What to Expect When Getting Botox® For the First Time
What Are the Benefits?
Botox relaxes certain facial muscles that prevent wrinkles from forming and/or progressing. It also eases chronic facial pains and migraines, reduces muscle spasms, and can even be used to combat excessive sweating of the hands and armpits. Botox may even change the oval of the face (great for the square shaped face), and lift the corners of the mouth. Neck appearance may significantly altered.
How Many Injections Will You Need?
Treatment consists of several injections, which are spread out over different areas of the face. The exact amount will vary from person to person. It is best to inquire about the number of units and the points where the Botox was injected for longer lasting effect.
How Does it Feel?
The idea of getting needles put into your face is a scary one. However, it’s really not as painful as you would expect. In feels like a mosquito bite without subsequent itching. Mild redness and pain are possible, but should subside in a few hours after the procedure.
How Long Does Botox® Last?
Botox usually lasts 4-6 months. You may return in 4-6 months, but you don’t have to. Eventually the product will completely wear off and the skin will return to the previous state. Some patients develop immunity to the botulin toxin, the main Botox component over time. It may reduce the results from the injections, or show no result at all.
What Are the Side Effects?
Most who get Botox don’t experience any side effects. The worst you may experience is a little redness, headache, or bruising of the skin.
You won’t have a completely frozen, expressionless face, either. This only occurs when patients go to cheap, inexperienced practitioners, who can give high dosages.
How Should You Prepare for Treatment?
Stop taking ibuprofen, aspirin, vitamin E and fish oil 3-4 days before the treatment. Avoid drinking alcohol the day before treatment.
What NOT to do Post Treatment?
Exercise your treated muscles for the first hour after treatment (e.g. practice frowning, raising your eyebrows or squinting). This helps to work the treatment into your muscles.
- Avoid getting facial or massage, nor rub or massage for 24 hours after your treatment.
- Avoid strenuous exercise or sauna for 48 hours after the treatment.
- Do not lie down for 4-5 hours after getting Botox.
- Mild headache is possible after the procedure. You may take Tylenol to relieve pain.
- The weakening effect gradually begins anywhere from 3-7 days and is not complete for two weeks.
Botox will last approximately 2-3 months at first. However, if you maintain your treatment appointments with the frequency recommended, the duration of each treatment result may last longer than four months.
Credit to By Ashley G.
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