If you are concerned about the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, you may be thinking about getting BOTOX at a local Ocala clinic. But if you have never had it before, it is understandable if you are a bit nervous. What can you expect as a first-time BOTOX user? In this simple beginner’s guide, you can learn what should happen before, during, and after your treatment.
Before Your Injections
Before your BOTOX treatment, your care provider will need to know your medical history. In particular, they will ask about medications that you regularly use. Some common prescriptions and over-the-counter substances could negatively affect your body’s reaction to BOTOX, so you may have to stop taking them. These include:
- Blood thinners
- Muscle relaxants
- Ibuprofen
- Vitamin E
- Sleep aids
You may also be asked to abstain from smoking and alcohol use before your treatment. These substances may slow down your ability to heal and increase the risk of bruising.
Right before your injections, you should wash your face so it is free of cosmetics, moisturizers, and dirt.
During Your Treatment
The BOTOX treatment itself is pretty simple. All you have to do is relax while your care provider injects pre-determined doses of BOTOX into the areas where you wish to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.
The needles used for BOTOX are quite small, so although you may feel a pinch, you should not experience any real or intense pain. If you are sensitive to needles, let your provider know so they can take measures to make you more comfortable.
After Your Appointment
No downtime is necessary with BOTOX, so you will be able to resume your normal routine right away. However, you should not lie down or bend down for at least four hours. You should also avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 24 hours. You should not rub the treated area.
Some mild swelling, bruising, or discomfort may occur, but that should wear off fairly quickly. Severe side effects are rare, but if you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to your care provider.
Do not expect to see immediate results after your injections. You may start to notice a reduction in your wrinkles within a few days. However, it may be up to two weeks before the BOTOX takes full effect.
BOTOX is a great option for treating wrinkles! By knowing what to expect from your first treatment, you can commit to it with a sense of confidence and optimism.
Meet the Practice
Elizabeth Estes Weldon is a board-certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with more than a decade of experience in dermatology. She enjoys helping patients love what they see in the mirror, and she and our team are happy to answer questions for first-time BOTOX patients. To learn more about how we may be able to serve you, contact our Ocala office at 352-433-0888.