Wednesday, August 1, 2012

"Aren't you too young for Botox?"

I hear that question almost everyday! Of course, in my line of work, talking about Botox is very common. What surprises people is that at 29 years old, I have had Botox treatments for 2 years already and I am NOT afraid to admit it to anyone who asks. Of course, most people think that I am nuts because I look completely wrinkle free. I always hear "Why do you get Botox? You don't need it!" To which I can promptly respond, "Well, then I guess it is doing what it is supposed to be doing!" At this point, my friends usually fire these 5 most common (and somewhat comical) questions at me! I've decided to answer them below because they are common questions that people have, but may be afraid to ask!

*Please remember when you read the questions and answers below, that I am offering NO medical advice. Please know that I am NOT A MEDICAL DOCTOR, and I have never played one on TV... so do the smart thing and schedule a consultation with Dr. Hulten for more information!*

1. Tell me how Botox works... and not in medical terms!

Botox is used to stop communication between nerves and the injected muscles, which reduces the muscle activity that causes those persistent wrinkles to form. In other words: no wrinkles!

2. Wouldn't I have to be crazy to be shot up with Botulism?

Botox is actually a lab created purified protein, that has been FDA approved for the treatment of moderate to severe wrinkles. It is extremely safe!

3. Could I be allergic to Botox, like Kim Kardashian, and have a serious reaction?

Severe allergic reactions to Botox are extremely rare. The most common reported side effect is spot bruising or slight swelling at the injection sites. Nothing that a little concealer couldn't cover! As for Kim Kardashian...a reaction of that kind, if possible at all, would be extremely rare.

4. If I do Botox, am I going to end up looking like one of those crazy housewives from that reality show?

How you look after your injections is entirely up to you. If you are interested in soft correction, where you are still able to move the muscles that cause the expression lines, then less Botox would be used. If you are interested in completely freezing the muscles and eliminating all movement, well then we can do that too!

5. Do I need to take time off work to receive Botox?

Only if you want to! Most patients receive Botox on their lunch break and go back to work with no one the wiser!

I hope that the questions and answers above have helped make the decision to receive Botox treatment easier for you! Just remember, in 30 minutes or less, you can eliminate the angry 1's in between your brows, the crinkles around your eyes, or the wrinkles on your forehead that resemble a package of hot dogs!