22 Nov
What to Expect if You’re a First Time Botox Patient
Every professional was once a novice, and the same applies to newbies in the Botox department!
While facial wrinkles add character to your aging beauty, it’s totally okay to want to minimize their appearance. If you are considering getting Botox for the first time, you are most likely in search of reliable information before you book a consultation with an aesthetics centre.
From what to do before Botox all the way to the actual procedure and aftercare, this blog will point you in the right direction. We’ll take your hand and guide you through this age-defying process.
Welcome to your guide on everything you need to know if it’s your first time getting Botox!
What Is Botox?
Botox, also known as Botulinum toxin, is a safe and highly popular injectable treatment. How it works is the chemical in Botox blocks the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, inducing temporary muscle paralysis. When the muscles are relaxed, wrinkles and fine lines disappear almost entirely. This makes your face appear younger, smoother, and firmer.
We know what you’re thinking – botulinum is a poisonous substance that could have severely dire effects on a person’s nervous system. While this is true for large amounts of botulinum, Botox only needs minuscule doses of the toxin in order to fight off wrinkles.
Preparation: What to Do Before Botox
Your pre-game is just as important as the actual procedure and downtime. Here’s what to do before Botox!
The first step you need to take is disclosing all your medication and supplements to your doctor. This is important as some forms of medicine could be contradictory, thus causing harmful side effects. These include, but is not limited to the following:
- Muscle relaxants
- Blood thinners
- Sleeping aids
- Ibuprofen
- Vitamin E
- Aspirin
After the initial consultation with your doctor, you will be asked to wash your face with mild soap and warm water pre-Botox to ensure that you will be undergoing the treatment with a face free of cosmetics, moisturizers, or dirt.
Other things to avoid before your Botox session are smoking and/or consuming alcohol. If you’re a smoker, we strongly advise that you put down the cigarette a few weeks before your treatment. This is because smoking before the procedure can increase the risk of bruising from the injection site and slow down the healing process. Ask your doctor exactly how long you need to steer clear from your cigarettes before Botox.
Important Reminder: Always consult your doctor before undergoing any medical procedure. Botox may not be right for you if any of the following conditions apply:
- Botox allergies
- Infection at the desired injection site
- Recent or upcoming surgery
- Pregnancy
- Breast-feeding
- Muscle disorders
- Neurological disorders
- Problems breathing or swallowing
How Does Botox Work?
A Botox injection blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles. Once the muscle becomes unable to contract, wrinkles and fine lines relax and fade in appearance. It is commonly used to correct crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead lines.
You’ll be glad to know that this revolutionary procedure does not require anesthesia and only takes a few minutes per session. Also, full effects generally take seven to 14 days to become visible.
How Long Is the Downtime?
Since it’s your first time getting Botox, you might be worried about the downtime.
Lucky for you, there’s basically no downtime needed after Botox. Most people will experience soreness and slight fatigue after being injected, but it is essential to avoid laying down for the first four hours after the procedure. Bending and laying down could prompt the toxin to spread to other regions and lead to bruising at the treatment site.
In addition, refrain from rubbing the injection site and avoid partaking in strenuous activities for at least 24 hours after your Botox session.
Should you feel any discomfort or swelling, alleviate the area with a cool compress.
What Are the Side Effects of Botox?
Botox typically causes the following mild side effects:
- Pain and bruising at the injection site
- Swelling
- Headache
- Flu-like symptoms
- Droopy eyelids
- Eye dryness or excessive tearing
These side effects usually subside within a few hours or days. Dangerous side effects are extremely rare, but in the event that you experience shortness of breath, dizziness, bleeding, or difficulty urinating, contact your doctor for medical assistance immediately.
How Long Does Botox Last?
For first time Botox patients, results may last up to three to four months. Results tend to have better longevity from the second session onwards.
Medical Purposes of Botox
Aside from restoring your youthful beauty, Botox is also commonly used to treat a variety of health conditions, such as the following:
- Eye twitching
- Lazy eye
- Chronic migraines
- Cervical dystonia
- Bladder dysfunction
- Muscle contractures
- Hyperhidrosis
Be a Confident First Time Botox Patient With Harmony MedSpa
Now that you know what to do before Botox, how Botox works, and how this procedure can turn back the clock on aging; you’re ready for your first session!
Be bold, blooming, and beautiful with the help of Botox by Harmony MedSpa. Thanks to our trained professionals and state-of-the-art facilities, your aesthetic vision and well-being are in trustworthy hands.
Reach out to us to learn more about our age-defying aesthetic services! To conveniently and quickly book your next Botox session, you can do so through our secure Botox treatment service page. You’re just a few clicks away from the results you’ve been looking for!