People looking to rid themselves of facial wrinkles and fine lines often turn to Botox. Botox, or botulinum toxin, is a form of injection that prohibits muscle movement and keeps wrinkles from worsening or even developing in some instances. Other Botox uses include preventing excessive sweat, treating chronic migraines, and decreasing depression symptoms.
If you’re looking to have Botox injectables and fillers for the first time, it can seem nerve-racking. It may seem like one of the most expensive forms of plastic surgery. However, surgery actually comprises 60% of all of the money that is spent on all cosmetic procedures.
To make the Botox injection process seem a little less intimidating, there are some things plastic surgeons want you to know about the preparation, procedure itself, and post-injection care. Let’s take a look at three things you can expect from your first Botox injection.
Prior to the Procedure
If you’ve never had a Botox injection, there are some things you should do before you go into the plastic surgeon’s office. One thing you must do is avoid taking any type of aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines at least two weeks before your first injection. These medications may increase bleeding or bruising at the Botox injection site.
Many people who get the injection seem to tolerate the pain pretty well. However, if you are unsure of how you’re going to deal with the needle, plastic surgeons will offer you a numbing gel or cream to apply to the area beforehand. Plastic surgeons will also often use alternative numbing resources such as ice or vibration anesthesia. The vibration anesthesia massages the area to reduce any discomfort you may have during the injection.
During the Procedure
Yes, Botox injections do use needles. However, the needles are tiny, so you don’t need to worry about an extremely large needle going into your face or other body parts. The doctor will use the needle to inject tiny amounts of Botox into the desired site. The larger the site, the more injections you will have to get. If you are just getting the Botox in a small part of your forehead, for example, the number of injections will be minimal.
Following the Procedure
It’s extremely important to avoid massaging the Botox injection site for 24 hours after the procedure. If you do get any type of massage on the area, you’re risking displacing the Botox. For those worried about any skin care application or makeup application, you may resume wearing makeup and resume your skincare routine the day of the procedure. Just be careful and gentle.
Botox injections are an extremely popular choice for people who want to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, migraines, and even sweat. Even though they may seem a little intimidating for your first procedure, the above tips should aid in your recovery and ease your mind.