Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Botox Before Your First Shot

Botox has emerged as a reigning champion of the aesthetic industry. Unlike many other anti-aging remedies, botox treatments give a youthful appearance without a prolonged wait.

Read this guide to know the ins and outs of botox, what it is made of, how it works, and what precautionary measures you should take before and after the treatment:

What is Botox Made Of?

Botox is a brand of Botulinum Type A injections. It is made from a neurotoxin produced by a naturally occurring bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. The botulinum toxins are purified and sterilized in a lab to create a product that is safe to inject.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Botox in 1989, initially for treating eye muscle disorders. Now, botox has been approved for more than 12 therapeutic and cosmetic treatments.

How Does Botox Work?

Now that you’ve understood the chemical composition of botox, the question arises, “How does botox work?” Botulinum toxin works by blocking the nerve signals that tell muscles to contract, temporarily weakening or paralyzing them.

Imagine you’re getting Botox as an anti-wrinkle treatment. The neurotoxin will relax your facial muscles and prevent wrinkles from pulling on the skin. Botox works best for dynamic wrinkles, which only become visible on movement or facial expression.

The amount of Botox depends on the facial area and your desired results. Licensed dermatologists and plastic surgeons will assess your skin type before deciding on a dosage. Search “botox near me” and choose an aesthetic center that uses high-quality products and techniques.

Cosmetic and Medical Benefits of Botox

Botox cosmetic injections can address signs of aging, reducing fine lines, frown lines, and wrinkles. They can be injected in several areas of your face, including:

• The area between the eyebrows, known as the glabellar region
• Forehead
• Around the eyes, commonly known as crow’s feet
• Chin
• Jawline
• Neck
• Nose

Botox can also improve skin texture and pore size, revitalizing your face and making it appear more youthful.

In addition to cosmetic reasons, botox injections have been used for medical conditions for decades, including:

• Eyelid spasms
• Crossed eyes, also known as strabismus
• Excessive muscle contractions
• Excessive sweating
• Chronic migraines
• Adult spasticity

Is Botox Permanent?

As much as we’d like it to be, botox is not permanent, especially for cosmetic treatments. The toxin’s effects wear off with time as the body metabolizes it. Cosmetic botox injections typically last 3 to 6 months, depending on the injection site and aftercare.

The muscle action will gradually return, and you will need regular injections to maintain the results. However, research shows that over time, lines and wrinkles appear less severe. Since botox trains your muscles to relax, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of botox for longer.

Pre-Botox Precautionary Measures

For safe cosmetic botox injections, you should take precautionary measures. Let your treatment provider know your complete medical history, including allergies and other conditions. Make sure your healthcare providers know what medicines or supplements you take.

Here are some more precautionary measures you should take:

Avoid Alcohol

Avoid drinking at least 24 hours before the treatment, as Alcohol can thin your blood and increase the chances of bruising.

Avoid Blood Thinners

Blood thinners, such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Coumadin, make it harder for your blood to clot. If the needle touches a blood vessel during the treatment, you might experience bruising and bleeding. Certain supplements, such as fish oil and vitamin oil, also contain blood-thinning qualities.

If you’re taking blood thinners, reach out to your healthcare provider and ask for an alternative.

Avoid Topical Products

Topical products, such as Retinol, Glycolic Acid, and Alpha-Hydroxy Acids, can break your skin if used in conjunction with Botox. Avoid taking these products at least three days before the procedure.

Avoid Facial Treatments

Avoid getting facials, chemical peels, or microabrasion prior to your botox treatment. They can irritate your skin and make it harder for the effects of botox to settle in.

How to Prepare Your Body and Face for Botox Injections

Put extra effort into preparing your body and face for the treatment to maximize the effects of botox. Here are three simple steps you should take:

Hydrate Well

Without proper hydration, you might experience dizziness, headaches, and muscle weakness. Hydration ensures better blood circulation and improves metabolism. It can lead to more successful botox results and facilitate overall well-being.

Cleanse Your Face

On the day of the treatment, cleanse your face with warm water. Use a gentle cleanser or a facial oil. Avoid using any harsh skin care products before the treatment.

Use Numbing Cream or Ice Pack

Many people experience discomfort during botox.

Consider using a numbing cream or an ice pack. Apply the numbing cream at least 30 minutes before the treatment or as per your treatment provider’s suggestion.

Finest Practices for Botox Aftercare

Proper botox aftercare can maximize the results of your treatment. Here are some tips you should follow:

• Avoid touching or putting pressure on the treatment site for the first 6 hours. Some experts recommend not touching your face for at least 1 day to prevent the toxin from spreading.
• Don’t scrub or exfoliate your face right after the treatment. Use water and a dry towel to clean your face.
• Don’t undergo any other skin treatments, such as facials or chemical peels, right after getting botox injections. This will give Botox the time to settle.
• Wait at least 24 hours after the treatment to drink Alcohol.
• Try to avoid sleeping on the treated area. This will minimize physical pressure on the site.
• Avoid sun exposure for at least 4 hours after the treatment. Avoid any heat exposure treatments, such as saunas, hot tubs, and sun baths, for a couple of days.

Redness, tenderness, and itchiness after botox treatments are common. The side effects generally disappear within 24 hours of the treatment. If you notice any severe symptoms, such as muscle weakness or difficulty breathing, reach out to your treatment provider right away.

Final Thoughts

Botox is an excellent option for those seeking a noninvasive cosmetic procedure. When choosing a botox provider, always choose a licensed one who uses FDA-approved products.

About The Author

Phillip Olivas

See author's posts