BOTOX is undoubtedly a household name, and most people recognize it as a way to reduce facial wrinkles. But you may know little beyond that, even after scheduling your BOTOX treatment for the first time at our Gilbert, AZ, med spa.
Knowing more about this popular neuromodulator, however, will help make your experience more positive and ensure that you get the best possible results. In this blog post, I’ll explain 5 of the most important things you should know as a first-time BOTOX patient.
1. Choose a highly trained, experienced injector.
Some people assume BOTOX injections are rather simple treatments that can be performed by just about any aesthetician with minimal training. That’s not true in Arizona (or most other states).
BOTOX has an excellent track record for safety—when the injector is licensed and supervised by a board-certified specialist working in a medical clinic environment. You should research the background and credentials of the injector you choose and avoid BOTOX “parties” at private homes.
2. Consider whether BOTOX vs. filler is right for you.
BOTOX and dermal fillers, such as JUVÉDERM®, RADIESSE®, or Sculptra® Aesthetic, both have the same goal—creating a more youthful appearance that looks natural. But these injectable treatments achieve that goal in very different ways.
- Fillers are gels that address volume loss or deficiency in areas such as the lips, nasolabial folds, cheeks, and under the eyes.
- BOTOX is a neuromodulator that minimizes “dynamic wrinkles”—lines that develop over time from changing facial expressions. BOTOX temporarily relaxes the muscles you use when you squint, frown, smile, or look surprised. These lines and wrinkles include crow’s feet at the corners of the eyes, vertical worry lines between the eyes, and horizontal forehead wrinkles.
Your injector will discuss your aesthetic goals with you and recommend whether BOTOX or dermal fillers (or both!) are your best option.
3. Talk with your injector about whether BOTOX or Dysport® is better for your goals.
We also offer patients the option of Dysport injections. Dysport, like BOTOX, is a neuromodulator that also temporarily immobilizes facial muscles whose contractions cause wrinkles and lines. Dysport may take effect a day or so earlier than BOTOX, and it’s often preferred for certain treatment areas. Your injector will recommend the best neuromodulator for your needs.
4. Know what to expect during a BOTOX treatment.
The injection procedure is relatively brief, taking only a few minutes in most cases. The appointment begins with a discussion of your concerns and aesthetic goals and an assessment of your treatment area. Injectors use that information to determine the amount of BOTOX to use and to target muscles with pinpoint precision.
We may apply an ice pack or topical anesthetic to numb the area before the injections, but you may still feel brief discomfort. Normal side effects are fairly minor—some redness or swelling that resolves within 24 hours.
5. Follow your post-injection instructions closely.
As with any aesthetic treatment, aftercare is important. Here are a few tips for what to do (or not do) after your injections:
- Stay upright for at least 4 hours after treatment
- Wait at least 24 hours before resuming regular exercise
- Don’t touch or massage the treated area
- Wait at least several hours to apply makeup or wash your face
To ensure you get the best results possible, follow your injector’s specific post-treatment instructions; they may have additional recommendations based on your individual treatment.
6. Don’t plan on immediate results.
You won’t see smoother skin in the first few days after getting BOTOX injections. It takes time for the ingredients to fully relax the muscles that cause “expression lines.” You can expect to see initial results after 4 or 5 days, but it may be 2 weeks before the full effect of your BOTOX treatment is noticeable. The results typically last about 4 months, so you’ll want to schedule maintenance treatments a few times a year.
Making That First Appointment
If you’re considering getting BOTOX injections for the first time, use our online form to request a consultation or call our office at (480) 466-7355 to schedule an appointment. We’re always happy to talk with you about your cosmetic goals and develop a treatment plan that gives you the look you want.
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