Botox is the most popular cosmetic treatment in the United States, with 4.4 million procedures performed in the last year alone. Despite this, people still have a lot of fear, confusion, and questions about Botox. If you’re interested in Botox, but you’re not sure if it’s the best choice for you, keep reading! We’ve got the answers to your most asked Botox questions right here.
What Is Botox and How Does It Work?
Botox injections are a cosmetic treatment most notably used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The injections use a toxin called onabotulinumtoxinA to relax the muscles around wrinkles, which makes the skin look more youthful. If the word toxin concerns you, don’t worry—Botox injections have been approved by the FDA since 2002.
Botox is traditionally used for crow’s feet around the eyes, horizontal lines on the forehead, and wrinkles between the eyebrows. It can also be used for brow lifts, and to enhance the fullness of your lips
Wrinkles are formed by contractions of the muscles under the skin. During the procedure, very small amounts of the botulinum toxin will be injected into the targeted muscles. Once injected, it relaxes and loosens the muscles. The lesser your muscles contract, the fewer wrinkles will be formed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Botox
It’s always good to do your research before going “under the knife”—or, in this case, the needle. Fortunately, we’ve got all of it in one place. Here are the answers to all your questions about Botox, even the ones you’re afraid to ask.
Does Botox Prevent Future Wrinkles?
Absolutely. Botox injections use highly purified toxins that are injected directly into the muscles. This has the benefit of temporarily erasing or reducing forehead wrinkles, frown or smile lines, and crow’s feet, but it also works to prevent the formation of new lines and wrinkles.
Will My Face Look Frozen or Unnatural?
This is a common question people have, and while it is possible, it won’t happen with an experienced medical professional. Botox is designed to soften lines and leave you looking more youthful and refreshed, not to freeze your muscles. The danger, however, arises when you inject more botox than your muscles need. The Botox treatment experts at Drip Med Spa will assess your current conditions and needs so we can get you those perfect results you dream of!
Does It Hurt?
It depends on each person’s individual pain tolerance, but Botox injections are usually on the smaller side, so the pain is minimal. It can be slightly painful between the eyebrows, but the pain doesn’t last long. If needed, you can get ice packs or numbing cream to numb the area 10 minutes before the procedure.
Is There Any Downtime?
You can return to your daily activities immediately after the procedure. At most, some people may feel mild discomfort, and patients on medication that contain aspirin or NSAIDs might notice pinpoint blue bruising. Results will usually begin to show around four to five days after the treatment. These results will slowly continue to develop over the next two weeks.
What Should I Avoid Doing After the Procedure?
While there is no downtime, it’s best to take certain precautions following the treatment. This is to ensure that the injected substance doesn’t spread to other areas near the muscle(s).
- Do not massage or rub the injected areas.
- You can apply makeup directly after the procedure, but take care not to press or rub the makeup in.
- Avoid physical activity for a minimum of two hours. If possible, don’t lift heavy items, perform difficult workouts, or engage in any other strenuous physical activity for 24 hours.
Will Everyone Know That I’ve Gotten Botox?
This answer is both yes and no. Botox leaves you looking fresher and more rested, and although it can make you look younger, it doesn’t change your face. It’s much easier to tell when a Botox job has been done badly than when it’s done well. Ultimately, what matters most is if you’re happy with your treatment and the way you look and feel.
What Are the Side Effects of Botox?
Like every drug, botox does have side effects—but they’re rare, and tend to be mild and temporary. In fact, the FDA noted only 36 cases of adverse effects from Botox in a span of 14 years.
The potential side effects of Botox include redness, swelling, soreness, and bruising. Some rare side effects are slight drooping of the eyelid or eyebrow (goes away within two weeks) and mild headaches, which also resolve in some time.
When Is the Best Time to Start Using Botox?
There’s no timeline on Botox—it entirely depends on you. You can use Botox to reduce your wrinkles or use it preventatively. Botox is a safe procedure regardless of age, so it ultimately depends on how you feel. All that matters is that you first get a consultation with an expert before starting any treatment.
How Long Does Botox Last?
Every individual is different, so this answer varies as well. In general, the results from Botox can last for three to six months from the date of injection. Over time the body will metabolize the Botox, at which point they can have the treatment again. Some people get treatments every three months, while others have them every four to six months.
At Drip Med Spa, MD, we want you to feel happy, healthy, and confident in your body. That’s why our Botox treatments always start with an in-depth consultation—to get to know you, your concerns, desires, expectations, and aesthetic dreams.
We’ll work through your options to find the perfect treatment for you, so if you’re looking to rejuvenate and enhance your face, get in touch! Call us at (443) 660-9734 or contact us online to get started.