Getting Botox for the First Time? Here’s What You Should Know

If it’s your first time getting Botox, it is perfectly normal to feel nervous. Fortunately, this injectable has a good track record of safety and is FDA-approved for reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Botox also continues to have a high satisfaction rate, which is why many who have undergone the treatment are happy with its results.

Fast facts about Botox

• Botulinum toxin or Botox is an FDA-cleared anti-wrinkle treatment.
• It is used for treating lines formed due to repetitive facial expressions (e.g. frown lines, forehead lines, crow’s feet, smoker’s lines).
• It temporarily blocks the signal from a nerve to muscles to relax the wrinkles.
• The procedure can take less than 30 minutes.
• A topical anesthetic cream is used to make the injections more comfortable.

If you’re a newbie in Botox, here are some helpful things you should know.

Is there a perfect age to start Botox?

No, there is no right or wrong time to start the treatments. While most Botox patients belong in the older demographic, this doesn’t mean that people in their late 20s or 30s cannot undergo the treatments. In fact, starting early can reduce your chances of having more pronounced or prominent wrinkles in the treated area.

Neurotoxins have a preventative effect, which is why preventative Botox appointments are becoming more popular. It is performed during the first stages of lines, which paralyzes the muscles before any wrinkles form. It trains the muscles not to make facial expressions into a habit, resulting in fewer lines/wrinkles when you get older.

Why does consultation with a dermatologist or an aesthetic doctor matters?

A detailed in person consultation with a cosmetic or aesthetic doctor is important in determining the specifics of the treatments. During consultations, the doctor will ask you to make certain facial expressions to assess how your face moves and where to place the injections correctly. 

A Botox consultation should also include a health assessment to know whether you have allergies or are taking medications that interact with Botox. The provider or the aesthetic doctor will also discuss the following:

• Medical history (and skin analysis)
• Your expectations and areas of the face that need Botox
• Results of the treatment
• Potential risks and side effects 
• Post-treatment care

Why does it matter where you get Botox or who administers the treatment?

Whether it’s you first, second, or third time getting Botox, it is important to go to a trained and experienced injector. Do take note that the doctor’s technique, experience, artistry, and eye for detail will affect the results of the treatment. The less is more approach also matters when getting natural results.

Make sure to only get the treatment in a clinic setting (like laser and aesthetic clinics) and not at beauty salons and spas. Be wary of those who offer extremely cheap Botox and propose to have the injections at home or in a private setting. Keep in mind that complications and side effects are rare if the injector is trained and experienced.  

Are the results immediate or permanent?

The results of Botox are not instant. It can take at least two weeks to see the maximum results of the treatment. Following the first two or three days, you may not be able to see any changes, but four or five days post-treatment, improvements can be seen. Then after 14 days, you’ll be able to enjoy the full results. 

Botox results are not permanent. They can last between three and six months or longer with repeated injections. After this period, you’ll need touch-up treatments to maintain the youthful results. The correct dosage and proper technique can give you a natural, refreshed look while maintaining your facial expressions.

Why do you need a follow-up appointment?

Your aesthetic doctor will likely ask you to come back for a follow-up appointment after about a week to determine if touch-up treatments are needed. This is because some side or areas of the face are stronger and will therefore require a bit more Botox. 

This is also why when getting Botox for the first time, it is advisable to get less than what you think your face needs. Then, through a follow-up consultation/appointment, you can decide if you want more Botox later.  

Are you considering Botox for the first time? Contact Cutis Laser Clinics in Singapore at +65-6801-4000 and schedule a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors to find out if this anti-aging injectable is right for you.