What to Expect at Your First Botox Appointment

Fine lines and wrinkles are normal as we age, especially around the eyes and forehead. However, some may find them bothersome and want to reduce or eliminate them.

If you find yourself looking at your fine lines or wrinkles in the mirror and wishing they were less visible, Botox may be the perfect treatment for you. It’s among the most sought-after cosmetic treatments across the United States.

If it is your first appointment, it is normal to feel nervous and hesitant. However, knowing what to expect will help you better prepare yourself physically and mentally.

How To Prepare For The Appointment

Since Botox is usually an outpatient service, you don’t have to overly prepare yourself. One of the main things you should do is avoid taking blood thinners like ibuprofen, aspirin, alcohol, and some supplements and vitamins like ginkgo biloba and Vitamin E. These increase your chances of bleeding and bruising during and after the procedure.

It also helps if you drink plenty of water on the days leading up to the appointment to help hydrate your skin. And on the day of your appointment, make sure to wash your face and remove as much makeup as possible.

Before The Injections

Before starting the injections, Dr. James Bonaparte at JB Cosmetics will perform an examination and ask you questions to ensure you are a good candidate. He will ask about current medical conditions, medications, and whether you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or nursing.

He will also ask about your main problem areas and what you want to achieve from the Botox injections. This ensures he provides the appropriate treatment to help you achieve your goals. It also tells him where to put the injections and how many he will need to use.

The doctor will mark your face to note where the Botox needs to go and he may also apply a numbing cream to help with any discomfort. The procedure is typically painless, but numbing cream is an option.

During The Procedure

During the procedure, Dr. Bonapart uses a small needle to inject the Botox into specific facial muscles. The number of injections he uses depends on the part of the face you’re looking to treat and the severity of your fine lines or wrinkles.

He will also apply slight pressure to the areas after injection to help minimize swelling afterward. While the procedure is not painful, you might experience a slight pinching sensation after he injects the Botox under the skin. The whole procedure typically takes no more than 20-30 minutes.

After Botox Injections

Once the injections are over, you might experience some slight bruising, swelling, numbness, or redness but these effects will wear off after a few days. You can immediately return to your daily routine after leaving the clinic, but you should avoid strenuous activities like working out or lifting heavy objects for the first 24 hours.

You should also avoid massaging or rubbing the treated areas and laying down as they can cause the Botox to migrate.

Botox is usually a temporary solution with the results lasting between three to six months. After that period, you can schedule another appointment to maintain the results.

Schedule A Consultation

Does Botox sound like exactly what you’re looking for? Scheduling a consultation at JB Cosmetics is a great first step. Dr. Bonaparte will assess your needs and then build a treatment plan to help you achieve your goals.

To schedule a consultation today, call our Ottawa, ON office at 613-369-8369 or use our online scheduling form.