Eva Mendes’ Botox Regret Could Teach Us A Few Things About The Risks Of The Beauty Treatment

Eva Mendes, queen of effortlessly gorgeous, just dropped some wisdom on all of us Botox-curious girlies. In a recent interview with The Times, the actress opened up about turning 50 and her journey with cosmetic procedures — specifically Botox. Spoiler alert: not every jab has been a success.

Eva, who’s been refreshingly candid about her experience with beauty treatments, shared that she’s had Botox on three different occasions, and honestly, she wasn’t always thrilled with the results, and even admitted to regretting certain procedures at times. But she gave us the reminder we all need: Botox isn’t forever. If you’re not loving it, “You just wait it out,” she says. Amen to temporary beauty mishaps.

But just because she’s had a few oopsie-daisy moments doesn’t mean she’s done with cosmetic tweaks. In fact, Eva’s next plan? Lasering her “funky” jaw. Because yes, even someone as stunning as Eva Mendes has insecurities about aging (welcome to the club). And though she’s feeling the effects of turning 50, she’s still very much open to giving cosmetic procedures a try — as long as they’re safe and reversible.

While Eva’s honesty is refreshing, her Botox blunders are also a reminder that not every needle is magic. Botox might be a beauty go-to for millions of people, but there are definitely a few things you need to know before hopping on the Botox train.

What You Need to Know Before Getting Injected

We love that Eva isn’t here to scare us away from a little injectable fun, but like her, we need to be smart about who’s doing the poking. Dr. Randa Jaafar, owner of FILD Studio, partnered with Certainly Health to give a crash course in who can and can’t administer Botox, and it’s not just anyone with a syringe.

First off, Botox is a serious neurotoxin, meaning it’s designed to freeze or relax your muscles, and it’s not the kind of thing you want to mess around with. So, if your cousin’s bestie who’s into skincare offers you a discount at her “medical spa” — hard pass. The general rule? Only medical professionals should be injecting Botox. This includes doctors —think dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and even some anesthesiologists. In addition, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses who’ve completed proper training are also qualified. Even dentists can get in on the action in some states, but only for specific procedures.

What Happens When Botox Goes Wrong?

Even with a licensed pro, Botox doesn’t always go according to plan. Think droopy eyelids, lumps that refuse to blend, or bruising that overstays its welcome. And while it’s not the end of the world, it’s definitely not the look you were going for, right?

That’s why it’s super important to do your research. Not all Botox experiences are created equal, and if Eva (who has loads of money) has had regrets, it means the rest of us definitely need to be careful. The key is to find someone who knows their way around a needle and has experience in facial anatomy — because bad Botox can turn your fierce look into a face you don’t even recognize.

How to Find the Right Botox Injector

To make sure you’re getting the good stuff, it’s crucial to check the credentials of your injector. Ask about their training, certifications, and experience — after all, this is your face we’re talking about. It’s also important to seek out medical professionals rather than just someone who works at a spa. Botox isn’t a facial, and you don’t want an esthetician (as talented as they are with skincare) doing the injections. And of course, do your due diligence by reading reviews and asking for before-and-after pics from real clients. This is not the time to be low-key about your research.

Take a note from Eva Mendes: do what makes you feel confident, but don’t forget to do your homework. Whether you’re lasering your jaw or freezing your forehead, you want to make sure you’re in good hands. After all, you’re fabulous just the way you are, but a little Botox here and there? I get it.