Botox Was a Nightmare for Me:(!!

March 18, 2009

I just read your review and it touched me. It has been such a gift getting to know you through this crazy ordeal. You and I both have a totally new outlook on aging. My wrinkles, lines, and creases are a testament to who I am - I am a person who LOVES to laugh and to smile. I must be really happy because I've got the lines to show for it. And I can not wait until they come back. I want to smile again and not scare myself!

March 19, 2009

Thanks Penelope! You too! This site has been my savior throughout this terrible ordeal. Just think, it could have been worse! This whole thing could have been permanent!! Aagghhh!! How's your progress by the way? I'm pretty sure I'm finally seeing more movement. Yeay! Not back to normal yet, but getting there. Don't look in the mirror every few hours like I do. It will drive you crazy!:) We should be improving about 1% a day. Best, Amy

March 21, 2009

Hello Amy! Well, I am feeling a little sad again because I just want my face back, crows feet and all. While the area is definitely "thawing out" as Sheri put it so well, I still do not have my smile back and my eyes don't smile. However, it is definitely improving and my friend commented last night that my face looks less frozen. So I must be patient, and sometimes that's difficult. Overall I feel hopeful so that is good. As Tom Petty says, "the waiting is the hardest part." Thank you for sharing your journey with me.

March 21, 2009

Hi Penelope, I agree! The waiting is so difficult. Every time I look in the mirror, I think about the mistake I made in having Botox. But we have to try and be forgiving I guess. Let's definitely continue to support each other through this website. I definitely see the smile in my eyes returning. I squint all the time every day hoping that I'll feel less tugging from the inside. I just hate it!!! Hang in there!! Best, Amy

March 22, 2009

Hi Penelope, How long did it take for you to notice that it was going away? I have the same problem. I have 2 weddings and 2 vacations coming up and do not want to take any pictures....

March 18, 2009

My sentiments exactly, however sometimes deeper and longer lines and wrinkles are more of a testament to external damage to the skin from the sun; uvA&B, smoke, make-up etc than it is to the way we feel about life. Many more people have great results than ones who experienced bad results and your fear is justified but not necessarily should lead to a deterrent due to poor technique from a medical provider. Hi Amaxy, sorry for you experience. For the lines about your eyes after the initial botox treatment, typically injecting up to mid way (mid pupillary line)below the eye will catch some of the muscle fibers that pull on this area. When I treat crows feet I make sure that I cover this region as well. If for example you do have some volume loss to the cheek area (mid-face) then the mid-face should also be treated with a dermal filler (Juvederm / Restylane / Radiesse). If you knew this you may not have treated the crow feet of you may have opt to also treat the mid-face as well. We all grow older but we can control how we do it today with the use of regular exercise, a proper healthy diet plan and preventative aesthetic measures to maintain our looks. Using moisturizers, make-up, acne or anti-blemishing products is just another method using chemical means to keep our youthful, healthy look and appearance. Using botox or dermal fillers are a more invasive way to do the same so neither should be put down because of poor results. Brush off this bad experience and treat again but be sure of the credentials and more importantly the CME advance courses that your medical provider (MD, Pa or NP)have taken and when was the last time they did. This is a growing sub-specialty and many practitioners attempt more advance procedures without proper training, especially if they use these products between their other specialty patients or after hours etc. This like plastic surgery is more of an art and treating regularly is imperative to capture the true knowledge of the product effects and side effects.

March 19, 2009

Hi, Thanks for your comments. I actually did Juvederm Ultra after the Botox and it looked terrible. I had ridges and I hated the feeling. I just couldn't get used to it. I think I'll probably stay away from all this stuff and try and age gracefully. Thanks again for your input! I'm sure this stuff is great for some, but just not for me:) Best, Amy

March 21, 2009

I raise a glass to your comment re: aging gracefully. Here here and Cheers!! This has been such a good lesson and I am so glad it turned out this way. There is still a bit of fear - fear that my face won't return to it's former state. I must remain positive. You guys are helping me with that so thank you!!!

March 21, 2009

Thank you, C.Clark, for sharing your expertise. I know it is not permanent and I know that I have not irreversibly altered/damaged the musculature of my face.....or have I? I still worry that my face will not go back to its former state. Can you ease my worry? I know Amaxy and Beth F. are in the same boat as I.

Beth F

March 21, 2009

Hi Penelope sorry to hear you are feeling sad again, I know how you feel I go through that too, I try to stay positive and talking to you guys helps so much, but I have days too, where I am in despair, not only fearing that my face won't go back to normal but that I more or less did this to myself by being so stupid to get it done in the first place!! I look in the mirror at the protuding bags I have due to this and wonder how on earth they will correct themselves that's when I start to feel really sad, as we don't really know if it will all go back to normal, only time will tell...but getting there seems like an uphill struggle, I hope you are feeling better soon xx

March 21, 2009

Beth F, Exactly!! I so echo all of your sentiments. We brought this on ourselves which is the worst part of it. But, I really think that once the muscles that cause the crows feet return, we won't have these protruding bags anymore because the muscle will be holding them back again. We are recovering at least 1% every day, so keep that in mind! Just be good to your body and try and stay positive. It's unfortunate that we had this bad experience, but let's just try our hardest to get past it:) Best, Amy

truecolors

March 24, 2009

Dear C. Clarke, What CME advanced courses do you believe a physician should have taken in order to be properly trained in administering Botox?

March 25, 2009

First after having a sound knowledge of the muscular and nervous system, there are a few; 1-Injector training for botox and dermal fillers. 2-Advanced facial contouring. 3- Advanced techniques for cosmetic in-office procedures. There are a select group of trainers who schedule the courses around the country however your real training comes with experience. These courses say that you were taught the right way to inject along with some demonstrations (hands on) and that is all. You should really seek out someone who has been injecting for at least a few years and can show you their before and after pictures (not internet photos or photos after make-up was applied - glamor shots).

March 25, 2009

Hi Penelope, I have actually not ever seen any permanent disfigurement of the face following cosmetic injectable treatment of a temporary filler done by a trained, licensed medical provider. This is the reason why I do not advocate placing any dermal products in the face that are permanent. And again, don't be discouraged. Treat with another medical provider. Stick to the temporary products, please!!!

March 25, 2009

This is an excellent question. I look forward to your response, C. Clarke. Please share with us.

March 25, 2009

Thank you so very much, C. Clarke, for taking the time to respond to my specific question. The crow's feet area is coming back to life and it no longer feels thick and heavy. I received my injections on 2/7. I've never had botox before and I've heard/read that first injections wear off pretty quickly. Is this true? It is difficult not to be discouraged when I look at my face. I just want my smile back, wrinkles and all. I wonder if I should have done rejuviderm or some type of chemical peel rather than Botox for this?

March 25, 2009

This is extremely helpful info. C. Clarke. I sure wish I'd consulted you from the very beginning.....

March 26, 2009

HI again, my pleasure to discuss these matters. Botox is Type A-hall strain Botulinum toxin. It is the most potent of 7 strains (A,B,C1,D,E,F&G). Once injected it attached onto the nerve cell and is absorbed and makes it way to the area of the cell that utilizes a calcium mediated gate that releases Acetylcholine. (Acetylcholine is use by muscles to contract). Relaxation or paralysis occurs because of this block in Acetylcholine release (and a few other cleaving processes). Within a few days the cells attempt to reorganize to compensate but this action but this is almost negligible for muscle contraction. Within 2 and a half -3 months, release of Acetylcholine will resume gradually allowing the muscles to contract and grow stronger. At this point you should re-administer Botox to keep the muscle weak thus allowing the wrinkled lines to repair themselves due to a lack of creasing from muscle activity. Injections should be spaced out a minimum of 3 months and no sooner to prevent your body from forming antibodies to the protein( botulinum toxin A). If formed, then the subsequent Botox injections may not work effectively or not at all. If Botox was used for pain relief or glandular hypersecretion (increased sweating) the effects may last longer than 3-4 months, in some cases up to 9+ months. Botox has been used for over 50 years and for this reason, I believe it is a very safe drug. By the way other toxins used to treat illness are bee venom and snake venoms. Unfortunate effects such as drooping eyes or mouth are generally caused by poor technique or inexperienced practitioners, however no one is perfect and mistakes can always happen. That being said, don't be afraid to try again. Most of our lines and wrinkles are due to external factors and not graceful aging. Look younger, stay stronger and carry yourself as proper and pristine as physically and chemically possible. I do.

truecolors

March 27, 2009

Dear Amy, No, NONE of your 'brought this on yourselves,' you were just unlucky. Don't punish yourselves with guilt over something that isn't your fault--you didn't do anything that other people haven't done in the name of 'looking better.' It's unfortunate that there are so many unskilled and reckless doctors out there. How can we possibly be expected to know this? We're taught to trust doctors! I'm thankful for this website, and grateful to all of you who are willing to share your stories here.

Gladys Cruz

March 29, 2009

I agree with the doctor. I just had Botox applications and I also had my own fat injected into the lines that go from my nose to below my mouth. The results have being excellent. Everyone tells me how pretty I look but they tell what I had done. of course, these procedures were done by an experience plastic surgeon, my cousin. By the way I'm 49 yrs old and people think I'm around 35 yrs old. I take care of myself and I put my face under experienced hands (a plastic surgeon).

Mari1978

March 21, 2009

Hey ladies, going through a similiar situation -- do not love this botox at all. How lomg before you started "thawing out?" here's to being beautiful and natural -- with wrinkles and all

March 22, 2009

Hi Mari, Sorry to hear about your bad experience. It's awful isn't it??? I started seeing a 'thawing out' about 6 weeks into it...thank God! However, still waiting for crow's feet to come back. I pray every day that they do come back sooner rather than later since it's definitely causing sagging and bags under my eyes. I am however seeing small improvements every day, so hang in there! Best, Amy

March 23, 2009

Hello Mari, I got my injections 2/7. Around 3/14 I noticed a big improvement. My smile is coming back!!! Sometimes it is so hard, though, when I look in the mirror and I see this stranger looking back at me. Sometimes it is hard not to get depressed and beat myself up for having done this to myself. I've found so much support on this website from Amy, Beth F., and Sheri. Love you guys and thank you so much. And I totally TOTALLY echo your sentiments: "here's to being beautiful and natural - with wrinkles and all." Amen sister!

March 23, 2009

Penelope, Are you seeing any actual crows feet yet??? Keep me posted:) Best, Amy

March 25, 2009

I am seeing the very very early beginnings of my wonderful crow's feet!!! It is hard to stay patient, however, and to keep a positive outlook. I still worry a bit that my face will never return to normal. But I must not dwell on those fears.

(unregistered guest)

August 1, 2009

I just had botox injected on each side of my mouth because it looked as though I was frowning all the time. Now I have people ask me if I had a mini stroke. Some words are hard to say and when I smile, my chin down is paralized. Can't wait till it wears off never again.

truecolors

August 2, 2009

Gee, I'm 60 years old and have had Botox done to my face 3 or 4 times, mostly before weddings or other major events in my life. But the doctors involved (I moved 3x, thus had to change physicians more than once) never ever injected Botox below my eyes. I've never even heard of Botox being injected around the mouth. It makes me think that your doctor was probably a 'cosmetic' surgeon rather than a 'plastic' surgeon. Cosmetic surgeons are often just family physicians or dermatologists who decided they wanted to make more money, and thus they took a minimal number of extra courses to become certified as 'cosmetic surgeons.' Plastic surgeons have much more rigorous training. Never trust a cosmetic surgeon--I've made that mistake myself.

March 22, 2009

OMGosh - it's so nice to know I have company. I had botox injected on the sides of my nose that made under my eyes wrinkle, huge bags, and now my cheeks are puffed out because I went back and they put a little under my eyes. It helped with the wrinkles under my eyes, but when I smile I look like I am 20 years older. Has anyone seen an improvement? I look like I haven't slept in days. jami

March 22, 2009

Hi Jami, I had the same problem, but over time (about 6 weeks), you'll start to see improvements. So hang in there. It's the biggest mistake I've made, but thank God, it's temporary. Hang in there and read these posts for moral support. It's helped me:) I'm a little over 6 weeks into it and I'm seeing improvements thank God! Let's just thank our lucky stars that this is only a 3 month mistake. Best, Amy

March 22, 2009

HI Amy, So youi are 6 weeks into "thawing" has the wrinkles under your eyes diminished or what improvements have you seen? jami P.S. You are right - reading these posts help.

March 23, 2009

Dear Jami, I am so sorry you too have experienced bad results. It totally sucks. But just like Amy said, in 6 weeks or so you will see a big improvement as the skin comes back to life. I also look like I've not slept in days - but it is getting better. I got my injections on 2/7. How about you?

March 23, 2009

Hi Jami, I also had some Botox under one eye (near the lashes close to my nose) and on the crows feet of both eyes and I believe that the Botox under my eye caused major sagging. It is slowly improving, but I agree that it looks terrible. All we can do is grin and bear it I guess till the Botox wears off. I am going for Acupucture tomorrow to see if that might help expedite the healing process. I'll keep everyone that I've met on this site posted of any progress. When did you get the Botox done? Best, Amy

March 24, 2009

Hi Jami, The wrinkles diminish as the crows feet area thaws out, but they are still there especially when you smile. I think once the crows feet area is completely Botox free and those muscles are actually working again, that's when the wrinkles will completely go away. I'll keep you posted. I'm going to an acupuncturist today, so I can let you know if that helps with expediting the healing process. Have faith! Things can only get better each and every day!! When did yo have your Botox? Best, Amy

March 25, 2009

Amy - did you do the accupuncture? How did it go???

March 26, 2009

Hey Penelope, Yes, I am doing the Facial Acupuncture twice a week and it slightly helps. After twenty minutes of the needles, they do a placenta, egg, and pearl mask around the eyes. I think all of these things help a little bit, but until the muscle ability around the eyes is regained, we won't be completely healed. I'm also icing around the eyes every morning when I wake up for 15 mins. That's helping too! Also, most importantly, I'm thinking positively ("The Secret" - you should read it! It's very powerful and I truly believe it!!! Check it out online. Let me know what you think.) Best, Amy

March 26, 2009

When is your wedding again Amy? What does the icing help with?

March 27, 2009

Hi Jami, My wedding is April 18th and I am determined to be perfectly healed by then! The icing helps with keeping the bags and wrinkles at bay. It also feels great! How is your recovery going? Best, Amy

March 22, 2009

Whoops -sorry I did not see your responses before I had wrote another email. I should get off the computer and not worry about it, since there is nothing I can do. Thank you Amaxy for responding back.