Botox is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world, but it can be nerve-wracking to think about. The thought of needles and injections can be intimidating for some people, but if you’re considering Botox for yourself or someone else, there are some things you should know before your first treatment. Here what’s to expect from your Botox treatment.
Botox is a temporary treatment that works by relaxing facial muscles and reducing wrinkles and fine lines. The procedure itself is quick and simple: A trained medical professional will inject targeted areas on your face with a fine needle under local anesthesia.
You may experience some mild side effects after getting Botox, such as bruising or swelling at the injection site. Redness can also appear around the treated area and will usually subside within 48 hours after treatment. Bruising usually lasts for about three days and swelling will fade within two days after treatment.
Botox side effects vary from person to person and may even differ from one side of your face to another based on how many injections were administered during each session. You’ll need multiple sessions of Botox treatment over time to achieve optimal results, which lasts anywhere from three months to a year depending on how quickly your body absorbs.
Botox injections are fast and easy — they’re typically done in less than 10 minutes. Once you’re lying on the treatment table, your doctor will numb your face with a local anesthetic and then inject tiny amounts of Botox into one or more areas of your face. When it’s all over, you can go about your day as normal — because Botox doesn’t hurt during or after injection (although there may be some mild temporary bruising).
Immediately after your first Botox treatment, you’ll notice results. Your therapist will give you an aftercare sheet that details how long it takes for Botox to take effect, but in general, you’ll see results within seven days or so. You’ll likely come back for monthly treatments for several months until you reach the desired result. After that point (typically 12 months later), you can maintain the results by coming back every few months for maintenance treatments.
The process for receiving Botox is simple and quick. You will meet with your injector who will ask you some questions about your medical history, take measurements of your face and neck and then explain exactly where they will be injecting the product. The actual injection can take anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how many areas are being treated.
You may experience some bruising around the injection site that lasts between 2-3 days but this should fade quickly as your body absorbs the product. If it doesn’t fade within 7 days or so, contact your doctor immediately because you may have an infection. Otherwise, there should be no side effects from having Botox other than feeling like you’ve just had a relaxing spa day!
