How To Prepare For Your First Botox Treatment

The aesthetic and skincare industry always has new technologies and lotions that claim to work a miracle for your aging skin. However, there is one tried-and-true solution that is proven to work: Botox.

Botox reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles caused by facial expressions such as frowning, squinting, and smiling by preventing the contraction of the facial muscles. If you are interested in receiving Botox injections for the first time, continue reading to learn more about what you should expect and how to prepare.

1. There isn’t a specific age you should start.
   Although it may seem that people are starting to get Botox at a younger age, there is no right or wrong time to begin treatment. However, if you are interested in starting treatments at an earlier age, Botox can have preventative effects. Patients that start Botox in their 20s and 30s will not require as many units as those who start in their 40s and 50s. The deeper your lines and wrinkles are the more likely it is that you will need other treatments such as dermal fillers to remove the lines that are etched in.
2. A first-time consultation is required.
   With any procedure, it is important to find a provider that you are comfortable with, and for the provider to determine which treatment is right for you. We require that you schedule a consultation with our advanced aesthetic provider, Ellie Zarnegar PA, DMSc, to go over your aesthetic goal, medical history, and for her to have a better understanding of your facial structure and muscle function.
3. Your first appointment will be the longest.
   A common question we get asked is, “Can I get Botox on my lunch break?” The answer is: yes and no. Your first appointment will last anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour because you will have to fill out new patient paperwork and have a comprehensive consultation with PA Ellie, DMSc. However, your following appointments will take roughly 15 to 20 minutes.
4. You may not be a candidate.
   Although most people are good candidates for Botox, there are exceptions. If you have an infection in the treatment area, have a muscle or nerve condition, or are pregnant, you are not a candidate for Botox. If you have ever received a dose of the botulinum toxin vaccine from the military, you are also not a candidate as Botox will not have any effect on you.
5. Botox and the COVID vaccine.
   It is best to wait 2 weeks before or after receiving your COVID vaccination to get Botox. This gives your immune system enough time to adjust and recover.
6. Avoid certain medications and supplements.
   While your daily supplement routine won’t prevent you from receiving Botox injections, some may thin your blood which can make your chances of bruising more likely. For this reason, PA Ellie DMSc, will ask about any medications or supplements you are taking. It is recommended to avoid the following prior to your treatment: aspirin, fish oil, ginseng, garlic, and ginkgo Biloba.
7. Workout before your treatment.
   Since Botox is a liquid solution, there is a risk that it could spread or move from the area it was injected into. We recommend that you do not exercise for the rest of the day after your treatment and to stay upright for at least 4 hours.
8. You won’t see results right away.
   We know, we know—there is nothing like instant gratification. But it is important to understand that Botox results are not immediate. It can take anywhere from 3 to 5 days to start seeing results with the full effect taking place after 2 weeks.
9. You will need a follow-up appointment.
   We always schedule a 2-week follow-up appointment for our patients after their first treatment at our clinic. This is to ensure that the treatment plan is right for your facial structure and to see if any more is necessary.
10. Results are temporary.
    As much as we love the results of Botox, they don’t last forever. Depending on the amount injected and the way your body processes it, results will last anywhere from 3 to 5 months.

Schedule Your Botox Appointment Today

You may be hesitant to receive your first Botox treatment, and we understand that you have questions. Call or text us at 925.855.1773 where our front staff will be more than happy to answer all your questions and schedule you for a consultation. You may also request more information online through our contact form.