Botox is becoming more and more popular people look for an effective and safe way to stop some of the effects of aging, but if you’ve never had Botox before, it can also feel a little scary or overwhelming. In this article, we’ll go over exactly what you need to expect at your first Botox appointment.
How Botox Works
Botox works by essentially paralyzing your muscles to keep them from moving after injection. This keeps your muscles from contracting, which in turn, prevents creases in the skin or wrinkles (think crow’s feet or worry lines on your forehead). This helps the skin over these muscles look more relaxed and smoother. It does this by using a neurotoxin, which can sound a little scary, but this treatment has been widely used for many years and is FDA approved. You can learn more about the different types of neurotoxins commonly used in Botox treatment here.
What to Expect at Your Botox Procedure
Your Botox procedure should only take about 10-15 minutes, and this includes consent forms, treatment plan, taking photos, ect. With this procedure, there is no downtime afterward, so you’ll be able to go back to your normal activities. A small needle is used by a trained professional to inject the neurotoxin into specific muscles. The person doing the procedure only targets the muscles responsible for key wrinkle areas, which helps to maintain your natural facial expressions. The number of injections you will need depends on your facial features, the extent of your wrinkles, and your overall goal.
If you are a little nervous about your procedure, you can always talk to your provider about your worries. It’s also a great idea to ask them questions on their training and certifications. You can find a great list of questions to ask here.
What Does Botox Feel Like?
Because Botox does use a needle to do several injections, you will feel a small pinch. Some areas are more sensitive than other, but most patients are able to sit through the treatment without issues. The injection itself is also very quick. While the appointment itself may take 10-15 minutes, the actual injection usually only takes about five minutes.
What Results Should I Expect?
You should notice smoother skin and fewer fine lines and wrinkles within a few days, although it can take a as long as a week to see the full effect. While the effects of Botox are not permanent, many people get great results for up to 12 weeks after injection. Some people may be able to wait even longer, going 4-6 months between treatments.
Botox at OneSource Healthcare OneSource Healthcare is proud to offer BOTOX® Cosmetic at both our Albany and Bainbridge locations. Our providers bring years of experience from both Dermatology and Plastic Surgery practices and take time to understand your goals, ensuring you have natural looking results. Learn more about BOTOX® Cosmetic at OneSource here.