It took a few weeks for the full effect of my forehead paralysis to manifest. Was it smoother? Yes. Were my worry lines gone from between my eyes? Yes, yes! Did it give me a relaxed look? Yes, yes, yes!
But, alas, it took away something that I cherish more than a wrinkle-free forehead - my ability to be very expressive with my face. My expressions are my moneymaker, after all, especially in commercial auditions. I felt very limited by my inability to cock an eyebrow, raise my forehead inquisitively or furrow my brow in disapproval or worry. It proved to be a challenge for film auditions as well. Without the ability to show a full range of emotion in my facial expressions, I felt confined and limited in my acting.
I couldn't wait for it to wear off. It took a few months but my expressions slowly started to re-emerge. Not coincidentally, my bookings did too.
Maybe the Hollywood A-listers can pull it off, but (un)discovered alison hasn't quite made it there. So for now, I'll be Botox free and happily using my forehead (and whatever else I have in my arsenal) to book roles.
Keep on keeping on.
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I'm actually going to get Botox this week, but not for cosmetic reasons. I've been told (and have read) that it might help ease my daily chronic tension headaches. I'm trying not to be terribly optimistic, but at this point, I'm willing to try anything!
ReplyDeleteI found your blog on the blog hop. I moved to L.A. to act, and then decided it was a) too hard to live and eat while trying if there's no other job and b) my ego couldn't handle the rejection. Now that my kids are getting a bit bigger I've taken some classes. I don't think I'd ever try to make it, but it sure is fun to perform.
Good luck!
Hi Troismommy! Hope it works for you. My sister has had success in using Botox for headaches.
ReplyDeleteIt is a very tough business. Dallas is a much kinder, gentler version of the industry than L.A.
There's nothing like performing though. I hope that you get some chances to do some!
Alison