Botox is a great option for those looking to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles, though did you know it is used to treat a wide range of medical conditions too? Although Botox is one of the most common aesthetic treatments, it can still feel daunting to undergo the procedure.
Are you considering getting Botox but don’t know what it involves or what happens after your appointment? Below, we touch upon everything to expect after your very first procedure.
What is Botox?
Botulinum Toxin Type A (known by the name brand Botox among others) is a neurotoxin. It binds to the nerve terminal on the muscle it is injected into to block the release of acetylcholine. This temporarily relaxes the muscle movement, which in turn reduces the appearance of lines.
At The Body Work Clinic, we use Allergan’s Botox. Botox is FDA approved for the three most common treatment areas in aesthetics (the upper face), was the first neurotoxin approved for aesthetic use, and has more than 500 peer-reviewed articles.
Where should I begin?
A consultation is required before any treatment commences. Even if you’ve already had Botox from a previous clinic, we require you to book a consultation so that we can get to know more about you and what areas you wish to treat with Botox.
At The Body Work Clinic, we offer free consultations with our highly qualified nurse, Ruth Holt. Ruth has over 15 years experience in the aesthetics industry and has performed over 15,000 non-surgical cosmetic procedures specialising in muscle relaxing, skin improvements, and body contouring.
A consultation is a great way to help us understand both your goals and expectations. It also allows you to understand more about Botox and ask any questions you may have. During your consultation, you will be given a detailed description of the process and what to expect.
We understand some clients may be nervous and work hard to ensure you feel relaxed and confident at all times. During the consultation, your health and medical history will be required to ensure that Botox is the right treatment option for you.
To prepare beforehand, we recommend you create a list of all medications you are currently taking as well as any previous surgical procedures you have had. A consultation helps us to identify the areas of the face where Botox is needed so we can have a detailed plan before your treatment programme begins.
How many appointments will I need?
Whilst Botox works to block the nerve communication preventing wrinkles and fine lines; this process is temporary. Within around 3 to 4 months, you may notice some lines returning. For this reason, many clients choose to continue receiving Botox treatments regularly.
One of the biggest aspects that affect how long your Botox will last is the number of units used. If you begin with a smaller amount, your results are likely to wear off quickly. At The Body Work Clinic, we always recommend the appropriate dosage to ensure we fulfil the needs of all clients.
Your first Botox appointment is usually the longest as your practitioner will review your previous consultation and confirm your treatment goals. During your first appointment, you will likely begin on a lower dosage. If the response to this dosage is positive, you can discuss increasing your Botox units for consecutive treatments.
The recommended treatment for the maintenance of Botox is four months though we work with clients to develop personalised treatment plans. This is because the facial muscles begin to contract less after multiple procedures, so your next treatment could be extended to longer than four months.
Botox injections are safe to be administered regularly and for continued use only if your practitioner is qualified and experienced. At The Body Work Clinic, our team is trained to the highest level, and we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our clients.
Are there any side effects to Botox?
As with any procedure, there are side effects. The side effects of Botox are often very minimal and include pain, redness, and bruising at the site of injection, which passes in a few days.
However, there can be more serious side effects, including the dropping of a brow (brow ptosis), the closing of an eyelid (lid ptosis), eyelid oedema, facial paresis, hypersensitivity reactions, and muscular weakness.
If any of these symptoms arise, you must seek immediate medical advice. Your practitioner will also talk you through the risk of side effects during your consultation.
What happens immediately after my first treatment?
Many people enjoy the effects of Botox because it also requires no downtime. This means you can fit it into your day around work or other commitments. As it is a non-surgical procedure, there is no follow-up or recovery involved.
Whilst you may feel tempted to touch your face to feel your newly smoothed skin, we recommend you leave the area for a few hours so that the Botox can settle into the muscles. Do not rub or massage the area, as this can cause the Botox to produce an uneven look. We also advise that you avoid laying down for at least 4 hours after you visit our clinic.
Sitting or standing upright will allow the treatment to settle properly, resulting in the desired effect. As with any aesthetic treatment, whilst it is deemed suitable to go for a walk or low-impact workout session, avoid partaking in strenuous activity for at least one day following your treatment.
Exposure to sunshine can also impact your results, causing the solution to metabolise. After your treatment, we advise you to avoid direct sunlight and wearing makeup for at least 12 hours.
By taking our advice on board, you can experience all the benefits of Botox and reduce the risk of any unevenness or metabolisation.
To book your free Botox consultation with our nurse, contact The Body Work Clinic team today by calling us on 01223 455144 or filling in a consultation form.