Time to Get Out of the House...

Wearing a face mask had it's advantages. No one can see you smile, meaning you didn't readily show off those wrinkles. I'd combine a mask with a head scarf and felt quite good about my lack of botox and my gray hair covering all my brown.

It's time to get out of the house. Of course, we are following all the guidelines and wearing a mask is still a very important part of getting out.

So while you are venturing out into the world again. Be ready. Getting Botox takes only a few minutes and doesn't require anesthesia. Botox is injected with a fine needle into specific muscles with only minor discomfort. It generally takes 7 to 14 days to take full effect, and it is best to avoid alcohol starting at least one week before the procedure.

In general, you can see the effects of Botox as early as 3 to 4 days after an injection. Dr. Oscar Trujillo, a facial plastic surgeon at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, says most patients will see results within 10 to 14 days but should wait the full 14 days to see the maximum results. While the results vary based on factors such as the area treated and frequency of injection, Trujillo says results generally last 3 months. In addition to the area treated and frequency of injection, the timeline of efficacy is also affected by the dose of Botox. According to Dr. Melanie Palm, a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, it appears that the higher the dose given in an area, the longer the effect on the muscles.

“Therefore, lighter dosing that looks most ‘natural’ may last only 6 to 8 weeks, while heavier dosing (more units) could last more than 6 months but ‘paralyze’ the appearance of muscles, such as the frown lines,” she said.

Because of the difference in results, Palm says this delicate balance between dose, desired look, and duration is something you should discuss with your healthcare provider prior to treatment to set proper expectations.