But this shouldn’t last more than a few days.
And hey, there’s always concealer!

#4: Sorry, But Results Aren’t Immediate
Waiting sucks, doesn't it?
Be realistic and don't expect to look more youthful right away.
It actually takes like five days for Botox to kick in. If you take pictures everyday, you'll actually see the tiny changes over time. Put them on your RealSelf review!

#5: Know the Risks
Like with any procedure, you gotta be aware of the unexpected side effects.
RealSelf users have occasionally experienced droopy brows and eyelids.
You may experience blurred vision, prolonged headaches, and ill feelings for a few days.
While most of these are temporary, droopy brows and eyelids can be a permanent result.
All the more reason to go to a doctor who knows what they’re doing!

#6: Botox Isn’t a One-Time Deal
The results of Botox vary from person-to-person, but on average your results should last for about four to six months.
You’ll probably need regular injections to maintain your appearance but over time, you probably won't need as much.
Especially if you didn’t have deep wrinkles to begin with.

#7: Botox Isn’t Just For Wrinkles
It’s pretty amazing what Botox can do!
On top of wrinkles, the injection can also be used to treat migraines.
Depression.
Psoriasis.
Excessive sweating.
Hair loss.
Overactive bladder.
And the list goes on!

For more tips from those who've been there, read thousands of first-hand experiences on RealSelf.

Botox: 7 Things I Wish I Would Have Known

  • RealSelf Video
Getting Botox? Hear what the RealSelf community has to suggest.