We let expectations play a huge role in our happiness and satisfaction. If you go out to eat and order a cheeseburger, you expect a cheeseburger to arrive at your table. When the waitress brings you a cheese pizza you’re not happy. Why? You like cheese pizza, cheese pizza would curb your hunger. Why aren’t you happy about getting a cheese pizza? Because you expected to receive a cheeseburger. Even if the cheeseburgers at the restaurant aren’t quite as tasty as the cheese pizza you would still be more satisfied with the cheeseburger because its what you expected to eat for dinner. The same holds true with Botox (or any neuromodulator, I inject Botox, Xeomin and Dysport brands). If you expect your lines (no, we don’t say wrinkles) at rest to be erased with Botox then you’re not going to be satisfied after your money is spent on an injection. On the other hand, if you know what you’re paying for and that’s what you received it could be the best money you’ve spent all month. So here’s an effort to tell you what to expect from Botox so you can really enjoy all of its potential benefits. You can treat multiple conditions with Botox; migraines, twitches, hyperhidrosis, the list goes on and on but for the purpose of this post we are going to talk about what it’s famous for in dermatology-lines in motion.
Lines in motion versus lines at rest. It’s important to understand the difference between “lines in motion” and “lines at rest”. If you stare into the mirror without expression and see “11” lines between your eyebrows (a region we call the glabella) these are lines at rest. Now, say you don’t see those lines but then you scowl or make a mean looking face and these “11” lines appear, those are lines in motion. Botox prevents your muscles from being able to make your mean face which is the motion that makes lines at rest. Over time, if you keep up with your botox then you will see lines at rest soften. Soften, not disappear. Expect lines at rest to stick around. Expect lines in motion to disappear. So remember, without botox lines in motion become lines at rest. This is why we call botox health maintenance, preventative.
Botox lasts three to six months. In our clinic we usually say pray for six months but expect three months. For some it could be more than six months and for others it could be less than three months. Don’t expect one injection to be all you need in a lifetime. That’s like going to the gym once and thinking thats all your body needs. Sure it helps, I mean it’s better than never going to the gym, but we all know that one workout will not make you in good shape either. Expect multiple treatments.
Botox won’t freeze all expression. Don’t expect to get Botox and be completely expressionless. While trying to talk my husband into some “bro-tox” he told me he was reluctant (in slightly different vocabulary) because he didn’t want to walk out into the sun and not be able to squint. He feared he would walk outside and have to say “ouch my eyes, its so bright out here” and just look silly. No this won’t happen. Botox won’t unnaturally freeze you when used properly.
Botox has complications. Ask your injector for the full list of complications and make sure your injector has the resources to deal with complications. When you choose a skilled healthcare provider complications risks are lower. The most common problem is bruising. Some people never have had a bruise after botox while others get slight bruising every time they are injected. Don’t plan to get Botox on your wedding day, expect a bruise. What a pleasant surprise when you don’t have any bruising.
Botox can start working in 1-3 days but isn’t in full effect for two weeks. Some people notice one area kicking in quicker. It is what it is at two weeks. Thats when to see your injector again if you’re not satisfied. Another reason not to come in on your wedding day, expect two weeks for full effect.
Interested in Botox? Have more questions? Come see us at Johnson Dermatology! I love doing cosmetic consultations.
Here are my before and after Botox pics:
Crow’s feet before…..
