It’s not just Real Housewives and Hollywood stars who want to stay youthful. In 2012, a record-setting 6.1 million Americans (94 percent of them women) received Botox injections. While some turn to the procedure to fight migraines or excessive sweating, the majority simply want to look younger. Here, women reveal the good, the bad and the ugly truth they learned from getting Botox.
Beware the Dog Face
“I loved how Botox softened my crow’s feet, so I tried it for frown lines between my brows. The effects were great — until I cried (and I cry often out of joy, sadness, hormonal reasons, you name it!). My inner eyebrows stayed the same, but the lower sections moved down giving me a basset hound appearance. I am an emotionally expressive person, so I will not be repeating that procedure.” —Stacey, age 45
It Can Cure Your 'Anger' Problem
“The deep crease between my eyebrows always made me look angry even when I was in great spirits. Without that line, I look so much more relaxed and youthful—happy even!” —Tina, age 48
Your Face Might Spasm
“When my Botox started to wear off, it felt like my forehead was having muscle spasms and contracting my eyebrows up toward my scalp. Thankfully, these spasms weren’t noticeable to others, but the sensation (which lasted for days) was very strange and really annoying.” —Sarah, age 44
You’ll Start Seeing Wrinkles Everywhere
“Since starting Botox, I’m very aware of how wrinkly other people’s foreheads are. But I would never tell my friends that.” —Ashlie, age 21
This Is Not the Time to Bargain Hunt
“I once experienced significant swelling after going to an inexperienced clinician. Ask your friends who they recommend and make sure the technician is well trained.” —Marisa, age 51
You Need to Be Realistic
“Botox isn’t a facelift-in-a-bottle. As a registered nurse who has both given and received injections, I find that most women’s expectations are too high. Botox is great at diminishing mild to moderate facial lines and wrinkles, but it won’t help saggy skin or deeply-etched lines. A good clinician should outline the changes you can realistically expect.” —Beth, age 52
It Really Can Prevent Migraines
“Getting Botox for migraines is like being stung repeatedly in the head. Still the pain is nothing compared to an actual migraine. My migraines have gone from about 15 a month to half that. It’s a win-win: Less pain and fewer wrinkles!” —Kari, age 44
It'll Stop Drippy Armpits
“My underarms used to drip before I started getting Botox for excessive sweating. The twice-yearly injections — about 20 per armpit — are not fun, but the payoff is sweet smelling.” —Robin, age 51
You Could Get Hooked
“At first I didn’t think I needed Botox. Now I’m scared to stop because I love what it has done for me. I feel younger, prettier and more confident” —Melissa, age 35
It's Not Just for Women With Wrinkles
“When deep creases started lining my forehead at age 27, I knew they’d only become deeper and more noticeable with age. I use Botox not necessarily to look younger, but to ensure that I won’t look older.” —Michelle, age 30
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