Preparation is the key to success when it comes to cosmetic treatments. It’s essential to do your research, listen to your provider’s instructions, and ask questions if anything is unclear. This will put you in the best possible position to enjoy effective and long-lasting cosmetic treatments that do not harm your skin.
In this guide, we’re going to explore everything you need to know before your first Botox treatment. And even if you’ve had Botox before, you could benefit from refreshing your memory of the aftercare instructions to make sure you don’t miss anything.
Remember that you can always ask questions before, during and after the treatment. Choosing to have Botox treatment for the first time can be a big decision, so it’s important that you feel completely confident.
First things first, it’s essential to have a consultation before you decide to have Botox treatment. You should never feel rushed into the treatment and you should always have time to think about it before you move forward.
While Botox is not a permanent treatment, it does last for around 4-6 months, so you need to be confident that it’s the right choice for you. Unlike treatments like dermal fillers, you cannot reverse the effects of Botox, so it’s important to be completely on board with the treatment plan. You might also want to consider alternative treatments that might be better suited to your needs.
Botox was originally offered as a treatment for muscle spasms, and it may still be used for this today. It’s also highly effective in the treatment of migraines, eye muscle spasms and even excessive sweating.
Most people know Botox as an anti-wrinkle treatment. It is capable of achieving incredible transformations by reducing the appearance of expression lines and dynamic wrinkles.
The most common expression lines are frown lines, crow’s feet and smile lines. As we get older, these lines become more prominent and will be visible even when you aren’t making that expression. This can make people feel very self-conscious and they might worry that it makes them look older.
Botox works by temporarily blocking the nerves that trigger the muscles required to make these expressions. This allows the muscle to fully relax, and this helps to create a smoother appearance with fewer visible lines.
You cannot have Botox treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You won’t be eligible for treatment if you’re under the age of 18, even if you have your parent’s consent. You also cannot start treatment if you have an active infection. Finally, if you are allergic to lidocaine, bees or wasps, you will not be suitable for Botox or any other cosmetic injectable.
We don’t recommend Botox if you have keloid scarring, or if you’re suffering from any neuromuscular disorders or ALS. Likewise, if you are suffering from body dysmorphia, you won’t be eligible for treatment.
The treatment is quick and virtually pain-free, as the needle is very fine and handled with expert precision. We also use numbing cream to minimise discomfort. On the day of your treatment, avoid alcohol, anti-inflammatories, blood thinners and garlic. These can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Stay hydrated and enjoy a light meal so you don’t feel lightheaded. You can also take paracetamol before your appointment (but not aspirin or ibuprofen). Arrive with a clean face, free from makeup.
You don’t have to take the day off work, as most people find that they can go about their usual routine without worry. However, if you have a physically demanding job, you might want to take some downtime after your treatment.
If needles make you nervous, we can help to distract you and put you at ease. The needles we use are so fine that you barely feel a thing, but even the sight of these can be quite scary if you have a history of phobias. If you’re nervous about any aspect of your treatment, let our team know during your consultation.
You can sit back and relax, we have everything under control. We’ll start by asking you to make some facial expressions and marking your face gently with a special pencil. You might feel a little bit silly, but don’t worry about that, it’s just to ensure we place the Botox on your face.
We will cleanse the area before applying a numbing cream to the injection sites. Then it’s time for some deep breaths before we start the treatment. You might feel a slight prickling sensation.
You won’t see the results straight away, as it usually takes around two weeks for the effects to be fully visible. If you don’t see results after two weeks, we recommend returning to the clinic.
Caring for your skin after your treatment is essential to help minimise bruising and allow Botox to work effectively. In the hours and days following your treatment, there are a few activities that will be off-limits.
You might experience tenderness, bruising and a mild headache following your treatment. This is completely normal and not cause for concern, but you might want to take it easy for the rest of the day if possible.
For the four hours after your treatment, avoid bending forward, rubbing the area, or even touching the area. It will be very tempting to touch it, but try to resist as this could impact your treatment. After four hours, be gentle with your skin. If the area feels tender, you could apply a cold compress. Make sure you wrap this in a towel and apply gently, without pressure.
For 24 hours after your treatment, avoid alcohol if you are susceptible to bruising. If you aren’t sure, avoid it anyway to remove the risk of excess bruising. And finally, you’ll also need to avoid exercise for 48 hours after your treatment. You should also avoid places like saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, swimming pools or similar.
Some people know the signs of recent Botox injections, so those who are clued up on treatments might be able to recognise the bruising, but most people won’t be aware. The beauty of subtle treatment is that it should not be obvious to those around you, so the only change they will really notice is that you appear younger, healthier and full of confidence.
Botox isn’t right for everyone, but we can help you to make the right choice for your needs. We’ll guide you on the options available during your initial consultation. If you decide to go ahead with treatment, we’ll be there every step of the way to support you.
While it’s always helpful to do your research before you head into a clinic, you’ll also be kept informed of things like pre-treatment precautions and aftercare by your aesthetician. And if you have any questions, you should always ask.
If you’re ready to start the Botox journey with Dr Amy, get in touch today. We can arrange your initial consultation and learn more about your aesthetic goals. If Botox is the right treatment option for you, we can then arrange treatment at a time to suit you.
