Like probably most of you reading this, I was at one point curious about botox but didn’t really have anywhere to turn for real examples and questions answered. Much like when I posted about getting my tear troughs filled, things like botox and fillers are still considered a little taboo so it can be hard to know where to turn/who to ask without judgement etc. I wanted to share my botox story with you, why I started, what my thoughts are on it, and just general straight up info for anyone curious.

Let me start by saying that to me, botox really is nothing. I’ve seen a couple shock and awe faces when I’ve talked about it which I’ve never understood because it’s such a quick, un-invasive procedure that can do wonders for your skin. Like with getting my tear troughs filled, sometimes you can do everything you’re supposed to do (day creams, serums, night creams, facials etc.) but genetics will always win. In my family strong forehead muscles run ramped, we are also super expressive with our faces. I wish I had a before and after photo of my sister because she had a good 4-5 ditches in her forehead by the time she was around 28 and only with botox was she able to correct and reverse that pre-mature aging.

I started to notice faint forehead lines happening when I was about 25, at the time it really wasn’t anything to be too concerned about, it was more of the thrill and the fun of “omg I’m getting botox” which lead me to my first visit. Since I wasn’t too concerned, I had it done the one time and maybe once every 1.5 years since. Even now, botox isn’t something where I’m like “omg my botox is wearing off I need to get to the Dr. ASAP!”, it’s something that to me is not absolutely vital but when I do get it done I can definitely notice a difference and always love the results.

1. What is botox?
a drug prepared from the bacterial toxin botulin, used medically to treat certain muscular conditions and cosmetically to remove wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing facial muscles.

2. Where do you get botox done?
in terms of facility, I always go to Dr. Jalali at The Vanity Lab – they are who did my tear troughs and the absolute best, I wouldn’t go anywhere else. In terms of where on my face, I do my forehead in the centre where I have expression lines, and between my eyebrows where I have a strong frown.

3. How much does it cost?
this will really depend on how much you need. I have super strong forehead and frown muscles so it can take quite a bit to get them to relax, however I’ve never spent more than $300 on a visit for botox and this will last around 4 months or so.

4. Are there any side effects?
I have never had any or heard of any!

5. Does it hurt?
The needle is so thin it kind of feels like little bee stings or pinching. However if you have any scar tissue (I have a scar on my forehead) and they do an injection into that tissue, that can hurt like a mother.

6. I’m scared of Courtney Cox’ing it..
hahah same sis, same. Dr. Jalali and all of the doctors at The Vanity Lab are amazing at knowing exactly how much to give you. Also, botox isn’t adding anything to your face vs. filler, it simply is freezing the muscle to prevent pre-mature wrinkles. He also gives you the perfect amount so that you still have movement but not enough to cause wrinkling.

7. What age should you start getting botox?
Again I think this is going to depend on your genetics etc.. I had a genetically strong forehead prone to wrinkling, which is why I started a bit younger than some (25) as I wanted to prevent vs. correct.

8. Why do you like getting it done?
A few reasons – first, it relaxes my forehead muscles to prevent irreversible damage and wrinkles. This may be a dumb reason to some but it also relaxes my frown so I don’t have such a resting bitch face in photos or when I want to take a photo in direct sunlight or just in general haha. It also gives me an ever so slight brow lift which I love. Botox can also be used for people with persistent migraines or if you clench your jaw.

If you guys have any other questions or concerns about this type of thing I love being a source of experience and info so don’t hesitate to email or dm me any questions.

xx
Tessa