BOTOX® COSMETIC FOR THE FIRST TIME
WHAT TO EXPECT
So you’ve heard about Botox and your friends may be getting it BUT you still have a lot of unanswered questions before you schedule a consultation like “What happens during the consultation?” So here is a rundown of some common Q&A’s to get you caught up.
Common Questions:
WHAT IS BOTOX® COSMETIC?
BOTOX® COSMETIC is the brand name of a chemical derivative of botulinum toxin. BOTOX® COSMETIC is developed and sold by Allergan. Unlike regular botulinum toxin, BOTOX® COSMETIC is not harmful to your health and does not cause illnesses that are associated with the toxin.
BOTOX® COSMETIC works to temporarily weaken the muscles in your face that cause laugh lines, the creases that form at the sides of your mouth, crow’s feet, wrinkles that present around the outer corners of your eyes, and other forms of wrinkles. The treatment results in the reduction of wrinkles and an improved appearance of younger looking skin. Botox does not paralyze the face completely or result in an unnatural appearance when the procedure is done by a qualified specialist.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR BOTOX® COSMETIC?
With time, the contraction of muscles caused by laughing, smiling, or frowning produce permanent wrinkles and furrows in the skin. Generally, patients consider getting BOTOX® COSMETIC after they notice these signs of aging. However, BOTOX® COSMETIC is also effective as a preventative treatment beginning in your late 20s or early 30s. While BOTOX® COSMETIC is most commonly performed o women, 9% of all BOTOX® COSMETIC treatments are done on men.
If you’re considering BOTOX® COSMETIC, I’ll help you determine if you’re a good candidate for the treatment during your consultation appointment.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?
BOTOX® COSMETIC is a quick, safe, and effective treatment. In an effort to be completely transparent with our patients, here’s what you can expect before, during, and after your Botox treatment.
BEFORE YOUR TREATMENT
Before getting BOTOX® COSMETIC for the first time, you’ll meet with Erikka Baehring, NP for a consultation appointment. At your consultation appointment, you’ll be asked to share the details of your medical history, to ensure BOTOX® COSMETIC is a safe treatment option for you.
Erikka will also answer any questions you may have regarding the treatment, and discuss which areas of the face you wish to have treated. At the end of the consultation appointment, you’ll have a clear understanding of the amount of BOTOX® COSMETIC you will be getting, and where you will be getting it.
During the appointment, Erikka will need to know about the following items before recommending you for Botox treatments:
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Medications
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Medical conditions
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Surgical history
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Pregnancy
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Previous aesthetic treatments
Medications
Erikka will need to know all the medications you take, including prescription medicines and over-the-counter remedies such as aspirin, vitamins, and herbal supplements. This is done to ensure that Botox will not react negatively with any of your medications.
Medical conditions
Any medical conditions you have will be discussed at your consultation appointment. If you have any muscle or nerve conditions, or have had swallowing or breathing problems in the past, you may not be a candidate for BOTOX® COSMETIC treatments. You should also tell Erikka if you experience weakness in your forehead muscles, drooping eyelids, or have trouble raising your eyebrows often.
Surgical history
If you have had surgery on your face, or plan to, Erikka will need to know, as this can impact treatment. Facial surgeries include elective procedures, such as brow lifts and face lifts, as well as medically necessary surgeries to the face and jaw.
Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, nursing, or plan to become pregnant, Erikka will need to know. BOTOX® COSMETIC is not generally recommended for pregnant women. While there have been no studies to indicate that there is any risk involved with getting BOTOX® COSMETIC while pregnant, Erikka will want to stay on the safe side and schedule your treatment for after the baby is born.
Previous Treatment
It is important to know if you have had any previous aesthetics treatment with either botox or dermal filler.
DURING YOUR BOTOX® COSMETIC TREATMENT
Your first BOTOX® COSMETIC appointment will likely be quick and easy. Typically, the entire treatment is completed in 30 minutes or less. Here’s a detailed list of what to expect from beginning to end of the treatment:
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You and and Erikka will review what was discussed at your consultation appointment including how much BOTOX® COSMETIC you’re getting and in which areas.
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Erikka will carefully identify and mark the areas to be treated.
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A mild cleanser will be applied to these areas.
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If you’re concerned about discomfort, Erikka will use ice or a numbing cream (small extra cost) to numb the targeted area(s).
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Erikka will use a narrow micro-needle to inject BOTOX® COSMETIC directly into the facial muscles. One to three injections may be needed.
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Ice and pressure may be applied to the treated areas to discourage swelling
AFTER YOUR BOTOX® COSMETIC TREATMENT
BOTOX® COSMETIC requires minimal downtime or recovery period. Meaning, you’ll be able to resume most of your normal activities immediately after your treatment. Special pre and post treatment instructions are available in your member page after login.
In rare cases, BOTOX® COSMETIC can migrate to other muscles in the body. To avoid this possibility, follow these guidelines:
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Avoid rubbing the treated areas
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Do not lie down for four hours following treatment
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Wait 24 hours to exercise or engage in any strenuous activity
You should begin to notice results in the first week following treatment.
THE SIDE EFFECTS OF BOTOX® COSMETIC
BOTOX® COSMETIC is a very safe treatment. However, as with any treatment, side effects can occur. Most side effects are mild and should disappear within a few days. If they don’t, contact Erikka Baehring, NP.
Common side effects of Botox include:
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Bruising
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Redness
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Minor swelling
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Numbness
If you experience side effects such as a rashes, major swelling, or difficulty breathing and swallowing, seek emergency medical treatment. Severe side effects can indicate a rare but serious allergic reaction.
SEEING THE RESULTS OF BOTOX® COSMETIC
The results of BOTOX® COSMETIC can last up to three months. For continuous results, schedule treatments at regular intervals with your Erikka. Typically, patients schedule a Botox treatment every three months, or before a special event. It’s important to note that Botox is not a permanent treatment. If you discontinue treatment, your lines and wrinkles will gradually return over time.
We recommend that you sign up to one of our memberships for continuous treatment and savings.