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Ask Dr. Elijah | Your Botox Fears (And What to Do About Them)
Q: DR. ELIJAH – I'VE THOUGHT ABOUT BOTOX FOR A WHILE NOW, BUT I DEFINITELY HAVE MY RESERVATIONS ABOUT IT. IS IT REALLY SAFE? I THINK MY FEARS OUTWEIGH MY NEED TO TREAT MY WRINKLES!
So, you’ve noticed a few wrinkles creep up on your face, but you don’t know if you want to take it THAT far and try Botox.
When considering Botox, the thoughts in your head probably go something like this:
#1 — needles aren’t my thing.
#2 — why would I place toxins in my forehead?
#3 — when I’m mad, my partner better know I’m mad! I don’t want my face to be frozen.
Your Botox fears are completely understandable and I’m going to talk about those fears and what to do about them, so you can make the best decision for you!
Botox Fears (And What To Do About Them)
FEAR: I’M SCARED OF THE POTENTIAL BOTOX SIDE EFFECTS
Botox
is no exception to side effects, which can include, but is not limited to — pain or discomfort at the injection site, headache, neck pain, tiredness, vision problems, drooping eyebrows, eyelids and bruising.
Please speak with your injector about medications you’re currently taking, as well as any nerve or medical conditions you have.
If side effects do occur, they typically go away within two weeks.
My best advice:
Have open communication with your injector (whom you’ve vetted and feel comfortable with) and stay in contact with them throughout your Botox journey.
FEAR: WILL BOTOX HURT?
With any injection — especially in the face area — there can be potential for pain, but most people report only minimal discomfort with Botox.
My best advice:
Accept the topical anesthesia that is offered to you prior to receiving Botox or use ice to numb the area.
FEAR: WILL BOTOX MAKE ME LOOK “FROZEN” OR “PLASTIC”?
Short answer: not if administered correctly.
With proper dosing and injection in the right areas — while taking into account your facial structure — you should have a “fresh”, not “frozen” look post-Botox.
My best advice:
At Renew we aim for the natural look
— the one where people wonder, “Hmmm…how does he/she look so good at his/her age?”
FEAR: IF I START BOTOX, WILL I HAVE TO DO IT FOREVER?
Although we wish there was a permanent solution to wrinkles, there’s not. Not even Botox.
But it can help slow the aging process and treat and prevent wrinkles — especially if you start early (we’re talking in your mid 20’s!).
If you do stop Botox your face will most likely return to its pre-Botox form.
My best advice:
Since Botox
isn’t needed that frequent — and can last anywhere from 3-6 months depending on skin type — you can use this treatment as maintenance, alongside a healthy skin health regimen.
FEAR: I WON’T BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN MY BOTOX BECAUSE IT’S TOO EXPENSIVE
We get the sticker shock of Botox. And we also see the upside that you only need it 1-2 times a year.
Botox usually runs around $10-$12/unit — with areas like the forehead requiring anywhere from 8-20 units, vertical lines between brow’s 13-20 units and crow’s feet 8-20 units individually.
My best advice:
If you’re serious about Botox — and if you can — start early; don’t wait until wrinkles show up, be preventative. The more wrinkles, the more Botox required.
I hope I answered some of your Botox fears and what to do about them.
“Botox may not be for everyone, but if it’s the right choice for you, please make that decision with a knowledgeable, highly trained injector whom you feel comfortable with and will be there for you throughout your Botox journey.”
– Rochelle Elijah, MD
Have any other Botox fears?
Ready to consult with Renew about Botox?
Please contact us today so we can help you ease your fears and support you in your skin health journey!
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