Let’s get real for a minute you guys. As I have gotten older (hello 39 knocking on the door) I have realized how important keeping myself feeling and looking young is. My family has naturally crepe prone skin that just honestly doesn’t age very well. I have been good over the years about facials, dermaplane treatments, micro needling, jade rolling, and even getting photo facials for a period of time and yup…Botox when I was 30. Looking my best is important to me from a style standpoint and from a skin standpoint so I have always been willing to treat myself.

After moving to Palm Springs I stopped getting fillers because I honestly was afraid of bad Botox. That may sound crazy but I had been getting mine done by a plastic surgeon and I trusted that things would never look frozen or artificial…not my jam. Fast forward to getting engaged. I told Chris that budgeting in Botox was going to be important because I was noticing deeper lines between my brows (aka the “elevens”) and around my eyes…no bride wants that! A few weeks ago I began researching the best places in Palm Springs for Botox and found Envē California Aesthetics. Their reviews were all favorable and I learned that all injections are done by their in house PA, Donell Deremer, which made me feel so comfortable. I immediately reached out and within a few days had an appointment schedule (queue the excitement).

The team at Envė could not have been nicer or more helpful from the moment I sent them an email. I arrived at their Palm Springs office and stepped into their personal elevator that was perfectly branded, already giving me a sense of what was to come. The waiting room was bright with a perfect collection of Mid Century Modern inspired furniture and colors. Zaibelle, who I had been emailing with to arrange my appointment, greeted me at the desk and gave me a quick tour of the treatment rooms before I began. Now, I love a good photo op and Envē does too! Each treatment room has it’s own Palm Springs perfect photo wall with palm leave and floral wallpaper plus chic matching chairs…CUTE!

Now, about the Botox…

I knew that my forehead and elevens were a priority for me but decided to see what else, if anything, Donell Deremer (the PA) might recommend. The process started with some before photos where I made a variety of faces…squinting, looking to the sides, etc. Once the photos were complete I hopped into the chair and began the process. Donelle cleaned the area where the injections would go and then gave me an ice pack to start numbing the area. Although I can be a big baby about pain the process itself was relatively painless. There were a few areas that stung a bit more than others but I learned that has to do with the amount of fat in the area: more fat = less pain. My process took about 20 minutes and I was sent on my way with an aftercare instruction card and an icepack to help with the swelling and pain.

How are the results?

It has been almost 2 weeks since my appointment and I am beyond happy with my results! Donell injected 40 units which sounded like a lot but is actually a pretty conservative amount. I have already noticed significant improvement in my deep lines between my eyes and my forehead is just much smoother and my eyes seem more open. I will have another appointment in about 3 months and may decide to address some fine lines around my eyes but I wanted to start with just one area. Another thing I have noticed is how much better my makeup goes on and stays on since I got Botox.

Thinking about getting Botox for the first time? I asked Donell a few questions that may help you decide if Botox and Envē is right for you…

1. How do I know if I am a good candidate for Botox?

​Botox candidates should be in good overall health. Generally, it is not suitable for those who have a history of nerve damage or muscle conditions. At the appointment, our PA (Physician’s Assistant) can decide if the client is a good candidate for the treatment.

Botox is helpful for those lines** created by muscle movement, like the “11’s” between the eyes, horizontal lines on the forehead and crow’s feet or the temples. If the line is very deep, if may not improve completely and may need an additional form of treatment for improvement. 

**Note: lines that are not the result of muscle movement, will need a different type of treatment.

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2. How long does the appointment last and what do I need to do before?

The injection itself can lasts up to 10-15 minutes, but the overall appointment (including preparation, consultation, and possible numbing) can last up to 20-30 minutes. Every client is different and has different needs. Before your appointment, please make sure that you have no infection at the injection site, have no Botox allergy, have not had surgery at the injection site, and have no muscle or nerve disorder. To decrease chance of bruising, do not take Asprin/Motrin/Aleve, Vitamin E, or fish oils 2-3 days before appointment. 

If you are not sure if you are a good candidate, Envē offers a free consultation before proceeding with any treatment. 

3. What should I expect during my visit to Enve?

To help answer this question here is Envē’s mission, vision, and values…

MISSION

Our mission is to provide you with deeper self-confidence by outstanding personal service to enhance your natural beauty in an elegant and friendly atmosphere. We want you feel confident in your own skin by helping you find your inner glow and bringing that to the surface.

VISION

A confident, empowered, and beautiful you.

VALUES 

Customer Centric – our clients are our first priority, our focus and have been the heart of our business. We value customer experience and do our best to make our clients always feel beautiful and better about themselves, and always leaving the spa with deeper self-confidence. Our clients are not just clients, but like family to us.

Integrity – we are respectful, authentic, honest and credible. We approach one another and our clients with honesty, respect, and humility. We do what is right even when nobody is watching. We support and trust one another.

Passion – We love what we do. We are enthusiastic, dedicated, compassionate, and fun. We want the best for out clients and continued success for Envē.

Excellence – We seek to be the best at what we do by providing outstanding personal service.

Communication – We are friendly, genuine, factual, and respectful in the way we communicate with one another and to our clients.

Have Fun – Enjoy what we do! We make our clients feel beautiful inside and outside and have fun while doing it.

4. How long does Botox last and is there any special after care?

In general, Botox last up to 3-4 months. There certainly may be patients in which the Botox lasts longer or shorter. Note: The speed of your metabolism plays a part in how long the effects of your treatment will last. The faster your metabolism is, the quicker your body will eliminate the Botox, fading its effects. The number of units will also determine how long it lasts. 

After Care Instructions:

• Do not rub the area for 4 hours 
• Do not lie down for 4 hours 
• Do not receive any facial or laser treatments for at least 2 weeks after your Botox injection. 
• Do not perform activities involving straining, heavy lifting, or vigorous exercise for 6 hours after your treatment. 
• It can take approximately 7-10 days for results to be seen but give your treatment 14 days for full effect.  
• For all other questions regarding muscle pain or notice persistent wrinkles, please call or email the office no later than 2 weeks after your appointment. 

You may see small bumps at each injection site, but these will go away within 20 minutes. 

If you have more movement than you’d like, we can treat with additional units at your 2 week follow-up. 

5. When should I start getting Botox?

Most patients typically start using Botox at age 30, some even in their mid-20s. It’s possible to benefit from preventative Botox treatments starting as early as 25, but before that, the odds are low that you could have built up enough lines to worry about.

I hope this helps you get a better sense of my personal experience with Envē and with Botox. If you have further questions or are considering treatment it is always best to speak to Envē or schedule a consultation.

XO, Niki

*Thank you to Envē for partnering with me on this post. I received Botox in exchange for this post. All opinions expressed in this post are my own.