Ok Mamas, I’m talking all about the B-word today. By “B-word,” I mean B-O-T-O-X.  For some reason I feel like this topic is still a little taboo...? However everyone gets it, but no one wants to admit it or talk about it. Well I think that’s boring! Because this is such a relevant and hot topic - I’m diving in. For the record, my goal isn’t to convince you to do anything. My mission all along is simply to educate and empower on all topics – beauty is one of my favorites. When I launched The Model Mama, I vowed to honestly share all my secrets in hopes it would allow other Mamas to make informed decisions about how to feel like the absolute best version of themself.

I truly believe, Beauty IS NOT about what’s on the surface, it’s about how you feel on the inside. This means something different to everyone. If having less or no wrinkles makes you feel amazing, then more power to ya girlfriend! If Botox isn’t your thing, that’s amazing too. I’m a firm believer that all women should do whatever makes them feel the best. For me, staying on top of my anti-aging game and taking preventative steps to do so makes me feel empowered and like I’m winning (slightly… ha). I think it’s so incredible for our generation that this beauty technology exists. I’d way rather take small steps now to take the best possible care of my skin, than have to do a total overhaul in the future.

I’m super excited to dive into to this topic because I feel like there are so many misconceptions about this simple, non-invasive treatment. In order to give you all the BEST possible insights on this topic, I’ve partnered with an incredible Medical Spa called Skin Savvy to help me tackle all the many questions surrounding Botox. Skin Savvy is my go-to for Botox and so many other treatments — I absolutely love them.

The owner of Skin Savvy, Jennifer Salerno, is my new favorite human. She’s the mama of 6 kids (yes, you read that correctly!), so incredibly smart and well educated on everything you could possible want or need to know about new-age beauty treatments. She’s made me an expert and given me my dream complexion. 

Jen created two gorgeous locations (one in Hermosa Beach and one in Westlake Village) for this ah-mazing Medi-Spa. Both places are so inviting and such a comfortable setting to have any kind of treatment done. Over the next several weeks, I’ll be sharing a behind-the-scenes look at what treatments I’m exploring at Skin Savvy  — definitely follow along on my Instagram. ALSO major bonus for my Model Mama tribe.. use my code: “The Model Mama” for 10% off any treatment or procedure at Skin Savvy. You’re welcome ;)

 First up, Botox! Yes, I did it and have been getting it for several years. However, I pushed pause while I was pregnant and while breastfeeding – that’s a no, no. I got my Botox fix at Skin Savvy 2 weeks ago and I couldn’t be happier with the results. I love how Skin Savvy’s strategy is always to air on the less-is-more philosophy. I even went back a second time for a little more because Jen was so conservative on my initial visit. In my opinion, that’s precisely the type of person you want to see. With Botox, my goal isn’t to look frozen. I still want to have movement in my face. I just want to soften any wrinkles so I maintain a youthful glow. The areas I mainly like to treat are my forehead and around my eyes to prevent “crowfeet”.  This product, combined with excellent skin care, maintenance treatments, and a healthy diet will give you an undeniable glow. I know that I for-sure have an extra pep in my step as a result.

I interviewed Jen about all the most popular questions surrounding this treatment. Here’s what she had to say…

1. Why is botox so effective and what is its main purpose?

Botox relaxes the muscles that create wrinkles, smoothing the skin and virtually eliminating vertical lines between the eyebrows, horizontal lines across the forehead, and laugh lines around the eyes.

2. How often should someone get botox for optimal results?

Approximately every 3-4 months. Also, depending on what you need, you can expect 5-20 small injections in each area. It usually takes about 10 minutes and you’ll see results within 1 week.

3. What are the potential risks? 

Risks are VERY minor, however people can experience injection pain, swelling, muscle pain, muscle spasms, eye dryness or droopy eyelid, headache or flu like symptoms. 

4. How soon after having a baby and or breastfeeding is it safe to get this treatment?

 We do not recommend our patients get any botox injections until the mother is done breast feeding. There are many studies that say it is safe, however there are not many reports on the matter. Most doctors will urge their patients to be cautious just like we do with our patients.

5. Does it hurt? 

Not really, very minimal pain

6. Is there any downtime? 

No downtime

7. Why is it so popular? 

Because it’s anti-aging and keeps your youthful look and helps boost confidence. Botox also helps with other things such as chronic migraines, lazy eye, eye twitching, bladder dysfunction, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), and cervical dystonia (neck pain).