5 Things I Wish I’d Known Before I Got Botox

Every time you make a facial expression, you are contracting muscles in your face that move your tissues and create a distinct look. Whether consciously or subconsciously, we make facial expressions every day that convey our moods and emotions.

Unfortunately, many of these expressions create wrinkles in the skin. When we’re young, the skin goes back to its previously smooth finish once our face is relaxed. As we age and lose elastin and collagen, the wrinkles become etched in our looser, less resilient skin. These wrinkles and fine lines, called expression lines or dynamic wrinkles, eventually remain even when we’re not moving our facial muscles.

Skincare can only do so much to combat these signs of aging, despite diligently using the highest quality products. If you are plagued with bothersome dynamic wrinkles, Botox® Cosmetic may be the solution for you.

Botox for Treating and Preventing Dynamic Wrinkles

Botox is a neuromodulator that works by inhibiting the movement of targeted muscles that cause wrinkles and lines. Made of botulinum toxin type A, this injectable formula offers a quick and easy nonsurgical treatment that can make you look and feel more youthful.

After being injected into the facial muscles that cause certain wrinkles, Botox prevents those muscles from moving. Without movement, the skin is prevented from creasing, and the wrinkles are able to smooth themselves out.

Botox is ideal for treating the following expression lines in the upper face:

• Forehead lines
• Frown lines
• Crow’s feet
• Bunny lines

How Does Botox Prevent Wrinkles?

Botox is also designed to prevent these wrinkles from developing in the first place. Just as it works to treat fine lines and wrinkles, Botox inhibits muscles from moving and causing wrinkles to form.

Younger patients in their 20s often get Botox as a preventive treatment for dynamic wrinkles, especially if older women in their families have noticeable wrinkles in these areas.

Maintaining a Natural Appearance

Our experienced providers inject just the specific muscles needed to get results, so you will still be able to show emotion since your other facial muscles will still function. This maintains a natural look for our patients and avoids the dreaded “frozen” or “plastic” appearance after treatment.

Botox is one of the most popular nonsurgical aesthetic treatments in the United States. Celebrities and non-celebrities alike commonly undergo this anti-aging treatment, and you likely know at least a few people who’ve had Botox, even if they haven’t shared their secret with you.

While Botox is a pretty straightforward procedure, there are things the media and advertisements don’t tell you.

Here are 5 things we think all patients should know before getting Botox:

1. Not All Botox Products Are the Same

What we mean here is that several products act like Botox, but they do not all provide the same results. Botox Cosmetic is made by Allergan Aesthetics (which is now part of the AbbVie company). It was the first FDA-approved botulinum toxin type A neuromodulator for cosmetic use on the market. It is also the most well-known injectable of its kind, but other companies have since developed their own neuromodulator formulas that act similarly to Botox but with some differences.

Other Brands Like Botox

Products similar to Botox that other aesthetic companies manufacture include Dysport® and Azzalure® by Galderma as well as Xeomin® and Bocouture® by Merz Aesthetics. Allergan also makes another botulinum toxin type A product called Vistabel®.

Each product has a slightly different formula, but they all work in the same general way (by inhibiting muscle movement to treat expression lines). Some brands last somewhat longer than others, and some are better for particular treatment areas. The price points can vary by unit or vial, and the amount of product needed to achieve your desired results can change depending on the brand.

Because of all these variables, it is best to discuss your goals and options with an experienced provider who can explain the difference between each of these products and help you choose the best option for your needs.

2. Plan for Maintenance Treatments

Most injectable cosmetic treatments require upkeep to maintain your results, and Botox is no exception. Botox blocks the release of the primary neurotransmitter between your treated muscle and the nerve terminal. Your body continually makes new neurotransmitters, so the results of Botox gradually wear off as more of this chemical is naturally produced. This process generally takes three to four months, after which your wrinkles and fine lines will become noticeable once again.

Achieve Longer-Lasting Results With Regular Treatments

Most patients undergo Botox maintenance treatments every three to six months to preserve their wrinkle-free appearance. Fortunately, the results of Botox tend to last longer with each subsequent treatment because the muscles become weaker the longer they aren’t used. This means repeat treatments can be undergone less and less frequently while maintaining the same results. Some patients eventually only need annual Botox touch-up treatments.

Talk to your provider to find out what your individualized Botox maintenance treatment plan will look like.

3. Botox Results, Like Most Good Things, Take Some Time

While you may be anxious to see Botox results right after your treatment, they won’t be visible straight away. It takes time for the neurotoxin formula to block the release of neurotransmitters and prevent muscle movement. Some patients notice Botox results within just a few days, but others may not see results for 10 days.

Plan Ahead if You Have an Upcoming Event

You may see some results sooner, but, in general, you can expect to see your full results by two weeks after your Botox procedure. Because of this, we recommend scheduling your treatment two to three weeks prior to any important event you’ll be attending.

Also, some patients experience mild bruising for up to 24 hours, so you want to give yourself plenty of time for any side effects to resolve so you can look your best for your outing.

4. Schedule a Daytime Appointment

After your Botox treatment, you should not lie down for at least four hours. While you can resume most of your usual activities immediately, lying down too soon can cause Botox to migrate to unwanted areas and fluid to collect in the treatment area. The pressure of your face against your pillow can also cause Botox to move out of the injected area and prevent muscle movement where you don’t want it, which is why rubbing and massages should also be avoided.

Get a “Lunchtime Treatment”

Daytime is often the most suitable time for a Botox appointment so you won’t be tempted to lie down and relax or go to sleep afterward. And because treatment usually takes less than 15 minutes, a midday appointment is great for those interested in getting Botox on their lunch break from work (hence the term “lunchtime treatment,” as you may have heard it called).

5. Look at Before and After Botox Photos

Find a Botox provider who has before and after pictures you can look at to see the results they can achieve. Select someone whose results show an aesthetic similar to what you’re looking for.

Look at their photo gallery online before your consultation to see if they have any examples of their work, and ask to see more before and after photos at your consultation. Some providers may not have pictures available online, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have any or wouldn’t be a good choice. If you’ve found someone you like, be sure to ask when booking your consultation if before and after photos will be available for you to see when you come in.

Learn More About Wrinkle-Smoothing Botox in Redlands, CA

These 5 things are essential to know before getting Botox, and we want to ensure you understand all of your options and what to expect prior to treatment. At your consultation, we will take the time to educate you about the cosmetic procedures we have available to help determine what will work best for you and your needs.

Call Senza Aesthetic Medicine in Redlands at 909-793-3563 to book your Botox consultation today!

Further Reading About Botox

To find out which aging concerns Botox is best for, read our other blog about the 9 best Botox treatment areas.