Real Talk on Botox

The other day I was scrolling through Instagram and had a chuckle as an influencer, in her mid-thirties, ranted in her caption about how OFFENDED she was that someone asked if her smooth, glowing complexion was a bi-product of Botox, and what an invasion of privacy she considered it to be. It honestly took every fiber of my being NOT to unfollow. My eyes rolled so hard I gave myself a headache.

In 2019, I think it’s safe to say if it’s not botox, it’s fillers, or at the very least FILTERS. None of it is terrible, it just IS. And I find it ridiculous that it’s still so taboo.

Equally as ridiculous – getting any of the above and claiming that you don’t while pushing a product with zero active ingredients, you are literally fooling no one.

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*If you don’t do botox, fillers OR use filters on your photos – don’t DM me! I will 100% leave you on read, Pinocchio. 

I always joked about needing Botox on my stories, placing the syringe emoji next to my crow’s feet or forehead, but had never pulled the trigger…UNTIL NOW.

I grew a baby. I birthed a baby. I fed a baby. And while it was a PRIVILEGE AND BLESSING to do so…it took a toll on my body, my mind, and how I viewed my appearance. I’d be lying if I said I felt SEXY, DESIRABLE, and BEAUTIFUL every step of the way. I had some moments where I felt quite the opposite.

Mama was in the mood for a little something.

Beam. Me. Up.

While I was breastfeeding, Suzie, from SpaDerma Lincoln Park – yes, the home of @taraspaderma – reached out to me offering to treat me when I was done.

That’s right! You cannot get Botox if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding! That’s just one of life’s little disappointments, okey? You better believe that quickly turned into a bit of carrot that dangled itself in front of me as I finished my breastfeeding and weaning journey. Praise be. It was a good run tho!

Behold. My UNFILTERED Botox story. An unbiased account of the process, the recovery, and the results.

The fine print, as always: I am an open book. I did NOT pay for my injections. Suzie treated me free of charge but made it clear that she did NOT expect content in return. However, I’ve been sitting on the Cruel Intentions meme for weeks, so naturally, this was coming. Finally, all opinions are my own.

The Beginning.

I made my appointment for the afternoon of January, 8th. Suzie advised me to schedule it at least one week ahead of any other re-surfacing treatments (such as microneedling) and to workout BEFOREhand. You can’t workout directly after. I heeded all of her advice, and OBVIOUSLY, I DID NOT TELL @mattlemere. Ignorance indeed is bliss, you know?

She reached out to me via DM a few days before to get a gut check on how I was feeling and let me know the first appointment was a non-obligatory consultation. Meaning, I didn’t have to do anything I wasn’t ready for or didn’t want to do. I am a sucker for client hospitality, she had me at, “hello.”

Spoiler: I was ready. AHAHAH. I was ready. 

The Big Day

Meeting Suzie in person was like a breath of fresh air. She exuded confidence, approachability, and KNOWLEDGE. She’s not a regular esthetician; she’s a SMARTesthetician. Just check out THIS post she made on her IG feed. It’s is precisely why she’s the best, and a cut above all the rest. 

First, she outlined the product options between Botox and Dysport:

  • Botox and Dysport are the same toxin, Botulinum toxin type A. Two different companies make the two.
  • Botox is more widely known because it was the first to market, but both have been used for years and are very safe. They’re mostly like Coke and Pepsi.
  • Patients often give feedback that Botox can give a dewy, tighter appearance. While Dysport allows for a bit more natural movement doesn’t give the same “glow.”

I got Botox because I’m all about that glow.

Second, she talked through the common misconceptions of both. Which, I’m happy to share with you bishes, because if you’re like me – YOU ARE MISINFORMED. Get ready for this reading rainbow:

MYTH: It will be obvious you’ve gotten injections because you’ll be frozen and expressionless.

FALSE!

Fact: The best injections are undetectable. My goal is for someone to tell you that’ you’re looking refreshed or wellrested. When injected appropriately, Botox and Dysport can look completely natural. 

MYTH: Once you start, you can’t stop.

FALSE!

Fact: You can try it out once or twice and if it’s not for you  – that’s fine! The product only affects for 3-4 months so once it’s gone, you will regain full movement and muscle strength.

MYTH: Botox is for wrinkles that are visible at all times. 

FALSE!

Fact: Over the last decade there has been a significant rise in 20-somethings starting Botox injections. The idea is to get ahead of the progression of lines and prevent skin damage. Prevention is key! My patient population ranges from 20-70 years old. I don’t believe there is a right age to start. But as a general rule, if it’s bothering you, it’s time!

MYTHS: It’s painful. It’s toxic. It’s only for women. 

FALSE!

Fact: It’s not.

Setting the Table

Suzie’s standard practice is a bit conservative, meaning, she potentially under injects until she knows how her new patients respond to treatment. I LOVE that about her. Everyone is different, and Rome wasn’t built in a day. We proactively planned for a two-week follow-up to address anything that may need some extra…”finesse.”

She marked the injection sights to make sure I was entirely aligned and comfortable with what was about to go down.  

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Spoiler: I was ready. AHAHAH. I was ready. 

The Sideffects 

I’m not going to lie; the immediate aftermath wasn’t that comfortable. I had a tension headache for about five days. REPEAT AFTER ME: BEAUTY IS PAIN! I also felt a slight “droop” sensation under my left eyebrow. Suzie let me know that sensation is totally common, and to be expected. As long as there wasn’t a visual droop (there wasn’t), there was no need for correction. If there WAS a visible droop, she assured me it could be easily corrected.

About six days after my appointment my headache subsided and I could feel the ‘tox settin’ in. Suzie was like, “oh it’ll take about two weeks to fully kick in.”

I congratulated myself PROFUSELY for being ahead of the curve.

I kept my two-week follow-up appointment with her to make sure all was on POINT – no pun intended! We mutually agreed there was no need for further injections or any corrective work. 

Finally. I was perfect.

I’m just kidding…but only kind of. HOLY SHIT Botox is fantastic. 

The Results

Feast your eyes on this. The before and after is pretty incredible. 

Botox

I received 42 units, and at $12 per unit, that’s a steep $504 investment. Suzie mentioned most patients come in every three months. I like to live on the edge, so I’ll probably stretch it to four or five months to avoid future spending embargos enacted by my evil dictator husband, but I will be getting this treatment again. I don’t wear makeup throughout the week, and when I do, it is MINIMAL. Mostly, because I don’t know how to apply it, but that’s beside the point! I have zero time for a lengthy morning routine, and now I see little need for it. My skin is clear as day, and now TIGHT AS FAHK. 

If you’re thinking about doing botox, and can financially afford it – do it. Feel comfortable in your skin is the best investment one can make. If this kind of price tag is a stretch for you, SAVE YOUR PENNIES. It is worth it, I promise.

Hai. Fin.

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  1. Hi! I’m 30 and have been getting botox for a couple of years, and ABSOLUTELY LOVE it. Just wanted to shout out in support/agreement!