A Beginner's Guide To Botox To Read Before Your First Appointment

Once mentioned in hush tones, getting botox isn't quite the taboo it used to be. Botox injections are now one of the most popular aesthetic procedures.

As botox stigma starts to fall away, people are more open to getting informed about it. This has already caused a sharp rise in people getting a botox injection to minimize the appearance of lines on their faces.

Botox is an injectible of botulinum toxin used to eliminates wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing muscles. It's important to note that while the appearance of lines may be reduced, botox doesn't technically eradicate the existing lines on the face. It is more preventative than restorative, hence the growing interest in younger people. These are some things you should note before going under the needle:

Know Where You're Injectable Is Coming From

The process of getting botox should go down smoothly and with minimal to no side effects if all goes well. To boost the chances that all does indeed go well, you want to ensure that the doctor administering the injection is an official vendor for any substance you're having injected.

You can do some extra research to reduce the risk of receiving contaminated or expired products by browsing the manufacturers' websites. They often have a tool to search for every licensed physician who's obtained their product legally.

Botox Costs Vary

The cost of getting botox varies. However, if the price is questionably low, question it. New York–based dermatologist Kavita Mariwalla, MD., points out to "Elle" that if the price of a filler or botox sounds too low, it's possible that the dosage is diluted.

Not only that, but it may be that the botox has been obtained from a source outside the country. This is mostly illegal, and the injectable can easily be compromised or even counterfeit. The best thing to do is go for the trustworthy option over the cheaper one.

There Is Some Pain

Samantha Freedman shared with "Cosmopolitan" that following the botox, they experienced a mild headache as well. If this persists for days after the injections, it's advised to see a doctor.

After receiving the injections, it's common to experience some bruising. That may be something to note if you were hoping to have your injections appointment before a meeting or other engagement.

Botox Is Temporary

Dr. Estee Williams, MD, points out the "Healthline" that the average duration for Botox for lines between the brows, "forehead, and lateral crows' feet is approximately three to four months."

Avoid Exercise Immediately Afterward

While the injection takes a few minutes to settle into the muscles, Dr. Williams advises that immediately after your receiving Botox injections, keep your head level.

Avoid bending your head forward for two hours. Also, heavy exercise will have to wait till at least the next day. On the list of things to avoid before going in for you botox or filler, as advised by Manhattan dermatologist Patricia Wexler, MD, is "fish oil, multivitamins, green tea, cinnamon, ginger, and red wine" for a week before treatment.