Are you interested in trying Botox in Baltimore for the first time, but you aren’t sure what to expect? Don’t feel bad you are like many patients that aren’t entirely sure how the process works or how Botox can help defy the aging process. For over 20 years, Botox has been one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the country for the treatment of wrinkles, fine lines, and aging of the face. This skin rejuvenation treatment is quick, safe, and effective. If you’re considering the procedure, read this blog as we discuss what to expect for first time Botox users.
What Is Botox?
Botox is a highly refined protein that is naturally occurring. When utilized in the correct way by trained medical professionals like the team at Green Relief Health it relaxes the muscles in your face for an improved and younger looking appearance. Botox works by temporarily weakening the muscles around your mouth that cause laugh lines, crow’s feet around the corner of your eyes, frown lines on your forehead, and other types of wrinkles. It does not paralyze the muscle or result in a frozen appearance when the procedure is done by a qualified medical team.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Botox?
Many people in the Baltimore area often wonder if they are a good candidate for Botox. The first question you need to ask yourself is do you notice any visible signs of aging on your face. As a normal process of aging the contraction of muscles from laughing, frowning, squinting, or smiling cause permanent wrinkles on your face. If you notice or are beginning to notice these visible signs of aging than you are likely a good candidate for Botox.
However, you don’t necessarily have to wait for the aging process to be visible for Botox to help. Botox is now often used as a preventative treatment for people in their 20s and early 30s. Although Botox procedures are often more popular among women, men can benefit from treatment as well.
What To Expect Before Your Botox Treatment?
Before a Botox treatment you will have a consultation with an injection specialist who will work with you to develop a treatment plan for you. This plan will go over which areas of your face you would like to target and establish reasonable goals for the results of your Botox treatment. At this point, you will also review your medical history with your Botox provider. Specifically, your provider will need to know the following important pieces of information before you receive your first Botox treatment:
- Medical conditions – especially muscle or nerve conditions, problems swallowing, or breathing issues
- Surgical history – previous facial surgeries can greatly affect treatment
- Medications – including prescription, over the counter, herbal supplements, and vitamins
- Pregnancy – Botox is generally not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Any other conditions that could potentially affect your health
At your initial consult you will also have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. Remember, there are no dumb questions. At the consult this is your time to ask questions to help you better understand how Botox works, how your procedure will go, what kind of results you may have, and how long the effects will last.
During Treatment
Your treatment appointment will likely be very quick and easy. Injectable cosmetics such as Botox can be administered in a safe and quick way, so you likely won’t spend hours at the doctor’s office. Rather, your provider will review with you your plan that was established during your consultation. After you and your provider have reviewed your plan and gone over the areas you will be treating, you will then begin the Botox treatment process.
Your Botox provider will begin by sterilizing and marking the areas where the treatment will occur. Much like you may have seen on TV, this literally means that there will be markings placed on your skin in the areas where the Botox injections will be given. If discomfort is a concern this is also the time that you will have a topical cream applied to the skin to numb the areas that will be treated.
After Treatment
After your Botox treatment has finished your provider will give you aftercare instructions to help minimize any side effects, bruising, redness, or minor swelling. The good news with Botox is that there is no downtime. Unlike surgical procedures, cosmetic injections like Botox allow you to be back too normal nearly right away.
There are a few things you should avoid, though, immediately after your Botox injection. Do not rub or massage the treated areas for 4 hours after your treatment. It is also important not to undertake any strenuous exercise for 4 hours after treatment. Also avoid facials and saunas for 4 hours after your treatment. This will minimize the risk of raising your blood pressure and therefore minimize the risk of temporary bruising. Feel free to shower and go about most other regular daily activities.
You should not lie down for 4 hours after treatment. This is to avoid the risk of pressure on the treated areas (from your pillow) and to avoid the risk of having the area rubbed accidentally.
What To Expect of the Long Term Effects of Botox
It is always important to remember that the effects of Botox are not permanent and to have realistic timelines and expectations. It can take up to 14 days for you to see peak results after your treatment. While everyone is different most will need another Botox session in three to four months after their first treatment. Scheduling appointments at regular 3-to-4-month intervals will allow you to have a continuous, youthful experience.
If you received treatment for your facial wrinkles, you should not wait for the muscles to fully start moving again. You should return for the next treatment session when about 75% of your muscle activity has returned. This will ensure that the muscle will still be in a relaxed state and has not regained the function we are trying to make it forget. By continuing regular injections, the muscles tend to forget their function and stay rested, which can potentially prolong the effects of the Botox treatment from 3-4 months to about 6-8 months, providing greater savings and more wrinkle free face time for you.
The trusted experts at Green Relief Health will customize a Botox treatment plan according to your needs, beauty goals, and budget. Call today to schedule your FREE consultation and find out more about our Botox services.
