I used to be baffled by why women would choose to inject a toxin into their faces. Why not embrace aging gracefully, right? But then I hit 34. After snapping a selfie with my kids, all I could focus on was the deep wrinkle sitting between my eyebrows.
I wish I could say I did extensive research before contemplating this, but I didn’t. During a routine check-up, I noticed a sign for Dysport, a Botox alternative, at my doctor’s office. After chatting about life and family, I decided to ask her about it.
I was a bundle of nerves at the thought of freezing my face—after all, I have three kids who need to know when I’m upset! So, I left the office without scheduling an appointment. A few weeks later, I called back to book one. The nerves returned. What if I ended up looking like a jack-o-lantern? What if the dosage was off? Would my coworkers figure it out? And, most importantly, how painful would it be?
The Day of the Injection
On appointment day, I was a complete mess. I even took half a Xanax to calm down. I fabricated a story for my boss about a doctor’s visit (mostly true) for a cough I’d been nursing (okay, a slight fib).
Sitting in the waiting room, I tried to distract myself by scrolling through my social media feed. When my name was called, I nervously blurted out, “But I’m here for [stage whisper] Botox.” The nurse smiled, but still made me step on the scale. I asked if she’d ever had it done, and she had. I inquired if it hurt; she said yes. And when I asked about the numbing cream, she answered, “Not really.”
After what felt like ages (but was probably five minutes), Dr. Jamie entered. She took about 15 minutes to explain how the injections work (basically paralyzing the muscles), where she would inject (five spots), and what to expect (smooth skin in about 14 days).
Then came the moment of truth. Dr. Jamie grabbed the syringe and asked if I was ready. Here we go! I gripped the armrests like I was on a rollercoaster and held my breath.
“Squint,” she instructed. I did, and the first injection happened. I’d love to say it was painless, but it hurt—a bit like a flu shot, but worse, since it was multiple spots on my face. Thankfully, Dr. Jamie worked quickly. After a few more commands to squint and raise my brows, she was done. It took a mere 30 seconds, but those seconds felt long.
She handed me a mirror and reminded me it would take two weeks for everything to take effect. I headed back to work with a pounding headache.
The Aftermath
That night, the headache was so bad I told my husband (who had no clue I’d gotten Botox) that I needed to lie down.
1 Day After the Injection
As soon as the alarm went off, I sprang out of bed, sprinting to the bathroom mirror. Was my forehead smooth? Did I look 20 again? Nope.
2 Days After the Injection
Again, the alarm went off, and I rushed to check my face. It felt stiffer to move, and I noticed a slight improvement in the line between my eyes. Applying eye makeup was tricky since I couldn’t fully raise my brows. The headache returned, and I Googled “Botox headache.” Apparently, less than 2% of people experience prolonged headaches post-injections. Fingers crossed it’s temporary.
3 Days After the Injection
Makeup application was a tad easier, but it felt like I had cement in my forehead. My face felt tense and I wondered if I’d made a mistake.
5 Days After the Injection
I was starting to feel good. My eyebrows had the arch Dr. Jamie promised, and I felt a little pep in my step.
7 Days After the Injection
Still feeling good, but concerned that the smoothness in the middle of my forehead was pushing wrinkles to the sides. Thankfully, I still had some movement.
14 Days After the Injection
I was genuinely pleased! The center of my forehead was smooth, and though some wrinkles shifted, I was happy with my natural movement. My kids could still tell when I was mad.
So, Is Botox Worth It?
After a few days of adjustment, I was thrilled with the results and definitely plan on doing it again!
Frequently Asked Questions for Newbies Considering Botox
- Did it hurt? Yes, but it was quick—think bee sting right between the eyes.
- How much did it cost? Prices vary widely, but I paid $200.
- Where did you have it done? At my doctor’s office, but you can also go to dermatologists or certain spas. Just make sure the administrator is qualified.
- Did you notice a difference? Absolutely! It took a few days for the Botox to settle, but the results were noticeable.
- Are you happy with it? Yes!
- Would you do it again? Definitely!
- Can you still move your forehead? Yes! I was worried about looking overly frozen.
- How long will it last? Typically, 3 to 4 months before needing a touch-up. I plan to stretch this first round as long as I can.
- What are the side effects? Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor, so consult a professional for concerns. Personally, I only had a bad headache.
For more insights on related topics, you might want to check out this post on intracervical insemination. If you’re considering home insemination, Make a Mom offers a comprehensive kit you might find useful. For further information on donor insemination, American Pregnancy is an excellent resource.
In summary, my first Botox experience was nerve-wracking but ultimately rewarding. The results took a bit to show, but I was very pleased with how I looked and felt afterward. Would I do it again? You bet!