What to Know Before Botox

Don’t go into Botox blind. If this is your first time considering cosmetic injections, get answers to your questions upfront. You’ll not only feel more comfortable with treatment, but are likely to reduce your anxiety overall. We’ve compiled common Botox questions and corresponding answers below. If you don’t see your question, just get in touch to speak with our staff!

How does Botox work?

Botox blocks communication between muscles and nerves. This communication takes place at neuromuscular junctions, where nerves transmit signals to muscles fibers. When a nerve attempts to cause muscle contraction, the nerve releases acetylcholine. The acetylcholine typically attaches to receptors on the muscle cells, where it leads them to contract. When Botox is present at the neuromuscular junction, it prevents the release of acetylcholine. This way, the muscles never receive their contraction message and remain relaxed.

What do the injections feel like?

Botox injections are not typically painful. The needle is very fine and patients don’t usually experience anything more than a slightly pinch when the needle is inserted. Injections are completed quickly and you can typically receive Botox on your lunch hour.

What kind of results can I expect?

The placement and number of injections determines the intensity of results. You will discuss your aesthetic goals with your provider beforehand to indicate just what it is you’d like to improve, and which wrinkles are bothering you.

Within 3-4 days and up to two weeks or so after treatment, you will notice your wrinkles improving in the treated areas. At the 2 week mark, results have typically taken full hold. Patients’ existing wrinkles smooth as the responsible muscles remain more relaxed.

Are there any side effects?

There are possible side effects including redness, bruising or swelling but these are typically minor and fade quickly. Let your provider know if you’re experiencing any difficulties after Botox injections.

Which wrinkles can Botox treat?

Botox is only appropriate for wrinkles caused by repetitive muscle movement, like those on the forehead and around the eyes. Facial lines caused by volume loss (like those around the nose and mouth) should be treated with dermal fillers. Ongoing Botox treatments can actually help tame problem muscles and keep them at rest more consistently, reducing wrinkles in the long term.

When should I start getting Botox?

There’s been more and more discussion of preventative Botox, which patients seek out in their 20’s or 30’s to prevent wrinkles from forming later in life. While some patients are good candidates for preventive Botox, not everyone can receive treatment early. Early signs of wrinkles will need to be visible on the skin in order for Botox to be effective. Otherwise, the provider is just guessing at where the skin might wrinkle, which can lead to a frozen look and poor results.

If you’re interested in Botox, schedule a consultation with a qualified provider. They will examine your skin, discuss your goals, and recommend the appropriate course of treatment. If you’re not yet ready for Botox, there’s no harm in discussing it earlier and having a plan in place for the future!

How long does Botox last?

Everyone’s body works a bit differently, so results have varying lifespans. If you have an especially active brow, for example, it’s likely that the skin will begin wrinkling again sooner than someone with only minor forehead movement. Treatment to different areas of the face also lasts longer than others, and the number of units makes a difference, too.

Typically, Botox treatment lasts anywhere from 2-6 months. The average length of results is about four months. But your experience is unique – after your first treatment, you’ll have guidelines for how long your Botox is likely to last in the future.

Should I continue getting Botox treatments?

This is completely up to you. Botox is temporary – it will only make a difference to wrinkles while it is present at the neuromuscular junction. If you’d like to continue seeing smoother skin and fewer wrinkles, you will need to receive repeat Botox treatments. It’s typically a good idea to wait out your first results and then decide whether there’s anything you’d like to change, or if you’d like to continue receiving regular Botox.

Is Botox safe?

When properly administered by a trained provider, Botox is both safe and predictable. Your Botox provider delivers precise injections to areas that will respond appropriately and deliver your ideal results.

Botox is FDA-approved for the treatment of frown lines. It is also used successfully on other facial lines like crow’s feet. Botox has many therapeutic applications as it relaxes muscles responsible for chronic pain. This can improve migraines, TMJ disorders, bruxism and other concerns.

Who is a good Botox provider?

Be sure to work with a medical professional who has received Botox-specific training from a recognized trainer. You can also ask for before and afters from the provider’s other patients to get a feel for the kind of results to expect. Always receive Botox in a medical office, not at a party or a casual setting. It is a medical treatment and should be treated as such.

With the right provider, you can treat stubborn wrinkles and feel self-confident in your skin – without any surprises along the way.

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