What Happens During Your Botox Appointment
At your first Botox or Dysport appointment, you’ll start with a consultation and full-face assessment where your provider will review your medical history, discuss your aesthetic goals, and assess your facial muscle movements. Based on this, they’ll determine the appropriate dosage and injection sites. Once the plan is confirmed, the provider will cleanse your skin and use a small needle to inject Botox or Dysport into targeted muscles. Most appointments take about 30 minutes or less, and discomfort is minimal thanks to the tiny needles used. This treatment temporarily blocks nerve signals in specific muscles, preventing them from contracting, which helps soften existing lines and prevent new ones from forming (1).
How to Prepare for Your Botox Appointment
Before your appointment, avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medications like aspirin or ibuprofen for at least 48 hours, unless advised otherwise by your doctor. This helps minimize the risk of bruising. Let your provider know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as we will not be able to inject Botox.
Where Do You Inject Botox?
Botox can be injected in various areas to smooth wrinkles, enhance facial contours, and relax overactive muscles. Common treatment areas include the forehead, crow’s feet (around the eyes), glabellar lines (between the brows), bunny lines (on the nose), masseters (for jaw slimming), chin (to smooth dimpling and texture), DAO (to lift a downturned mouth), gummy smile, lip flip, neck (for platysmal bands), and jawline (for contouring).
Do Botox Injections Hurt?
Discomfort is minimal and feels like a slight pinch. The needle we use is very small, and the treatment is quick. Plus, we use a small vibrating device to make the treatment more comfortable for our patients. Your comfort is our priority!
How Long Does It Take for Botox to Settle In?
Botox typically begins to work within 5 days after treatment, while Dysport may show effects as early as 3 days. However, full results for both treatments are generally seen around 14 days post-injection (2). This period allows the neurotoxin to fully block the targeted nerve signals and smooth the overlying skin.
How Long Does Botox Last?
Botox typically begins to work within 5 days after treatment, while Dysport may show effects as early as 3 days. However, full results for both treatments are generally seen around 14 days post-injection (2). This period allows the neurotoxin to fully block the targeted nerve signals and smooth the overlying skin.
When Do I Come Back In?
You’ll return for a follow-up visit about two weeks after your first treatment to assess the results and determine if any minor dosage adjustments are needed. After that, we recommend returning every 3 to 4 months to maintain your results. Consistent treatment not only preserves a smooth appearance but can also prevent deeper static wrinkles from forming. You can see our Botox results, here.
What Should I Avoid After Botox?
Post-treatment, avoid lying down or bending over for 4 hours to prevent the product from migrating. Refrain from vigorous exercise, alcohol, or touching your face for 24 hours. Avoid saunas or anything that increases blood flow to the face for 48 hours. Do not massage the treatment sites. This includes- rubbing the area, wearing tight-fitting hats, and any facial treatments, back massages, eyebrow waxing, laser, or peels for at least 2 weeks. Mild swelling or bruising at injection sites is normal and should resolve within a few days (3).
References:
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2023). Botulinum Toxin. Retrieved from https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/botulinum-toxin
- Allergan. (2023). Botox® [Prescribing Information]. Retrieved from https://www.botoxcosmetic.com
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. (2023). Botox: What to Expect. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/fillers-botox/botox
Curious about botox in Wilmington, NC
Peer Reviewed by Chelsea Delgado, RN
Chelsea brings nearly seven years of experience in Medical Aesthetics, specializing in injectable and laser treatments. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Chelsea began her nursing career with a focus on Aesthetic Medicine and quickly realized her passion for helping others feel confident and beautiful in their own skin.
