Look I get it, talking botox is “taboo.” But we have gotten SO many questions about botox over the years from you guys that we wanted to make sure we got the best answers from a trusted source in the industry! Dr Rachel Reyes-Bergano is the Physician and Medical Director at Contempo Aesthetics and is one of the top aestheticians in Los Angeles. Not only is she smart (hello USC medical residency!) but she is also just lovely to be around! Last week I ask you guys to send your questions and now Dr. Rachel is here to give us all the scoop!
Before we dive in, I do want to say that botox isn’t for everyone and you shouldn’t get it just because you think it’s “time.” However, if you do choose to get it, I strongly suggest doing your research to find a trusted and trained doctor. I have had friends in the past cheap-out and they have had really bad reactions to “off brand” or unreliable doctors.
Questions
When should you start to get Botox? Is it ever too late or too early to start?
Dr. Rachel: When the wrinkles starting bother you! And that can vary from person to person.
I always tell patients we treat to the strength of their muscles (causing the wrinkles) not their age. Some patients are 21 and have very strong muscles and require more Botox than a patient who is in their 40s. It’s never too late to start but in some older patients, I do assess if they have developed eyelid hooding and if so, I will treat the forehead muscles very conservatively and in some cases advise against it as it could worsen eyelid hooding.
If you commit to Botox once do you have to forever?
Dr. Rachel: Not necessarily, but most patients elect to maintain treatments as they love their results so much. If an individual chooses not to continue Botox treatments to relax wrinkles, they essentially just go back to what their baseline was before Botox.
What is the pain level? Are there specific things you can do to reduce pain?
Dr. Rachel: Zero to minimal discomfort. It feels like a tiny pinch.
To reduce discomfort, we offer topical numbing cream and icing in between injections.
What’s the best treatment for crows feet?
Dr. Rachel: Botox is the BEST treatment! But also remembering to apply SPF daily! Most patients have more crow’s feet wrinkles around their left eye (their driving side). So remembering to apply an SPF that’s safe to use around the eyes will help prevent wrinkles from getting worse.
How often should you get Botox?
Dr. Rachel: Touch up treatments are recommended every 3-4 months.
When will you see results and how long does it last?
Dr. Rachel: Results could be appreciated as early as 2 days but maximum effect of the Botox product is typically seen in 7-10 days. Touch up treatments are recommended every 3-4 months for maintenance of results.
Can there be any negative side effects from Botox?
Dr. Rachel: Some common side effects post-Botox could be headache, small bumps from the injections (typically goes away 20 min after treatment), possible bruising (although we use a very tiny needle for the injections).
It’s key to making sure you go to an experienced injector who takes the time to discuss your medical history and medications prior to starting Botox treatments. For patients with a history of dry eyes, botox treatments around the eye could make their symptoms worse.
Another possible side effect is brow ptosis (drop) which is typically caused by injections placed too close to the brow or too much product injected near the brow. There is a medication which could help minimize this rare but possible treatment side effect
And a few more extra questions ya’ll asked too!
If you are thinking about testing lip fillers but still want it to look natural, how much should you request?
Dr. Rachel: It honestly depends on the patient but half milliliter syringes are a nice way to begin to build lip volume. I advised patients to wait about 4 weeks before adding additional filler to lips to give the lip mucosa time to accommodate to the new volume.
Does Kybella actually work and what does the process actually entail?
Dr. Rachel: Yes! I love Kybella and if patients see through the treatment series, they are typically pretty happy with their results. Kybella is an FDA approved injectable medication that will help dissolve fat cells. It is not an instant gratification procedure. It does involve some post-procedural swelling in the treated area. Most patients average 2-4 treatment sessions (spaced out 6-8 weeks apart) to get to their ultimate goal.
SOOO now that you guys know the scoop! I tested botox a little myself! I realize that the ‘before’ picture is one of the most unflattering pics ever but I wanted you guys to really see the difference with a before and after! (I am basically blackmailing myself right now). I get mine in my forehead because I have really strong brow bones (if you couldn’t tell). All around it just makes it look smoother but does not look unnatural!
BEFORE
AFTER
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