If you’re thinking about getting Botox injections, but are unsure, or a little nervous, about what to expect – here is some insight on what happens during a Botox treatment.
BOTOX® therapy for wrinkles is an injection treatment designed to reduce facial expression lines. Botox works on dynamic lines and wrinkles by injecting tiny amounts into the facial muscles responsible for movement.
Dr. Shea Stevens has become a proficient, reliable Doctor for facial rejuvenation procedures, such as Botox and Juvederm, after having received specific training from Aesthetic Trainers, LLC, as well as broad education in the anatomy of the face, head and neck.
Dr. Stevens is part of a progressive group of dentists (approximately 16% in the United States) that now offer facial rejuvenation options in his office in Lancaster, PA.
Initial Consultation
Your initial consultation for Botox at Smiles By Stevens involves meeting with Dr. Stevens in person, and meeting the rest of the staff that will be involved in this simple procedure. He will inform you about the products that are used in the Botox injection, review with you what you can expect before, during, and after your treatment, and answer any questions you might have.
During your consultation Dr. Stevens will also assist you in deciding which treatment will best fit your enhancement needs.
A review of your medical history, expectations for your facial rejuvenation, and motivating factors for electing any cosmetic procedure are all taken into consideration before any treatment is performed.
Dr. Stevens focuses on thorough exams and checking your overall health before performing any dental or cosmetic procedures.
Before the Treatment
To ensure a Botox treatment is a good experience, here are some things you should do to prepare for it.
Inform us of any: allergies, medical conditions, illnesses, or diseases you may have; medication, supplements, herbs, etc. you are taking; any medical procedures (i.e. recent Botox, surgery, other treatments, etc.); if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or trying to conceive.
A week before you get Botox injections, stop taking medication that can thin the blood, such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, Motrin, Exedrin, St. John’s Wart, Vitamin E, Fish oil or Omega-3s, Ginko Bilboa, Ginseng – to minimize any potential post-Botox bruising. If you have to take pain medication, Tylenol is okay. Also, avoid drinking alcohol a few days before you get Botox.
Just before the treatment your skin will be cleaned with rubbing alcohol or an antiseptic. Feel free to show up without any makeup, as it will be taken off anyway.
While most people tolerate the Botox injection discomfort well, you may want your skin to be numb beforehand. Options include: injections (your doctor can inject a numbing medication into your skin), cream (a prescription cream can be applied 60 to 90 minutes before the procedure), cold spray (a blast of very cold air is directed at the skin for about 10 seconds; the numbness will last a few seconds)
During the Treatment:
What you do before and after a Botox treatment is more important than what you do during it; still, there are some things you should keep in mind for a good treatment experience.
The Botox will be over in a short time. Stay still during the injection process but pay attention and follow your doctor’s instructions, as he tells you to smile, relax, frown, etc.
Dr. Stevens uses a very fine needle to inject tiny amounts of Botox into your skin or muscles. Injections feel like tiny pinpricks—you may feel mild discomfort.
The number of injections needed depends on many factors, including the extent of the area being treated.
Use an ice pack before, during, and after a Botox treatment to help reduce any potential signs of bruising.
After the Treatment
What you do after a Botox treatment and how you take care of your skin is very important.
You can resume your normal daily activities right after the procedure. You can hold ice packs on areas that are injected.
Be careful not to rub or massage, even touch, the treated areas, as this can cause the toxin to migrate to unintended areas.
Avoid: strenuous physical activity; consuming large amounts of alcohol; getting facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, etc. for 24 hours; taking the blood thinning medications mentioned above.
If bruising appears apply topical vitamin K and arnica; also, you can get v-beam, pulsed-dye, or KTP laser treatments to make it go away faster. Green or yellow concealers can help cover up the bruises.
Bruising or swelling usually goes away in 24 hours. The full effect of Botox normally takes three to five days, and the full effects can take up to two weeks, but it’s different for everyone.
Call your doctor or seek medical attention if you experience any side effects or complications from the Botox treatment.
At Smiles By Stevens, we take pride in providing safe, refreshed, natural looking results with Botox treatments.
Botox can be used for treatment of TMJ Disorder/Clenching/Bruxism (Grinding) of Teeth, Excessive Sweating, and Facial Rejuvenation. It can address multiple cosmetic concerns, including softening slight frown lines on foreheads, crow’s feet, smokers’ lines, and lines from side of the nose to the chin. Also, Botox can be used for eyebrow lifts to provide a more awake and refreshed appearance, and can modify the drape of the upper lip to adjust “gummy smiles”.
Are you ready to learn more about Botox treatments? We would love to provide you with a complimentary cosmetic consultation – call Dr. Stevens and his Lancaster, PA team at 717-581-0123 today!
