Botulinum toxin has been a revolution in the field of aesthetic medicine. Nothing short of surgery had until it arrived, achieved visible, immediate, and long-lasting effects against the signs of aging and fatigue. And, this is key, with no recovery time. Three beauty experts who have tried it in the flesh, in some cases at the hands of its creators and with not very good results, tell us about their experiences.
The eyes have always been an important point of concern, -we can draw that conclusion from the data: blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is one of the most demanded operations by men and women. And now, with the use of the mask, it is more exposed than ever. You may be one of those people who have looked into your eyes in an elevator mirror and decided that something needs to be done. If so, the word Botox is probably on your mind.
Are you in favor of Botox?
Yes, as long as the results are natural and the effect is a “how handsome you look!” rather than a “what have you done to your face?”. It is true that there are people who like to have more exaggerated results… It is all a matter of taste, and mine is that aesthetic medicine treatments, whatever they are, should look natural on the (my) face. Besides, it has been discovered that Botox has many other very effective properties that go beyond the treatment of expression lines in the upper third (rosacea, acne, scars, folliculitis…) so, how not to be a supporter?
Who do you like it for?
Botulinum toxin is a great ally to correct and prevent aging, both premature and more than latent. When I talk about ‘prevention’ I mean that it can be infiltrated from the age of 25/30 years in people who have significant signs of the passage of time. In some cases, the face shows more age than what is written on the ID card… In my case, I started at 28. I had a lot of wrinkles on my forehead, drooping eyebrows, and a frown that was too furrowed. My face conveyed a feeling of anger or sadness that was not consistent with my personality and I decided to go into the experience. My face improved a lot and now, about twice a year, I go for a consultation to continue with the treatment.
How does it feel to wear it?
The first sensation is going to be strange for those who have never undergone infiltration. And that is normal. The area is usually asleep for a few hours and it is recommended not to touch or press it for about 6 hours so that there are no alterations in its effects.
Do the punctures hurt?
Pain is not the word. Some people may find it annoying. Obviously, it all depends on the threshold of each person. A tattoo, for example, is much more uncomfortable. Or going to the dentist.
Is the feeling of not being able to gesture uncomfortable?
I have always been able to gesture because the results I required were natural. From my point of view and experience, if someone is injected and cannot gesticulate, it means that something has not been done as it should have been. Botox serves to smooth wrinkles, it does not paralyze muscles. Its aesthetic mission is to redirect aging, modulating it in a progressive and natural way. It should never be used to paralyze completely.
Is there a solution when it looks bad?
Yes, for example, if the eyebrows are a little asymmetrical, they can be retouched until they are balanced. In the case of a “paralyzed face” sensation, it should be remembered that the effects last between 3 and 6 months (depending on the amount used: in advanced ages, higher doses are usually infiltrated than in younger ages). My advice is that if the result has not been as expected, you should go to a clinic like Evolve Med Spa that has a great reputation in this sector.
Are you really better when the effect disappears than before the injection?
Absolutely. As an isolated treatment, it is the king against aging. And if it is infiltrated in the upper third, and combined with other medical treatments such as hyaluronic acid fillers or mesotherapy… the overall beautifying result is incredible. When your face is treated with good practice you will always look better than before. Not only at the moment, but even after the effect has worn off.
A piece of advice for beginners.
Do not be afraid or pay attention to everything that is published in non-specialized magazines. If you are curious, go to a clinic with a good reputation in aesthetic medical treatments and let them advise you.
Why do you say yes to Botox?
There is nothing better for smoothing expression wrinkles in the upper third of the face. I really like it when there are crow’s feet and wrinkles between the eyebrows. For me, it is the king, the super indication. But I have also seen and suffered very dubious results.
When it looks good, what is it like?
It is fantastic. One of its effects is to smooth the wrinkles between the eyebrows. There is nothing better for this area. In my case, I like the way the combination of Botox and filler looks on me. The horizontal wrinkles on the forehead also look very good. Botox is indicated for the upper third of the face and I don’t let myself be injected in any other area. I believe that if it is not recognized by the Health Department it should not be done.
I know that doctors are constantly injecting outside that area because they know it looks good, but I don’t allow it on me. If it has its indication, I think it should be respected. This is a different matter: I don’t let them fill my lips with hyaluronic acid either, no matter how much they suggest it to me. I think it is something that is not done well in this country.
It warns the novice of surprises.
I noticed pain and pressure for a couple of days. It’s like you want to move your muscles and you can’t. It’s not important and has no negative effect.
This is of no importance and has no negative effect. If the work has been done by good hands, you just have to wait a few days and the sensation goes away. Botox is a very safe product.
How to choose good hands?
The first thing is to go to someone who has been working with the toxin for many years. Someone with a lot of experience. Then there are details that make a difference. For example, for me, it is essential that they take pictures at the consultation. Not only that they ask you to gesture to mark the areas to be injected, but also that it is possible to see the before and after.
Why has it done then?
Because it is the king of treatments for, for example, wrinkles between the eyebrows. It not only smoothies them instantly but also the wrinkles, over time and after several treatments, disappear. The muscle “learns” to stop making the movement that generates the wrinkle and little by little, it stops doing it.
What advice would you give to a novice?
Patience when waiting for the result that sometimes takes a week. And don’t panic if you don’t like it because everything has a solution in the fifteen-day touch-up. There may be bruises but do not worry because they disappear soon. And finally, speak clearly with the doctor. Tell him/her what bothers you about your appearance because sometimes they see different things than you do.
