Any new procedure, even a cosmetic one, can be a scary experience. Television shows, movies, and magazines certainly don’t glamorize Botox, often creating caricatures of patients with too much money, paying a doctor to look stiff, unexpressive, and plastic.
In reality, Botox (botulinum toxin) is a product that, when used correctly and by a professional, can offer stunning results. It can help men and women alike battle the signs of aging and regain their confidence. It’s a valuable medical procedure that brings joy to the lives of our patients in many ways. In fact, it has also proven its worth as a valuable treatment in the battle against migraine headaches.
One way to fight fear is to get all the facts. Read on for more information about this “lunchtime facelift” procedure.
Does Botox Hurt?
Any injection is going to affect different people in different ways. There’s no getting around the fact that the procedure requires a small needle to enter your skin. For some, it feels like a pinprick. For others, who are more sensitive to pain, it may feel worse. It all depends on your particular pain tolerance. Overall, most people report the pain is less severe than anticipated, and it is a very well tolerated procedure.
Will I Look “Overdone?”
If you have the right doctor, one who listens to your concerns, you will not look overdone. In most cases, your doctor wants to follow your lead on how dramatic you want the results to be. Simply altering the amount and placement of the injection can drastically change the outcome. Some prefer to look absolutely wrinkle-less, with no movement in the forehead or eye brow area. Others simply want a more relaxed look. It’s up to you.
What is the Recovery Timeline?
There’s a reason Botox is called a “lunchtime facelift.” In as little as 20 minutes, you can be in and out of your appointment. While your doctor can go into more details, the only recovery rules you have are:
- Avoid laying down for 4-6 hours
- Avoid rubbing or massaging the areas of injection
- Continue to move your face as normal
While some may experience very minimal bruising, even this is uncommon. Botox is great for those on the go, who want a quick pick-me-up in their busy day.
How Quickly Will I See Results?
Botox takes between 1-2 weeks for full results to be realized. You may start to see changes within a couple of days.
Who Should I Trust for Treatment?
Look for board-certified doctors who have experience providing Botox injections. You get what you pay for, and you don’t want a badly done procedure, especially when your face is the canvas. Don’t be afraid to ask how long they’ve been doing treatments, view pictures of past results, and request additional information.
