Botox Virgin No More!

When I turned 30, the lines on my forehead started to bother me. I swear I didn't have wrinkles in my 20s, and then overnight at 30 years old, there they were! I never intended to get poison injected into my face this young, but then I read about Botox preventing wrinkles as well as treating current ones. I do like preventative measures!
I prefer to use all natural/organic products, except when it comes to anti-aging. I guess I'm willing to take the risk for beauty... I'm not too concerned about one treatment of Botox, but I am extremely concerned about long-term use and compounding Botox over the years. If I get Botox 2-3x per year for 25 years or more... I'm not sure that's a good idea. I don't take any drugs. I'm fortunate to be pretty healthy. The only prescriptions I've ever taken long-term were birth control pills and seasonal allergy pills for a few years in college. I wish I had never taken hormonal birth control because it is a carcinogen. The dangers and side effects of hormonal birth control are not adequately explained to young women and teens. I'm worried that the dangers and side effects of Botox are not adequately explained or known either. I'm not sure if or what long-term studies of Botox use have been done. Anyone know? I'll be looking into it.It's scary, but I do feel like Botox is worth a try- one time won't kill me, I hope! I'm going to give Botox a try and see how I react to it. I plan to receive my first Botox treatment from Dr. Engel at the Sarasota Plastic Surgery Center. I had a previous procedure with Dr. Engel and found he is also an experienced Botox injector. He charges his patients $250 for one area and $450 for two areas, which is a reasonable price for a plastic surgeon. I'm praying for no bad reactions! Dr. Engel says his patients haven't had any yet. I think the injector one chooses is very important. Having an experienced plastic surgeon or dermatologist is probably best, although they can be more expensive too. But I agree with my mom who says "you get what you pay for."My plan is to start slow and get a lower than normal amount of units injected in only one area: my forehead. I will consider my crow's feet in the future. I usually like to get my money's worth, but a Botox virgin like me should take it slow. I think Dr. Engel said 25 units for my forehead, but we'll see. He did advise to start with a lower amount the first time too. I'm excited and nervous for "my first time" Botox. Something new or unknown always seems like a bigger deal until you've done it. My doctor and my mom say Botox is not a big deal at all. And that I'm going to love it! I hope so! I attached a picture of my forehead which shows my lines after raising my eyebrows. Even without making an expression, I still have these wrinkles that bother me. We'll see if Botox makes a difference!

I had my annual skin check with my dermatologist, so I asked her about Botox. She said it could be a good time to start as a preventative measure. She also says to start slow with my forehead. Her plan would be to give me an “eyebrow lift” as she calls it with 12 units and then 8 units in my forehead, so 20 total in my forehead area. She explained that this eyebrow lift would help prevent my eyebrows from feeling heavy, which happens to some patients.

So 20 units is similar to the 25 unit estimation that Dr. Engel gave me. I think it’s always smart to get a second opinion (or more if needed) from doctors. I trust that Dr. Engel will do a great job with my Botox, but I am a “trust but verify” type of person haha, especially with this being my first time with Botox. I’m trying to do my homework.



I did get a third opinion, which was another plastic surgeon who told me that I was too young to worry about Botox. I appreciate the “compliment” that I didn’t need Botox, but I did not agree with him. I want Botox to prevent bad wrinkles.



I’m not looking forward to those needles in my forehead in only 10 days! Ahh! I’m such a baby sometimes. I’m worried about the pain but also about this awful toxin being in my body. It better not spread. It’s not supposed to… I try to remind myself that Botox is overwhelmingly safe, common, and amazingly effective! I hope!

I'm scheduled to get Botox in five days. I'm a little nervous as a Botox virgin. I worry about worst-case scenarios. But I find comfort in the fact that if I have an adverse effect, it will wear off in a few months. I'm trying to decide whether I should do more research before I go through with it. If I do, I'll probably just make myself worry and that doesn't do any good.

I like to be informed, but I'm thinking some "ignorance is bliss" is better in this situation. I have done a fair amount of research, and major side effects are rare. I'm not in the mood for horror stories. I should be working on my schedule for the rest of summer and also my bible study. I'm going to say some prayers for no side effects and good results.

I have a lot on my mind and don't want anxiety, which reminds me of the verse: "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done." I am so thankful to God for the privilege of trying Botox, and I pray for clarity. It may sound weird to talk to the Lord about Botox, but I think He wants us to talk to Him about everything. I will certainly be praying during and after my injection for no problems.

I'm not sure if I'm more nervous or more excited for Botox. I'm going to take my mind off this for now, since I am getting excited for Game of Thrones tonight! It's hard to believe premiere night is finally here and now there's only 5 more days until Botox, wow it's coming soon!