Botox for Preventative Maintenance

I have a tendency to overuse my eyebrows, so I began considering Botox at 33 for some fine lines I was developing on my forehead. I have received Botox 4-5 times at this point and don't regret my decision. I definitely think it has and will prevent untimely lines that my RBF (that's a joke, btw) has caused. Recently, I've started combining Botox & Dysport based off a recommendation from my skin care guru's and I agree the products work great in conjunction with one another. That said, Botox still works fantastically as a stand alone product. Each time I've received Botox I've found my results subtle, yet still completely noticeable. After my first treatment my husband noted that I looked well rested (I'm not!) and my mother agreed that some how I appeared more radiant. My kids even got in on the action marveling at how smooth my forehead had become and how I could no longer furrow my brow while pretending to check/understand their math homework. If you have kids you know how brutally honest they can be about your appearance. What's that bump? Why do you have one long hair on your chin? Why can I see holes (pores) in your face? Blah, blah, blah. Such angels! What I'm getting at is kids will lie about eating cookies in bed, homework, and picking their nose, but NOT ABOUT YOUR NEW FOREHEAD THAT'S SMOOTHER THAN A BABIES BOTTOM. If you don't have kids, go spend some time with your favorite kindergartener and you'll see what I mean.

But I digress.

Once I realized the effects are temporary (I really had no idea) and the risks are relatively low... I just kinda jumped right in and went for it. My first visit was a bit longer than subsequent visits because they insist on taking these horrible before pictures. I mean, I know WHY they do it, it's just horrifying seeing yourself that close up, staring expressionless into a camera. It's painful. Actually, speaking of pain, those pictures hurt worse than the entire procedure. Needles don't bother me though, so you may feel differently if you have an aversion to being poked. I typically experience some minor reddening in the injection area for up to an hour, but find I'm able to return to work or continue on with whatever other activities I have planned following an appointment. That said I work in a small office and most of my tasks are completed on a computer, not face to face.

I begin noticing the effects after 2-3 days with final results peaking at the 2 week mark. At 3 months I notice the effects beginning to weaken and start considering my game plan for the 4th month.

Cost has varied because I try to get treatments when the med-spa I frequent is having specials, but ideally I prefer to go every 4 months. I find going consistently helps keep the overall cost down. Because the muscle never regains full strength, fewer injections are necessary to maintain the look.

I will say all the specials that I see on coupon/discount sites make me nervous. Dentists and eye doctors performing cosmetic Botox? If you're considering Botox for cosmetic reasons please go to a medical aesthetician, dermatology clinic, etc. I specify cosmetic because I realize Botox is used for other conditions besides preventative wrinkle maintenance. Despite minimal side effects and temporary results I would only have this procedure completed by a seasoned professional. Do your research and ask for recommendations if you don't already have a group of professionals you trust. I was surprised by how many of my friends MY AGE have had Botox for similar reasons, so don't be afraid to ask around. Once I understood HOW Botox works and what it accomplishes it lost its stigma for me.