Hi hi hi.
I’m beyond excited to share the Botox news with you guys!
But let’s backtrack for a second…
Let me first tell you that Botox is something that I have been thinking about getting since I turned 30, which was about 2 years ago. Even when I was in my 20s I always knew that I would someday get Botox. While everyone was judging people for getting Botox and fillers, I was doing the complete opposite and researching the shit out of it. I was VERY interested in skincare and Botox at a young age. I once read an article that said Botox was a preventative measure for wrinkles, and that stuck with me.
This meant that getting Botox was actually going to prevent and reduce fine lines from getting deeper. Now, in no way am I suggesting that you go out and get Botox, by writing this post. I’m simply sharing what I’ve done, and why I’m doing it.
Botox has a very negative connotation. It gets a bad rap, and I’m here to tell you that’s it’s NOT a big deal. I’m 100% NOT ashamed to tell you guys that I’m doing this. In fact, when I finally decided to book the appointment, I was very excited to share my Botox experience publicly.
You know me, I’m an over-sharer. Always have been.
The Chic Confidential is ALL about sharing, you know this. So, there was no way I was keeping this from you guys. I will try anything and report back. It’s exactly why I started The Chic Confidential, to be honest. I want to talk about topics that aren’t talked about. I want to break the negative connotations about Botox, and other things. If you want Botox, go for it! And don’t be ashamed about it. Remember, there always going to be judgy people out there. Who cares? You do you, and don’t apologize for it. Also, in no way am I trying to tell you or anyone to get Botox. I’m just over here sharing my experience.
SO, let’s get into why I finally decided that it was time for Botox.
Like I said, I have been toying with the idea for over 2 years. I was basically watching my forehead wrinkles get deeper and deeper everyday. I was doing A LOT of research, reading a lot of blogs on Botox, and talking to different people about it. You should also know that I chose to do this solely for ME and me only. No one said “you need Botox” LOL. I have wanted to do this for years, and I made this decision on my own.
So, it was when I was getting my facial at Radford Studio, with one of my favourite people ever, Victoria Radford that I finally made the decision to go ahead with it. She’s SO knowledgeable when it comes to beauty and skincare.
So, as she was doing my facial, we of course started talking about Botox and she opened up about her experience. I feel like in the last 2 years I’ve asked everyone I know if they’ve gotten Botox. Most people are very secretive about it and will say no. And some are SUPER open. Victoria was VERY open about it. She introduced me to the girl who does her Botox and it was an instant connection. I knew from the moment I met Morvarid, the cosmetic nurse, that I wouldn’t be leaving without an appointment. And sure enough, I was booked in!
BEST. DECISION. EVER.
Before I get to the details of my experience, here’s what you should know:
WHAT IS BOTOX?
Botox is a neurotoxin derived from Clostridium botulinum, an organism found in the natural environment where it is largely inactive and non-toxic. Botulinum toxin is used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by reducing muscle movement.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
It varies depending on what you’re doing. For the area that I chose, it was $10/unit. I only did my forehead and I got 10 units done. This means 10 little needles in my forehead area.
DOES IT HURT?
Not at all! You will feel a tiny pinch but nothing to worry about. It’s very quick! Morvarid, the cosmetology nurse that did mine took less than 5 minutes to do the 10 needles.
Like I said, I did a ton of research before hand, and found that it was totally for me. Before going, Morvarid answered a bunch of questions I had on Botox, and she was very thorough. Once I got there, she went over details, post Botox. What I can and cannot do after getting Botox. Basically no exercising, sweating, bending down, massaging, or lying down 4-5 hours after you get Botox done. She mentioned that there could be bruising, however, I did not personally bruise.
Once I was ready, she cleaned the area on my forehead, and inserted 10 quick needles into the area she felt necessary. Guys, it was SO chill and relaxed. Didn’t feel a thing! I can confidently say, even if you are dead scared of needles, you won’t feel a thing.
Once she finished, I was totally fine. No bruising, a couple of dots on my forehead from the needles, no pain, nothing. I was literally in and out in 15 minutes.
I felt my head to be a little heavier about an hour later, which is normal. I made sure to sit up for 4-5 hours and after that, I was totally back to normal.
Now, one thing you need to know about Botox is, that it doesn’t kick in until about 4 to 5 days. The full effect actually kicks in after 10-12 days. So, when you don’t notice it immediately, don’t be alarmed! I hadn’t noticed anything until day 3. On day 3 I noticed more forehead to be a little tighter, and less movement. Day 4 and 5 I felt it a bit more. By day 9 the full results were in. I looked exactly the same, so it’s not like you look any different. It just feels different. Your forehead is tighter and the muscles are relaxed. You still have movement in your forehead but because the whole point of Botox is to prevent wrinkles, there isn’t too much movement.
Think about it this way – if you keep folding a piece of paper over and over again, the fold will get deeper, and eventually the fold will remain forever. However, if you stop folding it and give it a break, the fold line will slowly unfold. Botox is basically giving your forehead a break from all the expressions you continuously make. Especially if you are an animated person.
And don’t worry, you STILL have movement in your face! People think that you can immediately notice Botox on a person. And sure, if you over do it, with face lifts, and fillers, it can certainly be noticeable. But if you just do Botox on areas of your face that need it, people will not be able to notice until you WANT them to notice.
See my before and after below.
Please excuse the brows in the ‘after’ photo. I think it was a Sunday, and I was hungover. I usually free my face of any make-up on Sundays. You should know NONE of these photos have any kind of filter on them. Both photos also have the exact same expressions. I was raising my eyebrows as high as I could in both photos. As you can see, there are wrinkles in the before photo, and none in the after photo.
Guys, I’m SO glad I got this done. No regrets at all. I will keep doing it, and I’ll definitely keep updating you guys. Also, wayyy more updates on Insta-stories, so come hang out there.
As I always say, just make sure to do your own research. Just because Botox is for me, doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. If you have any questions on my experience, feel free to reach out. Happy to answer any and all questions.
Xx, kim
+ If you liked this post, check my post on Jade Rolling.
++ Oh, and Why I Microneedle!
