My forehead was too powerful for Botox
If 'pleats' could talk
According to Dr. Batra’s website, over 7 million people in the US receive neurotoxin injections (e.g. Botox) each year. That seems low.
So I joined them.
Do you see how your pleats are deeper on your left side?
I didn’t want to risk my face at a med spa (despite the massive growth in the industry, which can only mean cultural acceptance or VCs wanting more usable perks) so I went to see a dermatologic surgeon.
You probably don’t realize it but you’re raising your left eyebrow. Even in your natural state. So your left eye appears wider but the pleats are deeper.
She’s pointing to my forehead creases. My 3-year-old calls them my “extra eyebrows.”
Dr. Batra was recommended by a coworker who is both smart and doesn’t have a scary face. I knew I was in good hands.
The pleats above your right eyebrow aren’t as deep but it’s also why your right eye is more hooded. You’re not lifting your right eyebrow as much as your left.
I always wondered why my two eyes were becoming less symmetrical as I aged. I spent $200 on a consultation to find out that I was inadvertently trying to westernize myself. My internalized racism gave me deep forehead wrinkles and now I had to pay up.
Dr. Batra only mentioned this because she wanted me to know that the hood could hood some more with Botox since it essentially freezes the forehead muscles, disabling the ability to lift the brows. There was an alternative procedure (something about a face lift) but it meant needing to lie down in recovery for several days and that was not possible with a baby and a toddler. Also, I’m not about to jump into face lift territory. The hoods would have to hoodie. I would try Botox for the first time.
She’d use a light touch since it was my first time. It would take about 7-10 days to kick in.
Guys, let me tell you. My forehead is powerful. The botox didn’t stand a chance.
Dr. Batra got me back in the chair once again. She put a little more in. (At no extra cost — thanks, Dr. B.)
My forehead said nice try.
Apparently I have a rare case of strong forehead. Dr Batra said I might be immune (??) to some toxin (??) in Botox, which is incredibly rare. Also, did you know Botox is like Kleenex? It’s a brand. I did not know this. Anyways, we tried Daxxify, a cousin of Botox with a different protein makeup that is… VEGAN. And of course, more expensive. It’s the Erewhon effect.
But it worked. My forehead froze. My ‘pleats’ haven’t fully gone away but they’ve reduced dramatically. And you know what? Both hoods have hooded more. And I’m okay with it.
I’m telling you all of this to say, if you want to try Botox I will not judge you. Just maybe consider how much you value your face and think twice before going to a med spa first. And if Botox doesn’t work for you, maybe you can try going vegan.
Now to address these tech neck lines…