Botox 101: All You Need To Know Before The First Appointment

Woman getting cosmetic injection of botox near eyes

After several months – okay, more than a year – of working from home, many of us are critiquing our appearances in hopes of freshening up our faces before making an appearance at the office. Some changes to our appearance, such as haircuts, don’t require much research or stress, but other changes especially those that may last a while, are more daunting.

If you’re looking for a more youthful and relaxed look by getting rid of fine lines and wrinkles, Botox has been an increasingly popular option, especially within the last several months.

Dealing with needles sounds scary, but it doesn’t have to be. Botox is a procedure that’s been around for several years. And we get it: you may have lots of questions. Check out our most common questions and our easy-to-digest answers to make you extra confident by your first appointment.

  • What does Botox actually do?

In short, Botox is not to be confused with fillers. Fillers give you full lips and cheeks. Rather, Botox smooths lines on your face by temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles and fine lines to form.

  • How much does it cost?

The cost of Botox depends on how much you get injected – as well as the provider. Most providers, including Robinson Facial Plastic Surgery, charge Botox by the unit, and the number of units depends on your needs and the area you’re having injected with Botox. Larger areas, such as the forehead, will be more expensive than smaller areas, such as crow’s feet.

Keep in mind that Botox does have a decent price tag, and if the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Several counterfeit Botox options are available on the market, which are often diluted versions of the real thing – leaving you with sub-par results that don’t last long. A rule of thumb is to always receive Botox from a reputable, certified injector. We also offer Dysport which is the competitor to Botox. Both are neurotoxins that do the same thing, yet Dysport is less expensive. Just comes down to your brand preference and your budget. Our team at Robinson Facial Plastic Surgery is ranked in the top 1% of injectors in the nation by Galderma Aesthetics, the makers of Dysport.

  • What are the side effects?

Overall, side effects with Botox are low risk. It’s normal to experience mild pain in the injection site or a headache. At your appointment, you may feel a small pinch in the injection site but nothing long-term.

  • What should I do before and after Botox?

It’s good to share any medications you are taking with your injector. Also, avoiding alcohol a few days before your procedure can help decrease the chance of bruising.

After your appointment, don’t lie down or engage in intense exercise for a few hours. Bruising at the injection site can happen and avoid being in the heat and drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours after the procedure to reduce your chances of bruising even further.

  • How long does Botox last?

Fine lines won’t disappear immediately after the procedure, and it can take up to 7 days for the ingredients to full take effect in the muscles across your face. For most patients, the results last 3-4 months.

Still have questions or ready to get started? Contact us for a consultation 770-667-3090.