**If you haven’t read my previous post about battling cystic acne or my skincare routine and product recommendations check them out!**
In 2020, I finally decided to take the leap to get preventative BOTOX because well…I’m just not getting any younger. I had also determined that while my skin had seen such a huge improvement, products would only get me so far. I’d been so happy with my acne treatments with Dr. Ruby & Dr. Evan in China that I was in search of someone here in Washington State. 🤞🏽
I was referred to Cat at Every You Aesthetic. Every You Aesthetic is partners with Bellegrove OB/Gyn in Downtown Bellevue and owned by Cat Mackin and her co-founder, Rachel Pupp. They are both Registered Nurses with advanced certification in BOTOX, Dermal Filler, and Laser Therapy from the National Laser Institute.
I set up a virtual consultation with Cat and instantly knew I’d made the right decision. Cat is personable, warm, and hilarious but best of all, she is so passionate about making you look and feel your very best. She really listens to what your problems are and what your overall goal is. Based on this she comes up with a game plan to achieve that.
Frequently Asked Questions About Botox
Why did you want to get Botox?
I have RBF (resting bitch face) and am an overthinker, so my face is pretty much always scrunched up. My 11s (the 2 lines between your eyebrows) are deep and I started noticing my crow’s feet (the lines spreading out from the corner of your eyes) getting wider even when I wasn’t smiling. I wanted those muscles to take a break since they’d been working some serious overtime.
What areas did you get BOTOX injected?
I got injections above my eyebrows near the top of my forehead for a slight eyebrow lift to help open up my eyes. I also received injections for my glabellar lines (11’s) and crows feet.
Where did you go?
I did a lot of research and received a recommendation for Every You Aesthetic in Bellevue. I met with Cat virtually and instantly loved her! She’s warm, hilarious, and super knowledgeable. Through my research, I thought I needed more BOTOX – like everywhere! But Cat advised me against it and assured me I didn’t need as much as I originally thought. She walked me through everything from start to finish and made me feel so comfortable.
How long does the appointment take?
Most places offer same-day consultation and treatment. I did my consultation virtually which allowed me time to think and ensure I was ready. I was able to go online and schedule an appointment from there.
For your initial consultation, it might be a bit longer. You’ll want to discuss problem areas and walk through everything with your medical professional. The actual injection part of the appointment only takes about 10 minutes. Most times you’ll be in and out of the office in 30 minutes.
Did it hurt?
Nope, not at all. I do have quite a high tolerance for pain but I was actually a bit anxious. There’s a long history of fainting when it comes to needles for me. I forewarned Cat but she was so good with verbalizing what was happening that I actually ended up filming the other side of my face so I could watch what was happening. PS- I didn’t faint!
Is it expensive?
It’s not cheap. It typically costs $9-14 per unit. The cost could be a little lower depending on how many areas you’re getting and if you’re receiving other services. I received a new patient discount and because I had gotten a Microneedling PRP Facial the month prior, I received a lower cost.
How long until you see results?
While you can see results within a few days, it’s important to note that you might not see full effects for 2 weeks. Cat reminded me of this and said often patients expect results within a few days and come back wanting more. However, she won’t add more until after 2 weeks when you see the full effects.
How often will you get it?
It’s suggested to get BOTOX every 3-4 months. I’m in my early 30’s and mostly doing preventative, so I’ll probably try to push to every 4-5 months.
Are you happy with the results?
Yes, so happy! My face isn’t frozen and those little wrinkles that were aging me are all gone. I look at least 5 years younger! (Seriously, my college roommate saw my pics and said I look like I’m 25 again – I am pushing 34. So I guess technically, it’s closer to 10 years younger!!!) Plus I had no idea that I’d get a little eyebrow lift and totally open up my eyes. It was definitely an added bonus for me as having smaller hooded eyes is something I’ve always struggled with.
Any regrets?
My only regret is that I didn’t start getting BOTOX in my late 20’s.
What’s the recovery time?
There is no downtime with BOTOX and you can typically return to your regular routine. However, there is the possibility of redness around the injection site. It’s also advised not to lay down, wear a headband or hat for a few hours so that the BOTOX can settle properly.
Before & After
The photos on the left are taken by Cat right before my very first BOTOX injections. The photos on the right are taken exactly 2 weeks after. I recently received my second BOTOX injection and will update photos to reflect that in 2 weeks.
Below you can see how deep my eleven’s are even in the after photo on the right. Cat left it up to me if I wanted to come back for more or just wait until my second visit in 4-5 months. I chose to wait and during my second visit she adjusted my units. I received the same amount of units but she moved the amounts around on my face.
If you have any questions about my personal experience with BOTOX, please feel free to DM me or leave a comment below!
Read more about my skincare journey and product recommendations.
