So you’re thinking about getting Botox in Charleston or Mt. Pleasant, SC? The popular injectable of botulinum toxin works by paralyzing facial muscles, thus smoothing out lines and wrinkles in the skin. Despite that slightly startling fact, the injectable was one of the most popular aesthetic procedures in 2018, namely because the results are remarkable, the downtime minimal, and the side effects nearly nonexistent. Nonetheless, if you’re considering Botox for the first time, you probably have a lot of questions swirling around in your mind. Below, Sheperd Integrative Dermatology professionals break down everything you need to know before getting Botox.
1. A Consultation Is Crucial
Whether it is the same day or a week before the procedure, set up a consultation with your healthcare professional. It is crucial that you are both on the same page so that you have realistic expectations and are happy with the results. Consultation includes a discussion of cosmetic concerns, treatment options, and risks and benefits. Our experienced professionals at Sheperd Integrative Dermatology in Mount Pleasant carefully evaluate how different areas of your face naturally move when smiling, frowning, and raising your eyebrows so you will have natural-looking results.
2.Botox Is Not The Same Thing As Filler
Botox freezes muscles to stop creases and wrinkles caused by facial expressions. These are typically found in the upper face, such as the forehead and around the eyes (crow’s feet). Fillers, on the other hand, use hyaluronic acid and similar substances to “fill in” plump areas that have lost volume and smoothness. This includes wrinkles around the mouth, thin lips, and cheeks that have lost fullness. They may also be used on forehead wrinkles and other areas that need extra volume for a smoother look.
Because Botox and fillers are different substances designed for different uses, they can sometimes be combined in one treatment. For instance, someone may use Botox to correct lines between the eyes and a filler to correct smile lines around the mouth. Our healthcare practitioners at Sheperd Integrative Dermatology will help you design a treatment plan catered to your individual needs.
3.Blood-Thinning Meds Aren’t The Only Thing To Avoid Pre-injection
During your consultation, one of our Sheperd injection professionals will tell you to avoid anticoagulants (aspirin and ibuprofen) since those types of drugs prevent blood clotting and increase the risk of bruising should the needle hit a blood vessel. Some other seemingly harmless products to avoid include fish oil, multivitamins, green tea, cinnamon, ginger, and red wine a full week before treatment. Interestingly, some antioxidants increase the fragility of blood vessels and prevent clotting. Call us our swing by our Mount Pleasant office at least two weeks ahead of time for a complete list of what to avoid.
4.It Doesn’t Hurt Much
Even patients who are scared of the mere sight of needles can confirm that Botox doesn’t really hurt. You definitely feel the pricks, but the pain isn’t so bad that you need to ask for a break.
5.It’s Not Likely That You’ll Bruise
A common misconception is that Botox leaves bruising. While there’s always a risk of bruising, it’s pretty minimal (especially with our highly experienced SID professionals). Neurotoxins generally require finer needles and are placed more superficially than fillers, reducing the risk to potentially hit a vessel.
6.The Botox Buzz
Botox given between the eyebrows can give a temporary sensation of dizziness or headache. This is usually from slight swelling where the fluid was injected, and resolves within ten to fifteen minutes.
7.You Can Go Right Back To Work After The Injection
You read that right. Besides from providing almost instant results, there’s zero downtime following the injection. While you may experience some swelling and a bit of numbness, you can go back to work or continue with your day right after the appointment. Generally, you can expect the swelling to go down within an hour or two.
8.What Can’t You Do After Getting Botox?
Although there may be no recovery time, there are a few limitations on what you can do right after you leave your appointment so that the injectable doesn’t move from the area where it was administered and to avoid increasing blood flow to your face (exacerbating swelling). This includes heavy cardio, yoga, massages, or hitting up a sauna or a steam room at the gym. Fun fact: intense heat can deactivate Botox. You’re also going to want to avoid flying for several hours after treatment, as there is some concern that change in cabin pressure will affect the spread of toxin to muscles you do not want affected.
9.The Results Last Up To 4 Months
To keep results looking optimal, avoid excess alcohol, smoking, sun exposure and getting stressed which all contribute to accelerated collagen breakdown. Our practitioners recommended retreatment every four to five months.
10.What’s The Best Age To Start Botox?
There’s no right or wrong age to get Botox; it’s a decision that’s ultimately up to you and whether you’re looking to enhance a certain feature and minimize signs of aging. At Sheperd Integrative Dermatology, we treat patients ranging from their late twenties to their early seventies. If you’re starting to see lines in your mid-to-late twenties or early thirties, it’s best to be proactive about it. Put simply, people should be assessed on a case-to-case basis.
Give us a call to learn more about Botox today or visit our website for more information or frequently asked questions!
