Answers to the 10 Most Common Questions About Botox®
The most popular non-surgical treatment for reducing wrinkles, frown lines, crow’s feet, and 11’s is the classic Botox because it’s so effective—but it does come with a slew of questions from patients who are trying it out for the first time.
Here are some of the most common questions (with answers!) concerning Botox based on our client experiences.
1] Which parts of my face can be treated with Botox?
Botox can improve the appearance of forehead wrinkles, thinning lips, a “gummy” smile, marionette lines at the mouth, crow’s feet, bunny lines at the nose, frown lines, 11s between the eyebrows, and can also lift the eyebrows.
2] I keep getting sent Botox Groupons. Are they safe?
Probably not. Discount Botox is often counterfeit and being sold through unauthorized providers. Even when it’s actual Botox, if it’s at a price that’s too good to be true, it’s most likely Botox “watered down” with saline or expired, or on the brink of expiration. It’s very important to know exactly what’s going into your face, and discount Botox treatments are not advisable.
3] Will I see results instantly after a Botox treatment session?
Not quite. Although patients are eager to see results, it usually takes about three to seven days for noticeable changes to appear. However, with severe wrinkles and lines, you may start to notice results within 24 to 48 hours.
4] How long does it take Botox to wear off?
Botox lasts about three to four months, but it may last longer, especially if you received a high dose.
5] What are the biggest risks with Botox?
Drooping. But this is only a risk when Botox is injected by an inexperienced provider. Over-injecting or injecting too low on the forehead can result in droopy eyebrows, which will go away when the Botox wears off in a few months. Another risk is if the Botox spreads or is injected too close to the muscle that raises the eyelid, the result can be a droopy eyelid. Basically, if Botox is injected incorrectly into any part of your face, you may have a lopsided appearance. Experienced specialists, however, will not make these mistakes, so make sure you select a specialist, like ours at Fremont Laser & Skin Care who are highly skilled at administering Botox.
6] My dentist told me he offers Botox. Should I go for it?
It’s not the best choice. Many dentists promote their Botox services even though they have only had a “quickie” course—some only receiving one day of training. When undergoing Botox, patients should choose a board-certified specialist who has received years of training in their particular field. This will ensure that no mistakes are made during treatment. The dentist can stick to your teeth.
7] How long is a Botox treatment session?
The injection process takes about ten minutes, but the amount of time you’ll take when going over things with your specialist will depend on your questions and goals.
8] Does Botox come with side effects?
If you’re getting Botox for crow’s feet, you may see some swelling around the area afterward. Some patients are a little tender at the injection point, as is to be expected. Other possibilities are dry mouth or dry eyes, head or neck pain, double vision, blurred vision or decreased eyesight. You may also have an allergic reaction, which could include a rash, welts, or itchiness. Make sure to ask your specialist about these side effects if they worry you.
9] Why does Botox make some people look… well, odd?
We’ve all seen Botox gone wrong, but why exactly does it go wrong? It’s typically a result of a patient going a bit overboard by asking for too much, or receiving too much from a provider who doesn’t know how to properly administer it. Other times, a specialist may inject the wrong area, causing unflattering results. Again, this is why it’s important to choose an experienced professional.
10] Do Botox injections hurt?
Botox is injected with a needle, so it is no different than receiving a shot. Many patients compare it to the feeling of a series of small, sharp, quick pinches. If this sounds awful to you, you can ask for numbing cream to decrease discomfort.
When injected by an experienced professional, Botox will minimize lines and wrinkles, giving you a new-found confidence and younger appearance. Some of our clients choose to receive Botox to prolong the effects of dermal fillers, since the less the area moves, the longer the filler stays in place.
To learn more or schedule an appointment for your first or next Botox injection, contact us for a complimentary consultation.