Why I Love Botulinum Toxin Injections

Are you thinking about getting botulinum toxin injections for your big day? Here’s what you can expect and why I chose to get them before walking down the aisle.

With Dr. Tracey Garner of Dr. Nerina Wilkinson + Associates

The first time I tried botulinum toxin injections, I was 26 years old. It was an article for a publication I worked for and needed to experience the treatment for myself. Keep in mind, I’m not the biggest fan of needles – or pain – for that matter, so naturally, I was quite nervous. Before the doctor injected my forehead lines, I acted ‘surprised’ to document the before shot. We noticed a prominent frown line too. After the numbing cream had set in, he injected the areas. All in all, it was a pain-free experience. Two weeks after that, my skin changed for the better. My lines were gone and the texture had become smoother. I was radiant.

Fast forward 11 years and I’m still having botulinum toxin injections, no more than twice a year. I had the privilege of being injected by the wonderful Dr. Tracey Garner from Dr. Nerina Wilkinson + Associates and I was over the moon with the results (be sure to check out my impressive befores and afters below). We also chatted about the specific areas on my face that I focus on, along with botulinum toxin injections FAQs.

Q: Which are my main problem areas that botulinum toxin injections will solve?

Dr. Garner: You have dynamic lines – ones that rest and ones that are active due to muscle movement. This means that when you lift your eyebrows up, you get lines. Due to the muscles around your eyes and your frowning, you get muscle bulk which can make you look heavy in the facial area and appear ‘tired’ or ‘angry’.

Q: What other issues can botulinum toxin injections solve for other people?

Dr. Garner: It’s the most amazing molecule. It’s been FDA registered for 35 years and been researched really well, with 30 indications. You can use it to help with ageing (smoothing fine lines and wrinkles), and on the perioral lines. It helps with teeth-grinding, chronic migraines and excessive sweating. It’s used on children who have cerebral palsy to reduce muscle spasms and contractions.

Aesthetically, it improves skin quality, reduces the activity of sebum being produced and stimulates collagen. I think there are many more benefits to this treatment that haven’t been discovered yet. It’s brilliant.

Q: Can anyone have botulinum toxin injections?

Dr. Garner: Pregnant women and people with generalized nerve weaknesses are advised against having botulinum toxin injections.

Q: Can you have botulinum toxin injections at any salon or clinic?

Dr. Garner: Only doctors and dentists in South Africa are allowed to administer botulinum toxin injections.

Q: What advice can you give to someone experiencing botulinum toxin injections for the first time?

Dr. Garner: Please see a doctor in a registered medical practice. The process should include a consult where you can discuss what you want and get the doctor’s opinion. Patients should read beforehand about botulinum toxin injections so they can come with questions for the doctor.

Please be aware of people running ‘specials’ or discounts on botulinum toxin injections as it could be fake product. It’s not wise to go for these discounted treatments.

Here’s what I looked like directly after the injections. It’s a pain-free, very quick experience.

Q: What is the downtime?

Dr. Garner: There is almost no downtime. If you bruise, there will be a small bruise for a week. It’s not normal to have anything other than that.

Q: Should one take headache medication if you’re prone to headaches beforehand?

Dr. Garner: I wouldn’t advise it. If you want to take something, paracetamol is best. Nothing stronger as this could lead to bruising.

Dr. Garner also advises:

- Post treatment, do not lie down or touch the area for 4-6 hours.

- Don’t increase your body heat or temperature or do hard exercise for 48 hours post treatment because it takes 48 hours for the botulinum toxin to bind and have an effect.

- Be gentle when applying sunscreen post treatment, as the botulinum toxin can get into your eyes. Apply it away from the eye area or, at best, avoid the sun as much as possible for the next 48 hours.

- It doesn’t work immediately. Expect to see glowing results in 10-14 days.

If you have any questions about botulinum toxin injections, please leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you ASAP.