Come with Me to A BOTOX Appointment

Hi Friends! I wanted to share this post with you because I know botox can be a scary thing if you’ve never done it but have been curious about having it done. One thing I try to be here is transparent.

There is a part of me that is always nervous sharing these types of cosmetic procedures, in fear of judgement, but the other part of me feels it’s important to be honest about what I do to maintain my look.

This post is not sponsored, and I have always paid for botox. I was not compensated in any way to share this. I just thought I would take you along to one of my appointments so you can see what it is like. This video is not edited (with the exception of a cut about a minute in because I received a phone call and we were filming on my phone), I didn’t want to edit this at all so you can see the full procedure.

I’m sharing Gina’s (and my) answers to the questions asked on Instagram below.

1. Is it ever too late to start? (Gina) It’s never too early or too late! Starting early you’re being preventative in getting static line wrinkles. Starting later after static wrinkles have imprinted in skin will soften those wrinkles and with continued treatments it can sometimes reverse wrinkles completely depending on the severity of static lines and ones skin quality.
2. Just wondering about the pain around lip filler? (Gina) That one is variable due to everyone’s pain threshold is different. Lips can be one of the more sensitive areas to treat due to a lot of nerves that run in and around the lips. (Lisa) I do find lip filler to be painful. I get a numbing cream applied which helps but its definitely not something that I look forward to.
3. How often do you do Botox? (Gina) Typically 3-4 months (Lisa) I go about every 3 months.
4. How painful is it? (Gina) Botox isn’t very painful but more of a quick pinch of the tiny needle but over in seconds (Lisa) I don’t find Botox painful at all.
5. How many units do you get? Where? How is it diluted? (Gina) Everyones units are different since everyone’s muscles tone and wrinkles are different. Typical areas are glabella (between brows), Forehead and crows feet (around the eyes) Dilution is also different per practices but recommended by manufacturer is 2:1 ratio. (Lisa) I get 25 units that are injected between my brows and my forehead.
6. Does the number of units used go down the longer you are using Botox? (Gina) Not necessarily, I find longer in use overtime one may have longer durations when treatments are needed.
7. Where do you put the Botox and where do you put the Juvaderm?(Gina) Botox is a neuromodulator in which it’s injected into muscles to help relax or stop muscle movement. Juvederm is a dermal filler in which it’s injected into tissue to replace volume loss or enhance volume. (Lisa) I got botox on my forehead and between my brows. I have Juvaderm in my lips.
8. What would you recommend for lines around the mouth? Botox or Juvaderm? (Gina) Actually both can help being that area around the mouth is actually muscle which cause the lines or wrinkles that over time can cause static lines. Sometimes I inject small amounts of Botox above or below lips to help soften wrinkles or soften the muscle movement by relaxing it with this product. Sometimes a little dermal filler can be used inject in the static line to soften as well. It’s typically not Juvederm but a much thinner or smaller molecule dermal filler.
9. How much does it cost to get Botox? (Gina) Every practice is different in what they charge but typically averages between $10-12 per unit
10. How do you keep from dropping the brows with Botox? (Gina) That is pretty much technique and injecting high enough above the brows. Sometimes dilution or “over dilution” can be the cause of this because the Botox can float or spread to areas it shouldn’t.
11. Is Botox safe during pregnancy? (Gina) It’s pretty much safe practice to NOT treat pregnant or breastfeeding moms
12. How safe is it? What are the common negative side effects? (Gina) Botox itself has been in use for over 40 yrs and began for therapeutic use before aesthetic use. So safe to say it’s very safe. However I’d refer to your own further research for numerous documentation regarding this. Most common negative side effects is temporary headache and bruising
13. How do you find a reputable place to get these procedures done?
    (Gina) Do your research on provider’s experience, look at reviews and before and after pics. Also rely on trustworthy referring peers.
14. Can you get Botox for tech neck? (Gina) Not exactly clear on “tech neck” but sure it falls under therapeutic treatments if practiced. I can only comment on the aesthetic side of injecting.
15. For Botox, how high is the risk of it moving and becoming life threatening? (Gina) Product “moving” typically can result in a temporary unsatisfactory result like brow drop or heavy lids but not life threatening.
16. Which type of Juvaderm do you use, Regular or Ultra? (Gina) My spa carries both and it depends on what area I’m injecting due to size of molecule of product are different and depends on area and or volume I’m trying to achieve.
17. Have you ever tried Dysport? Is Botox or Dysport better? (Gina) I recommend in trying all brands due to them all carrying different proteins. Due to this, everyone develops antibodies to these differently and may find that one product may last longer or kicks in faster.
18. What is the maintenance like? (Gina) Typically every 3-4 months
19. Does this work for under eye wrinkles? (Gina) Very small amounts injected properly can definitely help the “crepey” skin directly under the eye.
20. Do you tell the doctor how much you want or is there a maximum amount they can give you? Who sets amount? (Gina) Typically the provider dictates this due to them being the experts in this.
21. What are the side effects? (Gina) Common side effects: headache, bruising or unsatisfactory results
22. Does the lip filler wear off unevenly? (Gina) It depends on the individual in how their body metabolizes product . (Lisa) I have not noticed it wears off uneven.
23. Have you considered getting fillers anywhere else? If so, where? (Lisa) To be honest, I am little nervous about getting filler anywhere else. But I am sure I will at some point. The one area I have considered treating but have been advised not to is the nasolabial folds. I’ve been told filler can be more obvious and will wear off very quickly with all the muscle movement from smiling. Whatever I do, I want to make sure it looks natural, subtle and virtually unnoticeable.
24. How often do you have to do it before you see results? (Gina) Botox can be 7-10 days before it optimizes although you may see it taking effect within 2-4 days. Dermal filler is typically instant however definitely need swelling or bruising to subside before seeing optimal results.
25. What are alternatives to Botox? (Gina) Different brands: Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau
26. Can a strict skin care regimen of retinol ever achieve similar results to Botox? (Gina) No, being those are topical treating skin and Botox is a neuromodulator treating a muscle. Topicals can definitely help soften fine lines and wrinkles but Botox is relaxing the muscle movement that’s actually causing them.
27. How do you get the courage for these procedures? (Lisa) I was definitely nervous before my first appointment. Mainly I was worried about looking like I had, had something done. But I had many friends who had been doing it and I knew they looked great. I also knew it was temporary, and would wear off after a few months.
28. Have you only done your lips? Yes, I (Lisa) only use filler in my lips. One time I did have a very small amount injected into my nasolabial folds, but not enough to notice any difference. It has been recommended to me not to inject filler there as it wears off very quickly with all the movement from smiling, and will likely give me unwanted results in my look. I always want my treatments to look natural.
29. Have you ever had any unwanted numbness from Botox? (Lisa) I have not.
30. When should I start preventative Botox? (Gina) This is per individual since genetics take play in this. Some people develop unwanted wrinkles and static lines earlier than others. Typically in my practice the average ages to start Botox is 25-32 yrs old (Lisa) I started at 34.