I have been very hesitant about getting botox but decided to give it a try and have the scoop for any of you that are going back and forth about it. If you are interested in botox or at least going in for a consultation I highly suggest you visit Monarch Plastic Surgery and Skin Rejuvenation Center. Ashley Williams was my injector, not only did she do an amazing job but she gave me the scoop on everything to know about botox.
How does botox work?
Botox relaxes the muscles in the opposite way of how that muscle works. Those depressor muscles that make us frown in between our eyebrows go down and in. When we relax those muscles, it will go up and give you a little bit of a lift.
When we treat forehead lines, that is an elevator muscle and when we relax it, it will go down a little bit.
The number of doses you will receive will be based on your muscle movement.
What is the main goal of botox?
We all have different reasons for wanting to get botox. For me, I decided I wanted to prevent the deep lines that come with it again. Ashley says that "the main goal of botox is to keep you looking just like you." Which is exactly why I liked her doing this so much. She knew I was nervous about it and didn't want to change my look, just enhance it.
How long does it take for the botox to work?
It will take about 3-10 days for most people. You won't see results in the first couple of days, so don't worry if you don't see it working! It is usually around the seventh day, you will start seeing the results.
For me, I saw my results starting to kick in on about the 4th day. I am really happy with how it turned out. My deeps lines are gone, but my eyebrows still move. 🙂
When doing a follow-up, Ashley Williams likes to see people after two weeks because, at that point, she knows the botox has finished doing its job. She will also determine with her patients if they should add a bit more.
What will I look like immediately after I get botox injected?
Immediately after treatment, it is normal to look red and bumpy, like mosquito bites. However, it will usually go away in about 10-15 minutes for most people. If you have sensitive skin, it might look like that a little bit longer. Mine went away within 15 minutes.
Do's & Don't Right After Botox
Do's:
- You are allowed to wash your face. That is okay.
- Put on makeup
- Use ice or cold towel if needed
Don't:
- Lay flat for the next 4 hours.
- Rub or massage the area because you could move the botox.
- Workout (no vigorous activity for the rest of the day).
Note: You can come from the gym or getting a facial to get your botox, just don't do it the other way around.
Are there certain facials I can't get done after I have been injected?
Ashley says in her opinion it is totally fine to get a facial or a BBL (BroadBand Light Therapy) done a few days after having botox. Just don't get it done that day.
Does it hurt?
Everyone is different but there are areas that will be a little more sensitive. The crow's feet can be sensitive. The forehead is thinner, so that could be sensitive as well and up by the hairline is very sensitive. In my opinion, the shots themselves really aren't bad. I personally just don't like needles so it was probably a little more difficult for me than most.
If I get the forehead treated, what should I expect?
If you decide to get the forehead treated, it can feel funny because you are not used to having minimal use of that muscle. "You are going to try and raise your eyebrows and it is just not going to lift as much as it used to," Ashley says. But don't think it is a bad treatment! The botox is doing what it supposed to be doing. It will just take time to get used to it. But, it looks oh so good once it sets in. 🙂
My Results
Forehead area:
Between the eyebrows:
***The above images are not edited or filtered.
When will I be ready for the next treatment?
Most people will be ready for their next treatment in 3-4 months. Some people can wait 5-6 months. The longer you wait, your full muscle movements will come back and you're going to start to see those lines again.
I am really happy that I decided to give botox a try. My results are natural-looking and preventative. If you are thinking about getting botox or have additional questions, I highly encourage you to visit Ashley Williams at Monarch Plastic Surgery and Skin Rejuvenation Center. They always offer a complimentary consultation and you can find out what the cost is depending on your muscle movement and find out what is best for you!!
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