There’s nothing you can do to stop your body from transforming your smooth complexion into wrinkled skin. However, you can take preventative measures to keep your skin healthy. And Botox is one of the most effective anti-aging treatments. As of January 2021, Botox was one of the most searched cosmetic procedures online in Canada, with a monthly search volume of more than 18,000.
But what exactly is Botox? And is it a completely safe procedure?
Botox is a muscle relaxant that is injected into your skin with a tiny needle to make fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable and to stop new wrinkles from appearing in the future. Other products fulfill the same function, but Botox is the most common one used. Botox is not only used to remove wrinkles but can also be effective against ailments such as migraines and extreme sweating. When it comes to treating wrinkles, it is mainly used for forehead and under-eye wrinkles.
If you’re contemplating getting Botox, you must know that it shouldn’t be taken lightly as it affects your facial muscles. For this reason, in the article below, we share some things to consider before undergoing such a treatment.
Schedule a Consultation
Before diving deeper into this topic, you must first understand the importance of choosing a trusted clinic, such as Skinjectables, that will help you achieve your aesthetic goals for long-lasting results. These professionals will schedule a consultation with you, explain how they work, and help you choose the right procedure for you. So thoroughly research local clinics to find the one that meets your needs.
The practitioners will examine your face to better understand its structure, assess the function of your muscles, and determine where Botox should be injected. They might ask you to smile or frown and raise your eyebrows. These expressions will show them how your face moves naturally so that they can provide you with an effective treatment. They can also botox underarms, so they may inspect under the arms.
A complete health evaluation is typically included in the consultation. The practitioner performing this cosmetic procedure must also know if you’re taking any medications that may interact with Botox.
To calm your first-time nerves, you should choose a professional that you feel safe with and have confidence in. It is important that the practitioner be licensed to perform the treatment.
Find Out the Risks Ahead of Time
Find out what risks are associated with Botox, and you will know what requirements you must meet before undergoing your treatment. How does your medical professional or clinic deal with complications or incorrect treatment? How do they take care of you as a patient after the treatment? Are they available 24/7? Can you sign a patient consent form?
This type of useful information is usually available on the clinics' websites. If your doctor says there are no risks at all, you should think twice before doing your treatment there.
Results Aren’t Immediate
Botox results don't always come immediately, despite our expectations. You might even wonder whether they inserted the right amount of Botox.
You will not be able to see the full effect of your Botox injections immediately. The results will be apparent in 3 days or up to 14 days after treatment. Botox takes time to show, depending on where it was injected, what depth the indentation was, and many other factors.
The nerves affected by Botox have “binding sites,” which allow the chemical to cling to their surface and inhibit activity. So the more binding sites you have in your nerves, the faster you will be able to see the results.
How long the effects of Botox last is different for each person, but, on average, they last between 3 and 6 months. It all depends on the areas injected and how many units are used. It’s important to consider the quality of Botox. Botox cannot be reversed if you have any complications. These adverse reactions will disappear once the neurotoxin has worn off.
Aftercare Is Key
You can prolong the effects of Botox by following certain guidelines in the first week after treatment.
After your treatment, you can either frown or raise your eyebrows one hour after the procedure. Although these facial activities are not required, they may lead to better results. Avoid taking blood-thinning medications and ibuprofen. This will prevent skin reddening and swelling.
It’s important to avoid massaging the treated area, saunas, intense physical activity, and alcohol intake for 24 hours after treatment.
Final Words
Botox is the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure. Every face is different, so it is important to choose and consult with the right clinic and practitioner. To get the most out of your Botox treatment and make your skin smoother and more youthful-looking, it is important to follow these general guidelines before and after.
