by Sarah Allen, MD
The first time I tried botox - I was really scared. This, coming from someone who works in the medical field and performs office procedures every day. It wasn’t the actual injection I was worried about. Don’t get me wrong - would it hurt definitely crossed my mind. But, more importantly, I was concerned that I was putting something with the word “toxin” in my body by choice. I am not near the healthiest person in the world, but I do try to be mindful of what I am taking in - the old adage of “garbage in, garbage out.” But, for years, many people have dyed their hair - and is this really any different? It seems counterintuitive that in a world that emphasizes health and wellness, botox would be a part of that culture. Would I have difficulty breathing (this is the healthcare provider in me - an no, you would have to receive around 1,000 units IV of botulinum toxin in oder to experience paralysis.
The typical dose for cosmetic purposes is 20-50 units). Would I be asymmetrical? Experience the dreaded complication of ptosis (drooping of one eyelid when botulinum toxin migrates through the supraorbital foramen and affects the tiny muscle called the levator palpebrae superioris) - it is transient - although tragic and health care providers can treat it with eye drops given four to six times daily. But, all fears aside - I went along with it.
I had thought of getting botox myself for about 24 months before I finally took the plunge. I took a picture of myself every day for the first 7-10 days. And, I recommend that if it is your first time, you do too. The change is subtle in the beginning, but the results are amazing. I also realized, I had never looked at myself so much in my life. My lifetime small left eye suddenly seemed so much smaller - but when comparing with my before photos, was always present. I didn’t feel like I looked like myself for the first month or so - and at one point, thought - “I’m never doing this again”. But, the overall effect and the elimination of my wrinkles were enough to have me hooked!
I believe in preventative health - exercising as much as my schedule will allow (which is not much, but I do the best I can), eating as well as I can in an age where that can be difficult. And, I believe in maintaining my skin and outer shell to reflect how I feel on the inside - and for that, preventative botox and botox to treat my existing lines and wrinkles has become a part of my beauty maintenance. It does not mean that I do not need to take care of my skin - just like getting hair color doesn’t mean I don’t need to wash my hair. It is a complementary treatment to keep me feeling and looking my best. And if you need some recommendations for the best providers around, I have those too. Everyone of our providers has administered botox to me at one time or another - I will always be looking out for you.
At The Skin Clique, we believe in helping you feel confident in your own skin by providing convenient, affordable access to medical-grade treatments performed by board certified experts - all in the comfort of your own home. To learn more, or to schedule a free consultation, visit this link. And remember, beauty knocks.