Of course we’ve all heard of Botox, the wrinkle erasing miracle that every Hollywood actress over 40 has had done but would never admit. But what is getting Botox actually like? I am turning 30 in two weeks and although I am fairly wrinkle free, a recent stressful life event has marred my brow with a single vertical line. Since I am residing in Asia, and plastic surgery of any kind is ridiculously inexpensive, I decided to indulge in this youthful syringe for my birthday.
After a few lost in translation moments, I managed to find a hospital with a plastic surgery wing and a doctor who spoke perfect English. He explained the myriad benefits of Botox to me, including the fact that it lasts about six months. He pointed out the area on my forehead where I would be injected and voila! I was so close to being wrinkle free. After taking a series of “before” photos as though I were on a makeover reality show, they laid me down on a reclining chair, disinfected my forehead and shot me three times between the eyebrows. I have no problem with needles and it didn’t hurt—just a prick. Presto! I was informed that it could take up to 72 hours to become fully activated.
Day 1: Botox injections at 9:00 a.m. By 8:00 p.m. I was feeling a bit numb around the eyebrows. Wrinkle still visible.
Day 2: The wrinkle was slowly dissolving before my very eyes.
Day 3: Wrinkle free! Try as I might to furrow my brow, absolutely nothing happens. In love with Botox!
Happily for me, this tiny miracle cost a whopping $20, but it costs between $200 and $500 in the States depending on the number of injections.
Recommendation—DO IT! If you have any discretionary income at your disposal and fine lines you’d like hammered out, Botox is a painless solution with priceless results.
To find a doctor in Santa Cruz check out realself.com.
