7 Important Factors to Consider Before Getting Botox

Did you know Botox has remained the most requested aesthetic procedure since 1999? It’s no wonder, too! Though everyone associates Botox with wrinkles, it’s also used for chronic migraines, lazy eyes, and so much more.

If you’re thinking about getting Botox, you probably have a lot of questions. What is Botox? What are the benefits?

Should I get Botox myself?

We’re here to provide the answers you need! Here are seven factors to consider before getting Botox for the first time. By reading this guide, you can prepare yourself before going under the needle.

Discover all the Botox information you need with this guide today!

1. Schedule Your Consultation

Before getting Botox, it’s essential not to rush into your first treatment. Instead, take the time to schedule a consultation. An experienced professional can help you determine if it’s the right choice for your beauty goals.

Your Botox provider should ask you to raise your eyes and brow. During your consultation, they’ll evaluate how areas of your face move. Their evaluation can help determine the course of your treatment.

Take the time to review your medical history with the professional, too. For example, are you currently on any other forms of treatment? Are you taking any prescription medications?

Some antibiotics can increase neurotoxins.

If you’re currently on a prescription antibiotic, let your Botox provider know. They might ask you to finish the course of your medical treatment before getting Botox.

Otherwise, you might experience unwanted effects, like a droopy lid.

Take the time to learn about your Botox provider, too. Are they board-certified facial plastic surgeons? What are their credentials?

How many times have they performed a Botox treatment?

You can find a Botox doctor here.

It’s important to look for someone trained, licensed, and experienced. Learning more about the provider’s credentials will give you peace of mind. Otherwise, you could end up as their first patient.

After reviewing your medical history and a physical exam, you can start your first treatment.

When to Start

Are you in your 20s or 30s? You’re not too young to begin treatment! In fact, getting Botox in your 20s can have preventative benefits.

Younger patients will likely need less Botox than patients in their 40s or 50s. It depends on the state of your skin. Either way, all patients are bound to notice results.

If your lines are more pronounced, you might want to consider complementary treatments, including fillers, peels, or micro-needling.

2. Avoid Meds and Supplements

Antibiotics aren’t the only medication you’ll need to worry about. It’s also important to avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and other anticoagulants. Taking a blood thinner before treatment could increase your chances of bruising.

There are a few supplements and antioxidant-rich herbs that could have an effect, too. Try to avoid ginger, fish oil, green tea, multivitamins, cinnamon, and red wine before treatment.

Antioxidants could prevent clotting while making your blood vessels frailer.

Avoid these substances for at least two weeks before treatment.

3. Check the Price

Hunting for the cheapest price isn’t always the safest choice. Instead, shop around and get a few quotes from different people in the area.

If someone prices their Botox treatment too low, it’s probably too good to be true. You might end up receiving a diluted dose. Maybe they purchased from an illegal supplier.

Make sure to prioritize your safety. Look for Botox providers who only use authorized, safe suppliers. Otherwise, treatment could do you more harm than good.

4. Know the Source and Filler

Over 7 million people have experienced Botox benefits for themselves. However, not every treatment is made equal.

What is Botox, exactly? Botox is derived from the C. botulinum bacteria before it becomes Botulinum toxin. When used for therapeutic purposes and in small doses, it can temporarily paralyze muscles.

Make sure you understand what’s in the needle before getting Botox. For example, you don’t want to use silicone to fill your wrinkles. Silicone isn’t FDA-approved and can’t be metabolized.

Instead, it could harden over time and leave permanent results.

Is your Botox provider an official vendor for the injectable they’re using? Does it contain any fillers or neurotoxins?

Make sure the product isn’t contaminated or expired before your appointment.

5. The Bruises Will Fade

Your provider will need to use a fine needle when injecting Botox. Unfortunately, there is a possibility that the injection will hit a vessel. If this happens, blood could pool under your skin.

A bruise might form as a result.

Some treatment centers offer vascular laser treatment. This treatment can break down the blood that pooled into smaller particles. Your bruises should fade within 24 hours.

Make sure to ask your provider what other services they provide before your first appointment.

6. Take a Break

After your appointment, you’ll need to avoid exercising. It also helps to avoid:

• Applying makeup
• Lying down
• Fly
• Touching your face
• Washing your hair
• Bend over

Too much activity can cause the toxin to spread to your muscles. The injection might become weaker around the injection site.

If you need to work out, make sure to do so before your first appointment. Avoiding too much activity can ensure the injectable remains in place.

7. Results are Temporary

Many people assume they’ll see results immediately after getting Botox. It’s important to manage your expectations. The results aren’t immediate.

It can sometimes take one to two weeks after your treatment to begin noticing results.

You’ll need to schedule a follow-up appointment after your initial treatment. Your muscles won’t all react right away. A stronger area of your face might need a little more treatment than others.

Returning to your provider a week after your first treatment will help them determine if you’re experiencing results. They’ll also let you know if you require a touchup treatment.

During your follow-up, make sure to mention if you’re experiencing any side effects.

Receiving an injection between your brows could cause a temporary headache or dizziness. That’s normal.

Smooth Things Out 7 Factors to Consider Before Getting Botox for the First Time

Botox can help you smooth away wrinkle lines for younger-looking skin. With this guide, you can go into your first appointment with confidence. Consider discussing your beauty goals with a Botox professional today!

Searching for more helpful tips? Explore our latest beauty guides today.