What to Expect during your first Botox Treatment?

Botox is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. It is the brand name of the chemical derivative of botulinum toxin developed by Allergen. Unlike regular botulinum toxin, Botox is not dangerous to your health. It does not cause illnesses that are associated with the toxin.

If you are scheduled to get Botox treatment for the first time or are considering it, we have got you covered. We are here to make sure there will not be any surprises along the way.

Here is what you can expect when getting Botox for the first time.

What can you expect from Botox?

Botox is a safe, quick and effective treatment. Here is what to expect before, during, and after your Botox treatment.

Before your Botox treatment

At your consultation appointment, your doctor will ask you to share information about your medical history. It is done to make sure that Botox is a safe treatment option for you.

Your cosmetologist will answer any questions you can have regarding the treatment. Also, they will discuss which area of your face you want to treat. When the consultation appointment ends, you will have a complete understanding of the number of Botox injections you will get on your face.

During the appointment, you have to inform your specialist if you have any of the conditions mentioned below:

• Medications
• Medical conditions
• Surgical history
• Pregnancy

Medications

Your specialist has to know all the medications you take, like prescription medicines and over-the-counter remedies. This is done to make sure that Botox does not react negatively with your medications.

Medical conditions

You have to discuss your medical conditions during the consultation appointment. If you have any nerves or muscle conditions or had breathing and swallowing issues in the past, you cannot go for a Botox treatment.

You also have to inform your specialist if you experience weakness in your forehead muscles, drooping eyelids, or have difficulty raising your eyebrows.

Surgical history

If you had a surgery on your face or are planning one, your doctor needs to know about this. It may affect the treatment. Facial surgeries involve elective procedures, like facelifts and brow lifts, and medically necessary surgeries to the jaw and face.

Pregnancy

If you are nursing, pregnant, or planning a pregnancy, your specialist needs to know such information. Botox is commonly not recommended for pregnant women.

However, there are no studies to suggest that there is a risk present with having Botox treatment while pregnant. Your doctor may want you to be on the safe side and set your treatment after the baby is born.

During your Botox treatment

Your first Botox appointment will be easy and quick. Generally, the whole treatment is finished in 20 minutes or less. Here is a complete list of what you can expect from start to end of the treatment:

1. You and your specialist will recap what was discussed at your consultation appointment. It includes how much Botox you will get and in which area of your face.
2. Your specialist will identify carefully and mark the places that need treatment.
3. Your doctor will apply a mild cleanser to such areas.
4. If you are concerned about discomfort, your specialist will utilize ice or a numbing cream to numb the targeted area(s).
5. Your specialist will utilize a narrow micro-needle to inject Botox directly into your facial muscles. They may use 1 to 3 injections.
6. The doctor will apply ice and pressure to the treated places to avoid swelling.

After your Botox treatment

Botox needs no initial downtime or recovery time. It means that you can resume many of your regular activities instantly after your treatment. You may start noticing results in the first week after the treatment.

After your Botox appointment, your specialist will provide you with aftercare guidelines to ensure you do not cause any unintended side effects or damage.

In some cases, Botox may move to other muscles in the body. To prevent this chance, follow these instructions:

• Prevent rubbing the treated area
• Do not lie down for four hours after the treatment
• Wait for 24 hours to do some exercise or engage in any strenuous activity

The side effects of Botox

Botox is a safe treatment. However, like any treatment, side effects can happen. Many side effects are mild and will disappear within a couple of days. If they do not, contact your doctor.

General side effects of Botox involve:

• Bruising 
• Minor swelling
• Redness
• Numbness

If you get side effects like rashes, excessive swelling, difficulty swallowing and breathing, seek emergency medical treatment. Serious side effects can suggest a rare but severe allergic reaction.

Seeing the results of Botox

The results of Botox may last up to three months. For continuous outcomes, set treatments at frequent intervals with your specialist. Generally, patients opt for a Botox treatment every three months or before a special occasion.

It is significant to note that Botox is not a permanent treatment. If you stop the treatment, your lines and wrinkles will slowly come back over time.