Getting Botox For The First Time

As we age we tend to get more fine lines, forehead lines and wrinkles appearing on our face. This tends to occur especially when we frown. There are preventative measures that can be done to stave off the signs of aging and a skincare routine that involves staying out of the sun and using sun protection can help with the general condition of the skin. You can also help your skin by regularly using moisturizer and leading a healthy lifestyle (such as a good diet and not smoking).

Unfortunately even the best skincare routine cannot combat the signs of aging forever. So when you first notice some fine lines, frown lines or even wrinkles on and around your forehead area, you may wish to look at ways this can be reduced. In these cases one of the first cosmetic treatments you are likely to come across is Botox since it is an extremely popular treatment.

Many individuals who are considering having Botox for the first time, understandably have a lot of questions about the procedure. It is normal to have a lot of questions about being injected with a neurotoxin or hyaluronic acid filler. The good news is that getting Botox is both safe and effective and also the #1 cosmetic procedure done in the United States.

Can anyone administer Botox?

The short answer is no. For those considering having a Botox treatment for the first time there are a few issues that you should be aware of. Because Botox has become very popular, there are many places where Botox is injected. Dentists and other non-core trained physicians have been known to inject Botox, even holding events called a Botox party. This might be tempting, but we do not recommend having any cosmetic treatment including Botox outside of a professional clinic. You should always plan ahead, and take care and choose a board certified dermatologist to carry out any treatments. Professional dermatologists such as Dr. Michele Green are highly skilled and trained in cosmetic practices. You should not cut corners when it comes to treatments like this.

What is Botox and How Does it Work?

Botox® is the commonly known name for the trade name Botulinum Toxin Type A. This substance is a purified toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The way Botox works is that it is injected directly into the area that is being treated. The Botox serum works by stopping the muscles in the treated area from being able to contract and move. So for example when you frown, the lines are reduced because the muscle movement in this area are ‘frozen’ into place. This gives a more youthful appearance since the wrinkles and fine lines in the treated area do not show as readily.

What areas can Botox Treat?

There are some common areas that Botox is typically used to treat on both the facial muscles and neck areas. Botox works well on frown lines, forehead wrinkles and crow’s feet which appear around the eyes.  Botox injections can also be used to treat wrinkle bands around the neck. It is also used in a few other areas as an anti-aging treatment.

How Long Does the Effects of Botox Last?

Most individuals need only one Botox treatment at a time, and the effects of Botox typically can last up to three months or even a little longer after the treatment. After this point your muscle contractions will start to return to normal and you can choose to repeat the procedure if you wish.

What measures should I take after the treatment?

Cosmetic procedures such as Botox require no downtime and you can typically go about your normal routine immediately after the treatment. However there are a few things you should avoid doing after having Botox injections that will help ensure that the procedure works effectively.

You should avoid rubbing, or massaging the treatment area. Avoid things like facials on the day of the treatment. You should avoid lying on your face. You should also avoid strenuous exercise the day of the injection, and avoid alcohol. You should be upright for four hours after your Botox injections. Your dermatologist will advise you fully as to what you will need to do. In short, after Botox the best thing to do is simply set the day aside to recover properly.

Side effects from Botox are generally minimal. There may be some bruising at the injection site. Occasionally some people may experience a headache, although this is not common. Injectable treatments such as Botox are relatively pain free although some patients may prefer to have a topical anesthetic applied before the procedure. For some patients, the “idea” of cosmetic injections like Botox can be a little stressful, but the procedure is very quick, painless and simple, so there is nothing to fear.

Botox is great at tackling certain issues with wrinkles and fine lines. In some cases and areas of the face and body where this sort of thing occurs other treatments such as dermal fillers may be considered as an alternative option.

To find out more about how Botox can help reduce your fine lines and wrinkles please contact us online today or call 212-535-3088 at our New York clinic to book an appointment with Dr. Michele Green.