Preparing For Your First Botox Treatment

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Botox is the name for the protein botulinum toxin, that is used for individuals getting botox in their face and other parts of the body. Botox can help things like reducing creases and wrinkles in the face, correcting lazy eye, improving a brow furrow and fixing uncontrolled blinking. It has become one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatments as it is affordable, easy to get done and relatively painless afterward.

What to Tell Your Doctor

To prepare for your first botox treatment, you will first need to discuss some things with your doctor. For example, if you have had a botox treatment done in the past four months, let your doctor know. It may change how much of the botox protein you can get injected into your face to avoid complications. You also want to let your doctor know about any medications you are taking, particularly blood thinners. You will need to stop taking these about a week before the procedure to reduce bruising or bleeding. Even if you take allergy medications or sleeping aids, let your doctor know before the procedure.

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Numbing Your Skin

Before the procedure occurs, the doctor is going to numb your skin. There isn’t much you can do to prepare yourself, but be aware your doctor is going to numb the area. This can help relieve some of the stress or anxiety surrounding botox procedures. Numbing is done in one of three ways: with a cold spray, a cream or an injection. The cold spray is simply a blast of cold air on your skin for 10 seconds, but the numbness only lasts a few seconds. Next is the cream, which you will be prescribed and instructed to apply about 90 minutes before your appointment. Finally, you may have a numbing medication injected into your skin.

Learn More About the Procedure

The final way to prepare for your first botox treatment is to learn as much about it as you can. This can further help relieve some of your anxiety about getting it done. You should know that your skin will be numbed, making it mostly painless. Most people getting botox for the first time are surprised when all they feel is some numbness and occasionally a very slight pinching sensation. You will have a little swelling or redness afterward, but this is rare. If you have sensitive skin, you should use an ice pack on your skin right after the procedure. The procedure is done while you are comfortable in a reclining chair, similar to the one at your dentist office. If you have a very low pain tolerance, you can request a stronger numbing agent in your skin.

As you can see, botox treatments are easily done, and there is nothing to be concerned about. Even if you have the side effects like redness or bruising, it only lasts for a very short time. Talk to your doctor with any questions or concerns you might have.