Are you feeling nervous about getting botox for the first time and are not sure what to expect? Being a bit anxious before is completely normal about having something new done. Learn exactly what to expect from the treatment and how to care for your botox afterwards.
Botox is not surgery, it is a treatment that is a fast, safe, and effective way to treat wrinkles and facial creases resulting in a more youthful appearance. Botox has been around for quite some time. It was first introduced into the market in 1989 and over the years it has changed the face of humanity. It was actually discovered for its cosmetic advantages on accident by an ophthalmologist. It was originally used to treat people who were cross-eyed and suffered from eye spasms. Now it is one of the most commonly received cosmetic treatments.
Botox is FDA approved and is most commonly used around the eyes, forehead, and crow’s feet. According to the Cosmetic Surgeon of Tampa, 7.4 million people in the United States are receiving botox treatments. It gets even greater when you consider how many people are getting it globally. Botox is a common treatment for women, but each year the number of men getting it done has steadily increased. At The Breazeale Clinic our hope is that the client can achieve that youthful look they have been searching for.
Medical Advantages of Getting Botox
Botox is primarily thought of to be done for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but there are actually a few medical reasons you may consider getting a botox treatment done. Botox can be used to treat some different conditions. Hyperhidrosis is a condition that means you sweat excessively, but botox can help control the immense amount one could be sweating. It turns off the sweat glands to reduce the sweats.
Some people may have a condition called cervical dystonia that causes neck spasms. Botox can help this condition since it will block the movements of the muscles causing the spasms. Lots of people suffer from chronic migraines. In 2010, it was approved to start using botox to help treat chronic migraines which has helped many people who have suffered. Check to see if you qualify through your insurance to get botox for medical reasons. If any of this is something you may suffer from, you may really benefit from having botox done.
Prior to Your First Appointment
Once your first appointment is scheduled you may be feeling a bit anxious and still have some questions. It is completely normal to wonder what you are about to experience. Botox is a simple procedure that our staff performs numerous times a day. While it is normal to be nervous, Dr. Breazeale and the rest of the staff will work with the client to make it as easygoing and stressless as possible.
There are a few things to keep in mind before getting botox. It is important to keep alcohol at a limitation, taking aspirin, or using any anti-inflammatory medications for a few weeks prior to receiving botox. These can cause your blood to be thinner than normal making the chances of bruising after treatment more likely. Bruising after botox is very rare, but being preventative before is helpful.
How Botox Actually Works
Many people think that botox works to smooth wrinkles by plumping up the skin in between the wrinkles. This is not actually how it works. Botox works by relaxing the muscles that are being used to create the wrinkles. The injections temporarily relax the facial muscles causing the wrinkles to be less prominent. By preventing the contraction of those specific nerves, there is less pull or action of the skin. A bacteria called clostridium botulinum is diluted in saline before injected into your skin. After a few short days, the botox is in full effect and will give your skin a much smoother, softer appearance.
You must be at least 18 years or older to receive botox. Lots of experts would agree that starting young such as late 20’s or early 30’s that it may be smart to consider preventative botox especially if you are prone to wrinkles or fine lines. There is a common misconception that after the botox wears off, you will look older. This is not true and it may be a good idea to start getting botox younger.
How Will the Appointment Go?
At the beginning of your appointment, the workers at Breazeale Clinic will ensure that you are comfortable and ready for your botox treatment. They will answer any questions you may still have about the process and go over responses with you. They may go over with you again the areas you are wanting to focus on and once you are ready, several small injections will be put into your face on the target areas with a tiny needle.
This process typically only takes 10-15 minutes and then you are all done! Most patients say it just feels like a tiny pinching sensation and is not painful at all.
How to Care For Botox After Your Appointment
After your appointment, there are a few things to be careful of. It is important to refrain from laying down for 3 to 4 hours to help avoid causing more blood flow to your facial area. You should avoid doing intense exercise or any vigorous activity for 24 hours after receiving the injections. Engaging in intense physical activity could cause the botox to shift around to other areas. It is also crucial to not wear a hat or headband as this may also cause the botox to move.
Try your best not to sleep on the treated areas. While this may be difficult, it is a good idea to be cautious of the position you are sleeping in. Stay out of the direct sunlight for at least 4 hours after your treatment, but also continue to be careful for sun exposure after. Avoid alcohol as it could increase the likelihood of bruising. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated and rest for those 24 hours after your appointment.
How Long Does Botox Last?
Well, we all wish botox could last forever, but unfortunately it does not. Eventually it will wear off and the nerves will be able to start working again to do those movements or contractions that was causing the wrinkles. In general, botox lasts for about 3 to 4 months depending on the person this could be a bit shorter or longer duration.
It is not uncommon for the first time you get botox, it may go away quicker. A lot of people notice that it lasts longer after the second time they get the treatment done. There are a few tips to help lengthen the appearance from your treatment. A few are moisturize the skin, avoid sun damage, maintain stress levels, and don’t use nicotine. Those are just a few things to consider if you want to help the botox last. Each patient will have a unique experience and the results may vary.
Will There Be Any Side Effects?
You may experience some side effects, but they are typically minimal and are not long lasting. GoodRx Health says that botox is generally well tolerated and most people recover quickly, but some side effects are still a possibility. Headaches are possible due to the fact that the muscles may spasm before being paralyzed. Dry skin can happen around the areas where botox was injected so staying moisturized is important. Be careful when you are moisturizing to be as gentle as possible for a few days to make sure the botox is set. Eye problems may be seen as botox can result in you blinking less which can cause dryer eyes. Dry eyes may result in having difficulty seeing.
While these side effects are rare and not usually extreme, there is always a possibility of it and we want you to be aware of it. Please do not hesitate to call our office if you have any side effects that are worrisome and are not getting better after your procedure.
Dr. Breazeale and the team at Breazeale Clinic aim to welcome patients into a circle that feels like family. Dr. Breazeale has been treating patients in the Knoxville, Tennessee area for over 20 years. Our goal is to make every visitor a priority because we know that a treatment or procedure isn’t a one-time deal. You’ll have your face and your body for a lifetime, and all of us on Dr. Breazeale’s team make it our goal to be your trusted resource for years to come, helping you make changes that will last. Interested in getting botox at the Breazeale Clinic? Schedule an appointment today or give us a call at 865-342-0300.
