My First Tox: Trading in the V Card
YOU DID IT! You’re mentally prepared to commit to your first ‘Botox’ injection. You’ve grown weary of looking at your girlfriend's smooth foreheads. You have your speech ready to fire when you go home to tell your partner (if they notice), and your parents (mom will definitely notice) that you got ‘Dysport’ and aren’t afraid to normalize taking preventative measures to reverse the aging process. Your work calendar is blocked off with your “Neurotoxin- New Patient” appointment, and your boss is aware of your ‘doctor's appointment’ that afternoon. You’ve read and signed your consents, rescheduled your workout class, and today is finally the day after a sleepless night of anticipation.
NOW... what’s going to happen when I walk into Aiyana Atelier?!
Fireworks, confetti, trumpets, or something of the like will greet you as you enter the door (Not really; but wouldn’t that be cool! ).We start off by talking- I want to hear about you, what you love about your face and skin, what brought you into my chair, and your aesthetic goals. Also, sometimes, you just need me to talk because you are just that nervous. All is okay, just breathe. I love to educate about the different neurotoxins offered, their indications, side effects, and the WHY behind my recommendation. Everyone knows the OG Botox brand, but there are others: Dysport, Xeomin and Jueveau. I find it worrisome that when I ask patients what they have gotten previously or how much, the typical response is “I don’t know.” I want you to know exactly what you are getting injected in your body, and why, and how much! So, yes, more talking. We then review your medical history and double check any questions you have about your consents, and then we also talk about post care instructions before I ever touch you.
After we discuss and agree on your treatment plan, you are FINALLY ready for treatment! I clean and prep your skin, take before photos so that we can compare before and after, discuss any asymmetries noted on photos, and then mark injection points. These photos are so important to evaluate the effectiveness in two weeks after the neurotoxin has settled to determine if there is additional treatment needed. I use very fine needles to perform the injections to make them virtually painless. After what feels like a lifetime, but has only been about 60 seconds, you are done. Usually first time clients say “That’s it?!”. If Brandon is here, he usually throws virtual confetti at you, or makes an attempt to sing a song to create the climactic experience that you have perpetuated in your head. Yes, I love when he is here for that too!
Before you leave, we discuss post care instructions again of what to do and what not to do- basically, pretend you never saw me! Don’t touch your face, massage vigorously, or do headstands and cartwheels down King Street in elation that you have survived your first time tox.
We will also discuss your skin care- because skin health is not a one stop fix with injectables alone. We may also touch on Skinade (a collagen rich nutritional supplement) or other Targeted Solutions to internally complement the treatment you just received if appropriate.
As a first timer, we also schedule your two week follow-up appointment. Even if you are really happy, I still want to evaluate how the tox has settled- remember, it’s the first time I’m meeting your face. Some muscles may be stronger and we may need to make small tweaks. Don’t worry, this follow-up includes up to 5 units to ensure you look amazing. It’s also a great opportunity to evaluate skin care if we talked about specific products or a regime at the initial appointment, or maybe…we add those lips you were pondering ;-)
