What to Expect at Your First Botox Appointment

Submitted by Dr. Joyesh Raj on Sun 08/25/2019 - 09:00

Botox is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the United States. But if it is your first time having the injections, it is understandable that you may have some hesitation or trepidation.

To help make you more comfortable at your first appointment, Dr. Joyesh Raj explains what to expect during treatment.

Preparing for Your Appointment

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for your Botox appointment. However, you should avoid ingesting anything that could thin your blood and increase your chances of bruising; this includes alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain vitamins and supplements,  including vitamin E and gingko biloba.

Prior to Your Injections

Prior to starting the injections, your injector will want to ensure that Botox is a safe option for you. You will be asked about any medicines you take, current medical conditions and whether you are pregnant, nursing or plan to become pregnant. You and your injector will discuss your goals of treatment and the areas of your face that you want to address. The injector will explain where you will be getting your injections and the amount of Botox they will use.

The injector will identify and mark the areas of your face to be treated. These areas will be cleaned and, if you are worried about pain, numbed with ice or a topical cream.

During the Injections

Using a tiny needle, the injector will inject small amounts of Botox directly into the facial muscles in the target area. The number of injections will depend on the area and the severity of the wrinkles. The injector will apply pressure to the treated areas to minimize any swelling. You should not feel any pain, but you might feel a slight pinch or a burning sensation after the Botox is injected under your skin.

Altogether, the appointment should last 20 minutes or less.

Immediately After the Injections

You might have mild swelling, bruising or redness immediately after the injections, but these aftereffects should subside quickly. You can immediately resume your normal routine, although you should refrain from exercising or other strenuous activities for about 24 hours.

The effects of your Botox will wear off within three to six months, at which point you will need to repeat the injections to maintain your results.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you are interested in Botox to minimize visible facial wrinkles, Dr. Raj invites you to schedule an appointment at our practice today.