Red Lip Society

I got Botox for the first time. Here’s how it went…..

I had been thinking about it for over a year. I went back and forth about it for several months. What if I have a reaction to it or something goes wrong? What if it hurts? What if I don’t like it? ……and many other questions went through my head.

As someone that was hesitant to do the thing, I wanted to share my experience with you. I hope I can answer any questions you may have and ease some of your concerns if you are considering getting Botox for the first time.

What made you get Botox?

About a year ago I really started to notice how deep the lines on my forehead were starting to get. Anytime I looked in a mirror or looked at a picture of myself, those lines were all I saw. And all I saw was tired. So I did what anyone would do. I got bangs!!

When it comes to my hair I aim to be as low maintenance as possible. And frankly bangs were just more than I wanted to keep up with. So, the next logical step was Botox. 

As I am about to turn 40 in a few months, it really seemed like Botox was a sensible next step in the preservation of my face.

How did you choose where you went?

I knew I wanted a doctor. I had read several stories about women getting injectables at salons and med spas that had horrible experiences. I personally wanted someone that had more than just a couple of days training. To each their own though. Then I just went off of online reviews and friends’ recommendations.

I know some people, that will of course remain nameless to maintain our friendly acquaintanceships, that recommended people to me and based off of how they look, you couldn’t pay me to go to them. I didn’t want to look plump and shiny. I wanted to look like a well-rested me. I wanted to still have the option for my face to speak when I choose not to use words.

Did it hurt?

This was the biggest thing holding me back for so long. I hate needles! I know a shot doesn’t hurt, but it is just the thought of something piercing my skin that makes me want to run away. This doesn’t bother some people…like my sister who has tattoos. Keeping in mind that everyone has a different pain level tolerance, it wasn’t bad. 

On a scale of 1-10, I would give it a three….but most of that is probably due to my own adrenaline. I did not use a numbing cream. I would describe it as more of a slight burning sensation more than I would painful.

Did you have any reactions?

Everyone’s skin has different levels of sensitivity. In my personal experience with Botox for the first time, I had little bumps at the injection site, but I didn’t have any redness. The little bumps looked like little mosquito bites, and they were almost completely gone within the 20 minutes it took me to drive home.

How many units did you get?

I received 30 units on this visit. The doctor injected me across my forehead, between my eyebrows, and in my chin. (I don’t know why she injected my chin, but my sister was with me, and she said she saw why…so I will trust it.) It also felt like she injected me near the side of my eyebrow or right underneath it. Since it was my first time, the doctor has me coming back in two weeks to check my results and make sure that I am happy with it.

What did it cost?

When researching Botox around the Nashville area the prices seemed to range anywhere from $9-$14 a unit.

How long did it take to see results?

The doctor told me I would see results within three days. I started seeing results before I went to bed that night. The next day I still had lines on my forehead, but they weren’t as deep. By the third day, lines were almost nonexistent, and my eyebrows didn’t look droopy.

What are the post-care rules?

Honestly, I didn’t get many instructions for afterwards. All I was told was not to bend over and to sleep on my back the first night. My doctor is a lady of few words.

How long does the Botox last?

What I found in my research is that it can last anywhere from 3-6 months depending on the person and the look you are trying to achieve.

Conclusion

Will I get Botox again? I’m almost positive I will. It will probably depend on how fast my body metabolizes it. If my body metabolizes it quickly, I wouldn’t want to spend the money on it. It has definitely given me a little confidence boost that doesn’t hurt as you are approaching your fortieth birthday!

If you are thinking of getting Botox and are hesitant, just do your research. Ask your friends! More of them are getting this procedure than you realize. 

If you have questions that I didn’t answer, drop them down in the comment section! XOXO – Scarlett