Botox, the self-esteem booster many are unsure of


Many people have a negative perception about Botox. (Rawpixel pic)

What’s the first thing you think of when you hear the word Botox? Images of frozen foreheads and scarily raised eyebrows? Well, it seems like Botox has a lot of negative associations.

Chrissy (not her real name) had been considering Botox for a while as her modelling career required that she look her best at all times.

While she had a glowing complexion, she did notice some lines across her forehead that had become more pronounced over the years.

After being recommended to a cosmetic doctor and seeing first-hand how good her friends looked post-Botox, Chrissy made an appointment with him. She was a bit nervous about the procedure however, although she didn’t have a problem with needles.

The doctor instantly calmed her worries. Judging from the time he took to meticulously study her skin and facial movements, to inquiring what results she desired from the procedure, Chrissy could tell that he knew what he was doing.

She explained that she wasn’t happy with how her left eyebrow would rise higher than her right, thus making her forehead lines appear deeper than they actually were.

It was decided that three areas would be targeted with Botox – her eye area, the area between her eyes and her forehead, and her right eyebrow that would be ‘lifted’ to gain symmetry.

Botox procedures are usually pain-free, with the drug taking up to 14 days to take full effect. (Unsplash pic)

The actual procedure only took a few minutes and it wasn’t as painful as Chrissy expected. The doctor was thorough and instructed her to make ‘funny’ faces so that he could reach the targeted muscles.

Naturally, there was a little bleeding at the injection sites but it quickly stopped.

To prevent the Botox from spreading to other areas, the doctor also advised Chrissy not to rub or massage the treated areas for 24 hours. She was allowed to return to her normal activities right after the procedure.

Naturally, Chrissy spent the first few days after the procedure scrutinising her face in the mirror. She couldn’t see any immediate differences but didn’t worry too much about it as she had been assured that her face would continue to improve over the next 14 days.

Then one day, she noticed that she looked really fresh. It wasn’t a huge difference, which was good, as she wanted a natural look. Her forehead lines were significantly softer too.

The biggest change, however, was the most unexpected one.

During her consultation, she had asked the doctor about getting fillers underneath her eyes to reduce the puffy, under-eye bags. She had already spoken with another dermatologist who agreed that fillers would help.

Many have experienced a newfound sense of confidence after getting Botox treatment. (Rawpixel pic)

This doctor had instead advised her to wait and see how much the Botox would lift her eyes. She was overjoyed by the improvement of her eye bags, as it was something she had been unhappy with for many years.

Indeed, she didn’t expect to experience such positive changes through Botox. It had lifted the skin around her eyes so it no longer scrunched up when she smiled.

Botox had also helped reduce the puffiness around her eyes. That being said, Chrissy was told that she would have to renew and maintain her treatment every few months.

Chrissy’s advice to other women contemplating Botox is that it’s all about self-confidence.

She admits that part of her wishes she could accept these first signs of ageing because it’s what’s on the inside that counts. But, she was also concerned about her looks and wanted her outside to match her inside.

For her personally, the first signs of ageing were the hardest to accept.

Chrissy went on to say that many people today ignore the signs of ageing until they’re jolted by that first pronounced line or wrinkle. Like her, they are not ready to age as fast as their face wants to, but she says in time, they will come to accept it.

In the end, it’s not really about looking younger but looking the best you can, especially if your line of work demands it, like Chrissy’s does.

Those first few lines appearing on her forehead and the droopy skin around her eyes were making her look tired. Now however, she looks rejuvenated and is infused with a sense of self-confidence as well.

TELEME Healing Life Stories is a collection of inspirational stories of how ordinary people triumph over their health conditions and recover to lead a healthier life. Email [email protected] to share your story.

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