One week post Botox and I can still frown. Which I do at the thought of still be able to :-(
I do think the force of contraction of the muscles has reduced-it's a weaker action. I also think that the more lateral (further out) muscles are contributing more now than they did before. It's still disappointing though. They rang from Dr Torgerson's office to do a follow-up yesterday. I said I could still frown and the receptionist recommended waiting until tomorrow and if still not noticing a complete effect to ring back and she'd get me in to see him first thing Monday morning. Which is nice, but obviously won't be happening since I'll be in work Monday. Don't think a Botox top-up would really count as a medical emergency. Luckily I'd already decided not to over-react and run looking for more too early thanks to @DrRaviJain, my Twitter friend. It was so nice to just ask a simple question and get a "don't worry" back.
2 days of Latisse done. Application process is a bit fiddly-http://www.latisse.com/HowtoApply.aspx?state=15
Still a bit terrified of iris colour change even though no cases have been reported. My eyes are at highest risk because they're kind of a mixed light colour already containing some brown. Will give it the month anyway. Think it feels a little irritated along lash line but possibly over conscious!
Also, interesting GoWear Fit realisation. It's like the Bodybugg. Skipped gym tonight to go meet some friends from home who were visiting. Did walk to their hotel etc but nothing strenuous. Calories burned only 200 less than on days I do a good gym session. Interesting/depressing!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Day 5 and some eyelash fluttering!
Today was day 5 post Botox. I spent the weekend frowning away to myself to see if I still could. The day after I was convinced my nose felt funny but then I realised that it was just slightly itchy and it went away (hello, hypochondria/paranoia). I really felt very little difference over the weekend. By yesterday (day 4) I felt that my frown had lessened. Today is day 5 and I can still frown a little but it takes more of an effort. It feels like it's a weaker expression too. I frown less enthusiastically! I've read that it can take a week or so for the full effects so will see how it goes and whether the effects become more pronounced before I ask about a top-up.
This is day 5:
Hard to tell the effects based on the photo which isn't helped by the harsh daylight and hasty make-up application.
I called into Dr Torgerson's office today to pick up some Latisse. It's the new big thing in eyelash enhancement! I remember reading about the drug used in it years ago when it was a glaucoma medication. They had found that people using Lumigan grew longer lashes. I was very tempted to get my hands on some having stubby, sparse lashes. The (rare) side effect of darkening of the iris stopped me though. Allergan (again) decided to make a formulation for eyelashes though and it's just arrived in Canada so I picked some up from Dr Torgerson's. It's expensive ($160 for a month's supply-shudder) but I wanted to give it a try. I've also spent money on plenty of lash enhancers that did nothing at all and saw one priced at $170 in Sephora. I'd also just been to see an oral surgeon about a dental implant and that looked to be so awfully drawn out, expensive and miserable that I was in the mood for a splurge.
It comes in a box with 60 little applicators packed in 2s. The idea is to apply a drop from the little bottle and use one applicator for each eye, once a day.
Box and applicators:
I also got a cute bag for it which definitely justified the price :-)
Eyelashes before:
These frequent photos are making me think I need to pay more attention to my eyebrows...and also that I quite possibly need a nose job. Nose job won't be happening though! Sigh.
Also saw Dr Torgerson on Global News 16:9 where they did an exposé on nurses/aestheticians injecting without full supervision and dodgy companies selling Botox online. Glad I went to a real clinic! This link should work for a while. It's the "Worry Lines" episode. Scary stuff!
This is day 5:
Hard to tell the effects based on the photo which isn't helped by the harsh daylight and hasty make-up application.
I called into Dr Torgerson's office today to pick up some Latisse. It's the new big thing in eyelash enhancement! I remember reading about the drug used in it years ago when it was a glaucoma medication. They had found that people using Lumigan grew longer lashes. I was very tempted to get my hands on some having stubby, sparse lashes. The (rare) side effect of darkening of the iris stopped me though. Allergan (again) decided to make a formulation for eyelashes though and it's just arrived in Canada so I picked some up from Dr Torgerson's. It's expensive ($160 for a month's supply-shudder) but I wanted to give it a try. I've also spent money on plenty of lash enhancers that did nothing at all and saw one priced at $170 in Sephora. I'd also just been to see an oral surgeon about a dental implant and that looked to be so awfully drawn out, expensive and miserable that I was in the mood for a splurge.
It comes in a box with 60 little applicators packed in 2s. The idea is to apply a drop from the little bottle and use one applicator for each eye, once a day.
Box and applicators:
I also got a cute bag for it which definitely justified the price :-)
Eyelashes before:
Also saw Dr Torgerson on Global News 16:9 where they did an exposé on nurses/aestheticians injecting without full supervision and dodgy companies selling Botox online. Glad I went to a real clinic! This link should work for a while. It's the "Worry Lines" episode. Scary stuff!
The Big Botox day
My appointment with Dr Torgerson eventually arrived. I was terrified. I'm not usually a bad patient but this really did worry me. I was volunteering for a medical procedure based purely on vanity. No medical need whatsoever. It wasn't going to make me healthier, just a bit less grumpy looking. And for that I was risking a frozen face and droopy eyes. Was I crazy? What would my mother say if she knew? And why was I spending so much on myself when I should be saving to go home and visit my family?!?
Despite the major butterflies (seriously-they were more like huge flapping bats) in my stomach, I arrived at Dr Torgerson's office. My nerves pretty much vanished when I met his office staff-Helen and Breanne. They are so nice and so warm. It was impossible to stay worried! Helen is also Irish which was a bonus. I was given a lengthy medical questionnaire and a cup of coffee and settled down to my form filling.
Dr Torgerson was maybe half an hour late seeing me but the time passed quickly and he was obviously with someone else-not just messing around on Facebook or something! Helen took my "before" headshots and I waited in a big dentist-like chair in the treatment room.
When Dr Torgerson came in, any lingering fears vanished. He is immensely likeable and spent the first few minutes just chatting about my work, the move to Toronto and so on. We then discussed the Botox and he commented that glabellar lines are perfect for it (I think they were the initial cosmetic indication too). He explained the physiology of action, the duration, what I'd expect during and after the procedure and potential complications. He likes to completely freeze the muscles involved in creating those lines (which he likes to call "concentration lines") unlike other parts of the face where he tries to retain more movement. The usual dose he uses is 25 units. He then said there was one more thing that I might benefit from at some point. My heart sank. I'd been dreading the critical eye of a plastic surgeon and the pronouncement that I needed a nose job, a jaw revision, new ears, Botox all over, new lips. "In fact", I was sure he'd say, "we should just get a refund on this face and get you a new one altogether". He didn't. With apologies for being mean and picky, he said that I had "tear troughs"-a fold/hollow at the edge of the eye. He reckoned it probably looked flatter and I looked more drawn when tired. I had to agree. He told me that filler (like Restylane) could be injected to plump it-giving a fresher appearance. He by no means pushed the procedure-just said it was something to think about. These photos made me think that he's probably right! Still can't afford it though.
Anyway, I signed my consent form for the procedure and we got on with it. His fancy chair can be tipped back and he told me that he uses a teeny tiny needle (32G!) for the injections. I was given a squeezy Botox toy just in case. The injections were really fine. 5 of them in total. Some felt a bit funny-like a crunchy sensation by the inner brow-but perfectly tolerable. It really is just a little pinch. I held a little gauze to my head for a few minutes and then was ready to go. He said it would take at least 3 days to show an effect and that top-ups were free if I didn't see enough of a change. He also mentioned that they were getting Latisse the following week...which definitely sounded interesting too!
I chatted with Helen and headed out the door.
How did I feel? Fine. Can't say there was much of a sensation. That part of my forehead felt a little fuller than usual and a bit heavy but didn't really bother me. The tiny marks weren't even visible. I went home, my Botox virginity lost forever...
Despite the major butterflies (seriously-they were more like huge flapping bats) in my stomach, I arrived at Dr Torgerson's office. My nerves pretty much vanished when I met his office staff-Helen and Breanne. They are so nice and so warm. It was impossible to stay worried! Helen is also Irish which was a bonus. I was given a lengthy medical questionnaire and a cup of coffee and settled down to my form filling.
Dr Torgerson was maybe half an hour late seeing me but the time passed quickly and he was obviously with someone else-not just messing around on Facebook or something! Helen took my "before" headshots and I waited in a big dentist-like chair in the treatment room.
When Dr Torgerson came in, any lingering fears vanished. He is immensely likeable and spent the first few minutes just chatting about my work, the move to Toronto and so on. We then discussed the Botox and he commented that glabellar lines are perfect for it (I think they were the initial cosmetic indication too). He explained the physiology of action, the duration, what I'd expect during and after the procedure and potential complications. He likes to completely freeze the muscles involved in creating those lines (which he likes to call "concentration lines") unlike other parts of the face where he tries to retain more movement. The usual dose he uses is 25 units. He then said there was one more thing that I might benefit from at some point. My heart sank. I'd been dreading the critical eye of a plastic surgeon and the pronouncement that I needed a nose job, a jaw revision, new ears, Botox all over, new lips. "In fact", I was sure he'd say, "we should just get a refund on this face and get you a new one altogether". He didn't. With apologies for being mean and picky, he said that I had "tear troughs"-a fold/hollow at the edge of the eye. He reckoned it probably looked flatter and I looked more drawn when tired. I had to agree. He told me that filler (like Restylane) could be injected to plump it-giving a fresher appearance. He by no means pushed the procedure-just said it was something to think about. These photos made me think that he's probably right! Still can't afford it though.
Anyway, I signed my consent form for the procedure and we got on with it. His fancy chair can be tipped back and he told me that he uses a teeny tiny needle (32G!) for the injections. I was given a squeezy Botox toy just in case. The injections were really fine. 5 of them in total. Some felt a bit funny-like a crunchy sensation by the inner brow-but perfectly tolerable. It really is just a little pinch. I held a little gauze to my head for a few minutes and then was ready to go. He said it would take at least 3 days to show an effect and that top-ups were free if I didn't see enough of a change. He also mentioned that they were getting Latisse the following week...which definitely sounded interesting too!
I chatted with Helen and headed out the door.
How did I feel? Fine. Can't say there was much of a sensation. That part of my forehead felt a little fuller than usual and a bit heavy but didn't really bother me. The tiny marks weren't even visible. I went home, my Botox virginity lost forever...
Choosing someone to allow near me with a needle...
Having made the decision to go ahead with Botox, I was left with the task of choosing who and where!
The options in general seem to be:
The options in general seem to be:
- Doctor who specialises in cosmetic procedures: plastic surgeon/dermatologist/cosmetic doctor
- Doctor who did a course in Botox and does some injections to earn some extra cash (usually a GP)
- Nurse working for a doctor-variable degrees of supervision
- An aesthetician of some sort-spa or salon
I have nothing against nurses. In fact, I think they're often better at procedures than doctors sometimes-they take more care. However, when it comes to a neurotoxin being injected into my face, I basically want somebody with all the bells and whistles!
Botox is generally regarded to be safe but there are complications and risks with any medical procedure. And it is just that. A medical procedure. Not a pedicure.
Risks include:
- Spreading to muscles not injected
- Eyelid or eyebrow ptosis (drooping)
- Facial asymmetry
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Flu-like illness
- Local effects: bruising, pain
- Just getting the wrong effect! Looking "frozen" or "done"
So who to go to? I Googled around a bit and found it hard to decide. Some providers charge per unit of Botox-from $10-$15/unit. The amount they use in different areas varies though. Allergan (who make Botox) suggest 20 units for glabellar lines but some will use 30 or 35. And men need more. Groupon or someone had a $99/20 units special from DLK dermatology on Avenue Road in Toronto but it was a nurse injection and they wouldn't even give information about what times they were available by email. If you won't email me, I can't be bothered.
I decided to potter along to the National Women's Show in the Metro Convention Centre in Toronto the weekend before last. Free samples were promised so I paid $14 to go (this grasp of economics may explain my financial issues). There was a mix of stands-food, travel, beauty, massage...and some cosmetic surgery ones. I spent a while watching Restylane injections which was interesting and then pottered around a bit more. One laser centre stand had a hand-written sign offering Botox and saying it was $8/unit. A woman in a white coat was manning it with a baby in her arms. She chatted to me while quieting the baby and then the doctor joined in. Apparently it's $8/unit if the nurse does it and they were offering something like $10/unit for the show. They were injecting patients perched on a bench in the middle of the hall. He took out a crumpled diagram to show me that glabellar lines needed 30-40 units. I decided to think about it.
They were announcing the end of the show when I passed another stand. It was larger and looked professional with a surgical chair shielded by a screen. The doctor could be seen around the side and he waved cheerily when he turned around and saw me watching. He then went back to work on injecting though and seemed to concentrate completely on what he was doing. He looked young and friendly so I picked up a brochure. His name was Dr Cory Torgerson and he was a surgeon who initially trained in ENT surgery and then did further post graduate training in facial plastic surgery. His practice was all facial cosmetic surgery-rhinoplasties, blepharoplasties, injectables etc etc and located in Yorkville, Toronto. I browsed the website and liked what I saw. I also had a look at http://www.ratemds.com/ and the ratings were mainly positive (some a bit tooooo positive, a couple unhappy; overall very good).
I decided to email the office and see what they said. One of my first questions was "who does the injections?" and then if there were any openings on the Thursday and the cost. The response from Breanne was rapid. Dr Torgerson himself does all the injections. She said I could pop in for a consultation that Thursday at 12.15pm. Consultations are always free. Their Botox is also per area-$300 each.
I liked the rapid reply, the friendly tone, the fact that he does all his own injections and the free consultation so I decided to go ahead. Breanne even patiently dealt with me changing my mind about the time the next day when I asked for a later appointment instead. Had completely forgotten a midday work meeting.
I read Botox horror stories while waiting for the day to arrive and asked cosmetic doctor Twitter friends (@EternalYouth and @DrRaviJain) if I'd be frozen after it. Eek!
Braving Botox
If you read any magazine/newspaper/website or watch Desperate Housewives on even an occasional basis, it seems like Botox is everywhere and on a par with brushing your teeth as part of a grooming routine. We've all heard of Botox parties and even some scary stories of people buying it from Ebay-one of whom was injecting her teenage daughter: scary! There are also many many examples of bad Botox-like most of the cast of Desperate Housewives, Lisa Rinna, Nicole Kidman...and that cat woman, Jocelyn Wildenstein:
OK, granted, she had a LOT of surgery to look that way...but she's definitely a cautionary tale.
Maybe I think of things a little differently being Irish. I know many people at home do get Botox but it's definitely not as open as it is here and most wouldn't admit to it. It is kind of seen as vanity. And an expensive vanity!
I've been considering it for years though-initially for a deep crease in my forehead, but that seems pretty static. What has bothered me more over the past year though are my frown lines. They're also known as glabellar lines or 11s. I feel like they appeared overnight! One morning I looked in the mirror and there they were. I tried various lotions/potions/scrubs. I must have been frowning a lot because they got worse if anything and sometimes I even woke with a frown on my face. The lines gave me a frowny and perpetually perplexed expression. It went beyond looking my age (or older) and made me look grumpy and unapproachable!
I read and I pondered. I gave it a year of watching them get worse before deciding to go ahead and try it all at least once.
Before pics (frowning):
Cringe-worthy. Particularly my pores. Yikes! They may have to be addressed. Gives some idea of my frown though.
Maybe I think of things a little differently being Irish. I know many people at home do get Botox but it's definitely not as open as it is here and most wouldn't admit to it. It is kind of seen as vanity. And an expensive vanity!
I've been considering it for years though-initially for a deep crease in my forehead, but that seems pretty static. What has bothered me more over the past year though are my frown lines. They're also known as glabellar lines or 11s. I feel like they appeared overnight! One morning I looked in the mirror and there they were. I tried various lotions/potions/scrubs. I must have been frowning a lot because they got worse if anything and sometimes I even woke with a frown on my face. The lines gave me a frowny and perpetually perplexed expression. It went beyond looking my age (or older) and made me look grumpy and unapproachable!
I read and I pondered. I gave it a year of watching them get worse before deciding to go ahead and try it all at least once.
Before pics (frowning):
The beginning...
So, I've been a long time reading blogs and thinking that I don't have anything particularly interesting to say!
This is a little bit of a journal and the first "event" is something I've been itching to tell people but wanted to keep quiet too-my first Botox injections!
The title is based on something a former boss told me. Apparently women always get to subtract 5 years from their age. I turned 33 two months ago so therefore am now 28!
I've been noticing the changes in my face and body as time has passed so this blog will aim to document my battle to keep them at bay and hopefully change for the better. I'm also a recent import to Canada from Ireland so I'm sure my attempts to adapt to life in North America will also feature :-)
This is a little bit of a journal and the first "event" is something I've been itching to tell people but wanted to keep quiet too-my first Botox injections!
The title is based on something a former boss told me. Apparently women always get to subtract 5 years from their age. I turned 33 two months ago so therefore am now 28!
I've been noticing the changes in my face and body as time has passed so this blog will aim to document my battle to keep them at bay and hopefully change for the better. I'm also a recent import to Canada from Ireland so I'm sure my attempts to adapt to life in North America will also feature :-)
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