Thinking about getting BOTOX for the first time? You’re not alone. More than 7 million people got the treatment in 2016, according to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. If it’s your first time getting the injections, or any type of injections for that matter, there are a few things to know that can make your experience as pleasant as possible.
Tips for BOTOX Newbies
1. Pick Your Doctor Carefully
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make, after deciding to treat your wrinkles with an injection, is the doctor you choose to have perform the treatment. You want to work with a board certified doctor who have plenty of experience administering the injections. To get idea of the doctor’s experience and expertise, ask to see before and after photos of past patients. You might even want to speak with past patients to get a sense of what their experience was like.
2. Be Patient
Results are often visible immediately after some types of cosmetic treatments. That’s not the case after Botox. You’ll begin to see a diminishment and improvement in the treated wrinkles within a day of your treatment. It can take up to five more days before you see the full, final results, though. Once results are visible, you can expect them to last for around three months.
3. Be Careful How You Move Your Head
Right after your treatment, it’s important to pay attention to how you move your head and to avoid rubbing or pressing on the treated area. If you rub the area, it’s possible for the botulinum toxin to spread to other areas of your face, potentially leading to complications. The same is true if you lower your head or constantly tilt your head downward. Your doctor will give you more details on how you can or should move your head and when it will be OK to touch the treated area again.
4. Be Ready for a Pinch
One big question many first timers have about injectables is “will it hurt?” While everyone has different levels of tolerance when it comes to pain and discomfort, you can prepare yourself for treatment by being ready to feel a pinch. The needles used during treatment are very fine and usually don’t cause considerable discomfort. If you’re particularly concerned about pain, you can talk to your doctor about using a topical anesthetic to numb the area first.
5. Consider Pairing BOTOX With Other Treatments
Botox only treats certain types of wrinkles, the ones created by repeated muscle movements. If you have other wrinkles or signs of aging on your face, it might be worth your while to discuss with your doctor the possibility of combining different treatments. Your doctor can evaluate the signs of aging and let you know what your best options are.