By:  Kristi Larsen and Mike Rebuck

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number one minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure in 2006 was Botox injections.  More than 4 million Botox injections were performed in 2006.  Surprisingly 284,000 men tried Botox in 2006.  Knowing this, I thought maybe I was one of the few women who was not yet a Botox convert.  Because we seek to investigate products and/or services that are not yet totally ordinary, we were not going to include Botox for a “She Tried It, He Tried It” column.  We thought we were a little behind the times - until I surveyed our friends, family and clients and realized only one or two had actually ever tried it.  We decided, for the sake of everyone near and dear to us, we would investigate the procedure for them. 

So Mike and I arranged an appointment with IntelliDerm Medical Spa, located inside the very beautiful XS Salon & Spa in Gilbert.  With Patty Melde, a Registered Nurse and IntelliDerm’s Aesthetics Director, Mike and I both agreed upon Botox injections for the vertical frown lines in our forehead between our brows, aka "elevens," but medically referred to as the glabella.  Patty took us individually to a private room where she prepared our skin for the injections by removing any dirt and cosmetics.  She asked us to frown, marked the injection sites and snapped a digital photo so that when we return in a couple months she knows exactly what she did the last time. 

During this time, Patty explained in detail how Botox actually works - by inhibiting the muscular contraction that would, in turn, cause unwanted creasing in the skin over time.  She answered all of our random questions while preparing everything for the quick procedure.  I didn’t realize Botox was originally used for treating nervous twitches of the eyelid muscles. (It was sanctioned for cosmetic use in 1987). 

Patty gently touched the areas above our brows where she would begin. She asked us to frown again. Following a slight pinch and a quick tolerable sting, the first injection was done.  Four more for each of us and we were already done!  Patty explained that Botox can take several days to notice a marked improvement, but even longer for the full effect to be seen.  She instructed each of us not to touch the injection area because you don’t want to move the Botox away from the injection site before the reaction has taken place.  We were also told not to exercise for up to 6 hours. 

SHE SAYS:

I must say I am definitely impressed with my results.  Because I know a couple people who swear by Botox, I felt I had pretty realistic expectations.  I thought the procedure was quick, easy and pretty painless.  The IntelliDerm staff is so nice, and XS Spa and Salon is absolutely fabulous and beautiful.  Like Patty explained, it took a few days for a noticeable effect and then a few more before it fully kicked in.  My skin began to relax and looked better each day.  I can’t rave enough about the experienceI will definitely be seeing Patty (and IntelliDerm staff) again soon!  

HE SAYS:

I must admit I felt a little suckered into trying Botox.  I mean - me? Need Botox?  No way.  I was very skeptical and thought for sure this was just another way for women to waste money.  The procedure was much less painful and much quicker than I expected.  I really enjoyed chatting with Patty while she prepared for the injections.  When we finished, I felt a slight tightness under the skin, but no results were yet apparent. Even later than night, I could still scrunch up my face.  I was right- this stuff doesn’t work!  But like magic, the next afternoon, things suddenly changed.  I was no longer able to frown and see the vertical creases between my brows.  What is weird is that you can try your hardest to wrinkle the area and NOTHING.  Zilch!  It was as if you never could make that movement even before your injections.  I can feel myself trying to make the expression but nothing happens.  Several days later, I noticed a considerable difference in the treated areas of my face.  I think this Botox definitely works, and I plan on visiting IntelliDerm again in a few months when it wears off. 

With over 30 years experience in the medical field, Patricia "Patty" Melde (RN, BSN, MA), Aesthetic Director for IntelliDerm Medical Spa, has helped numerous clients look and feel their best through medical aesthetics. She also trains other professionals in laser techniques throughout the Valley. IntelliDerm is family owned and operated.  Located at Inside XS Salon & Spa at Spectrum Falls, their address is:  2730 S. Val Vista Drive in Gilbert.  Make an appointment with Patty by calling 480-584-5446 or visit www.IntelliDerm.com.