By Botox has been one of the go-to treatments for wrinkle reduction since it was introduced to the world in 1989. But while the treatment has been popular for over 30 years, not many people know what to expect from the procedure, and whether or not they should opt for the treatment themselves.
What is Botox?
Botox is made up of a protein derived from the botulinum toxin. This substance is delivered via needle into tight muscles and nerves and serves to relax these structures, leading to decreased lines and wrinkles.
What Should I Do Before My Botox Procedure?
In order to minimize bruising due to the Botox injections, it is wise to avoid alcohol, NSAIDs, Vitamin E, Ginger, and Green Tea for the three days leading up to the treatment.
What Happens During a Botox Procedure?
Many wrinkles are caused by overly tight muscles on the face. Botox acts to relax these muscles which, in turn, causes a reduction in wrinkles.
From beginning to end, the whole appointment takes about 15 minutes and tends to be well-tolerated by patients, even those who do not deal with pain well. Most of the time, the procedure progresses as follows:
- Application of Anesthetic Cream. To minimize the pain from the procedure as much as possible, an anesthetic cream is applied prior to the injection. This helps even the most pain-sensitive patients complete the treatment without issue.
- Injection of Botox Needle. The dermatologist will insert the needles into the area in question and inject the Botox.
- Post-Procedure Instructions Overview. The dermatologist and his or her team will then review the follow-up instructions with you, detailed in the next section.
What Should I Expect After My Botox Injection
It is common for patients to develop a small amount of bruising after the procedure, especially when receiving treatment from a novice provider. However, the bruising will slowly fade away over time. To conceal the bruising and speed up the process of recovery, arnica cream can be applied to the areas in question.
A few days to up to a week after the procedure, you should begin to notice the full effects of the Botox. These effects can last anywhere from three to six months based on a variety of factors unique to each patient’s skin.
Various recommendations after your procedure to get the most benefit from the Botox treatment include:
- Make various facial expressions to fully incorporate the treatment;
- Do not let your head fall below your waist for 4 hours post-procedure;
- Do not perform any strenuous exercise or physical activity for a few hours after the injection.
Should I Get Botox?
The choice is completely up to you. If you are looking for ways to reduce wrinkles, Botox has been used safely for over 30 years. If you do decide to go forward with Botox treatments, just make sure that your provider is:
- A Qualified Dermatologist;
- Has Experience with Administering Botox;
- Understands Your Reasons for Wanting Botox.
As long as you are comfortable with the procedure, understand what is involved, and can find a Botox dermatologist who fits all of the qualifications above, Botox may be a great choice for you.
