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Trying Botox for the First Time: What to Expect, Day by Day Progress & Results
senior gets botox
Apr 12, 2021

Some people may be intimidated when considering Botox for the first time. In this article, The Breslow Center‘s medical aestheticians in Paramus, NJ answer some frequently asked questions about this highly effective and versatile treatment.

senior gets botox

How Does Botox Work?

Derived from naturally occurring bacteria, Botox is a Food and Drug Administration-approved, injectable neurotoxin used to treat numerous conditions. In addition to its aesthetic applications, Botox can improve the symptoms of migraines, excess sweating, and certain eye disorders. As a safe and non-invasive aesthetic treatment, Botox is primarily used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Using fine needles, Botox is injected beneath the skin to reduce muscle activity. Nerves release acetylcholine, a chemical messenger that attaches to muscle receptors and causes the muscle to contract. Botox blocks the transmission of these nerve signals.

As a result, the injections temporarily weaken or paralyze the muscles so that they can no longer contract, or tighten. This softens away the appearance of wrinkles. The procedure only takes a few minutes.

How Many Botox Units are Needed?

No two individuals or office visits are the same. The number of units required to create a natural appearance is based on several factors. These include your facial anatomy, the extent of the wrinkles, and the area to be treated.

Your expert injector will discuss this with you during your initial consultation. It’s important to see a knowledgeable provider who will design a customized treatment plan for you, and ensure that you receive the exact number of units you require.

Will I Feel Frozen?

It’s often more effective to administer a lesser amount during a first Botox treatment to see how effective the procedure is during a follow-up visit.

While more can be added if necessary, excess Botox cannot be taken away. Administering the right dosage minimizes the potential for creating the “frozen” facial expression that occurs when an individual receives too much of the toxin. As a result, the correct treatment will not affect your facial expressions. You will retain the ability to smile and laugh naturally.

How Soon Will I See Results After Botox?

You should begin to see Botox treatments starting to work with a couple days. The effects will become stronger over the ensuing 7 to 10 days. The complete effect is generally seen two weeks after the injection.

If you’re planning to get Botox treatments for a special event, you should schedule the appointment at least a week prior. In addition to giving the treatment a chance to be evident and the site of the injection to settle, it will also provide the opportunity to deal with any side effects or mild bruising that may occur.

How Long Will the Effects of Botox Last?

Botox treatments generally last three to four months. The length of time and progress depends upon the severity of your wrinkles and the amount of the Botox that you receive. As the injections wear off, muscle action will gradually resume. This will cause fine lines and wrinkles to reappear.

After repeated treatments, the lines and wrinkles will appear less severe because your muscles will be trained to relax. This may cause the effects of subsequent treatments and the results to last longer.

Should I Expect Any Downtime?

There is very little to no downtime associated with Botox injections, which feel like a pinch or subtle burning sensation. You are typically able to resume your daily routine right after treatment. It is often recommended that patients avoid strenuous activities for 24 hours. You should not rub the injection site for 12 hours or lie down for three to four hours after your treatment.

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What Are the Potential Side Effects of Botox?

While most people don’t experience any side effects, there may be some slight pain, bruising, swelling or redness at the injection site. Before treatment, the area is desensitized with ice or a numbing cream to make you more comfortable while reducing the potential for any side effects. In some rare cases, the injection may also cause a headache, upset stomach and flu-like symptoms that will go away within a day or so.

What If I Don’t Like the Results?

There is no known process to reverse the effects. While it may be possible to receive additional injections to counter some of the results, you will have to wait for the treatment to wear off.

You can minimize potential problems by seeing an experienced practitioner. The expert injector can administer the medication to a less obvious area so you can see how your skin reacts to the treatment. If you do not get the results that you want, talk to your doctor about possible solutions.

How Soon Can I Schedule My Next Appointment?

You will need additional appointments to maintain your youthful complexion. How often you schedule Botox treatments depends on your aesthetic goals. Appointments are generally scheduled every three to four months based on whether you want to receive treatment when wrinkles begin to reappear, or after the Botox has completely worn off.

A proven treatment, Botox can give you a more youthful appearance without the need for surgical intervention or significant downtime. To learn more about this highly effective anti-aging procedure, schedule an appointment for a consultation at our New Jersey medical spa today!

About the Author

Dr. Gary Breslow, MD, FACS

Dr. Gary Breslow, MD, FACS

Is a highly regarded plastic surgeon in Paramus New Jersey, known by both patients and peers as a problem-solver with a warm, engaging personality, and an instinctive ability to identify and truly understand the goals of his patients and the patients, themselves. Dr. Breslow has dedicated his efforts to providing results of only the most unsurpassed quality, continually staying abreast of the most advanced techniques in cosmetic surgery for the benefit of his patients. Dr. Breslow is Board-Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and is licensed to practice plastic & reconstructive surgery in both New Jersey and New York.

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