[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|54px|0px”][et_pb_row custom_padding=”4px|0px|27px|0px” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.21.1″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]
(This post contains affiliate links. See DISCLOSURE for more information)
We’ve all heard the horror stories about Botox and fillers. Frozen faces, lumps and bumps that don’t go away. The cost. Maintenance. We’ve heard the naysayers,
[bctt tweet=”You’re going to inject poison into your face?” username=””]
Over the last ten years I’ve noticed fine lines developing on my face. Specifically, around the corners of my mouth, between my eyebrows, my forehead, and under my eyes. Fortunately, I don’t have crow’s feet. At least I have that.
But then, I have seen the results. Botox smooths skin. It takes years off your face.
Still, I didn’t take the leap.
Wait, what??? Stop the truck!
You said Botox can help reduce the amount I clench and grind? Beyond cosmetic purposes, Botox can have other uses and can treat other issues?
It can help reduce jaw popping? My headaches might go away, too? Botox can be used to treat TMJ? Seriously?!?!
OK! You’ve got my attention. I recalled that friends had Botox injections for migraines. Hmmm. Maybe I would try it.
Botox: More Than Vanity
Google and Pinterest directed me to articles which explained the various uses of Botox along with the pros and cons. When I understood the potential side-effects and reasons, beyond vanity, to use Botox, I took the leap. Ok…let’s schedule the appointment!
The Appointment
I scheduled my appointment at High-Tech Dental in Manistee, Michigan. Following a pleasant greeting by High-Tech Dental staff, Dr. Berard conducted my initial consultation and injections on October 12, 2018. Dr. Berard was pleasant and professional. In the consultation room, he asked me about my goals and concerns, then offered me the choice of Botox or Xeomin. Botox is $11/unit while Xeomin is $10/unit. Ever-frugal-me, I choose Xeomin.
While you’re in there…
Since I decided to get Botox for my TMJ issues, I decided to proceed with some vanity injections: forehead and my 11’s (between my eyebrows). In the patient exam room. Dr. Berard took pictures. First, I was expressionless, then he took pictures of me making various faces from acting surprised to angry and pouting. The next step was getting my face prepped for the injections. My face was cleaned and marked for each injection site.
Prepped
Left side
Right side
My Injections
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Frontalis (forehead) – 12 units over 12 locations
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Glabellar Area (between eyebrows) – 20 units over 5 locations
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Masseter (cheeks) – 10 units, each side
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
In less than an hour I had my consultation and injections. Immediately after the injections my face was red and blotchy. However, during the roughly 10 minutes or so that I was there for observation, the redness disappeared. I was advised to avoid rubbing my face for the day and not to do any strenuous physical activity.
After with some redness
After with some slight swelling
Did it hurt?
I had heard that it would sting. What I experienced was a quick, sharp poke with each injection. I didn’t notice any lingering sting. I’ve read that if you have super sensitive skin you might want to ice the area or apply a topical anesthetic to help reduce pain. I forewent this step.
Results
Within a couple of days, noticed that my forehead wrinkles were less severe.
Two days after botox
One week later
Follow up injection
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Left Masseter (cheek) – 3 units
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
…And a month later
One month later
One month after Botox
Headache Relief
My headaches have been substantially fewer, I’ve only experienced three! Thank you, Dr. Berard and Botox.
Will I do it again?
Absolutely! Not only have I experienced relief from grinding, clenching, and headaches, I’ve heard that I look as young as my hubby, who is ten years younger!
Sunkissed and Blessed®
May you be sunkissed and blessed.
Melissa
Melissa Myers is Sunkissed and Blessed. She shares her experiences and ideas for living a blessed life full of abundance and gratitude. Connect with Melissa at sunkissedandblessed@gmail.com.
Per FTC regulations, I am required to inform you that I have affiliate links throughout this blog. The links provide me with a small commission at no extra cost to you. Furthermore, I did receive services and treatments at a discount.
I am not a medical professional. The information provided in this blog is based on the opinion and experiences of the author and is informational yet not intended to provide any diagnosis or treatment plan. You should consult with a medical professional prior to making any health changes, especially any changes related to a specific diagnosis or condition.
I, Melissa Myers, am a participant in Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog fullwidth=”off” posts_number=”6″ show_more=”on” show_comments=”on” admin_label=”Blog Roll” _builder_version=”3.0.94″ pagination_font_size_tablet=”51″ pagination_line_height_tablet=”2″]
[/et_pb_blog][et_pb_code][/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.90″ background_color=”#ffffff” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.21.1″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.21.1″][et_pb_code _builder_version=”3.19.15″]
[/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
Comments are closed