Botox® is easily one of the most popular cosmetic injectables on the market. Cosmetic surgeons and dermatologists have used this potent and fast-acting product for decades to smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Across the brow, at the corners of the eyes, and around the lips are common treatment areas. Botox can revitalize the face to create a fresh, youthful, and line-free appearance. But, to reduce unpleasant effects and make sure that downtime is minimal, you’ll need to know how to prepare for Botox.
How to Prepare for Botox: Know What to Expect
Botox works by gently relaxing the expressive muscles that are responsible for causing motion-related wrinkles. These are wrinkles that are only visible when you are smiling, frowning, or otherwise using your expressive muscles. As soon as you relax these muscles, your crow’s feet, frown lines, and other superficial creases fade away.
Constant flexing and contracting of these muscles causes the smooth layer of collagen that fills out and supports your facial skin to crack. Then, movements cause these cracks to show as wrinkles. Once a doctor injects Botox, the powerful toxin blocks the nerve signals that control your expressive muscles so that movement temporarily stops. The release in tension lets the underlying collagen again lay flat.
A very tiny and thin-tipped needle injects the Botox. The procedure is virtually pain-free. The entire process takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and shortly after your final injection, you will be free to go home or to work.
At Sacramento Surgical Arts, we provide beauty treatments with Botox as well as cosmetic surgeries, such as:
Avoid Taking Certain Medications
Since a doctor administers Botox by injection, you should steer clear of blood-thinning medications before your treatment. The most common of these are store-bought non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These include common painkillers, like aspirin and ibuprofen.
You also should limit your use of both topical and oral vitamin A and vitamin E, as well as natural supplements like gingko biloba. All of these things thin your blood and increase the risk of post-treatment bleeding, clotting, and bruising. If you are unsure about any medication or supplement you’re taking, be sure to speak with someone at Sacramento Surgical Arts.
Prepare for Botox by Limiting Your Alcohol Intake
You should also avoid drinking alcohol the night before your procedure and on the day of treatment. This, too, is key for preventing bruising, minimizing other potential aftereffects, and promoting rapid healing. Your provider will only insert a very nominal amount of this neurotoxin with each of your Botox injections. This is done to preserve natural facial movements, even while minimizing those that cause facial wrinkling.
By properly preparing for Botox, you can assist in getting smooth, seamless, and natural-looking results. This is also true for all chemical peel procedures, non-surgical lip augmentation treatments, and other non-invasive or minimally invasive cosmetic services.
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Botox isn’t the only injectable cosmetic that patients have access to. There are also many high-quality dermal fillers that can address more severe facial wrinkling. These products are often used along the nasolabial folds, at the jawline and at the cheeks to restore lost volume, eliminate deep, static creases, and restore the look of youth.
If you have used injectables like these before, be sure to talk about this part of your medical history before receiving treatment. Botox and many injectables like it provide short-term results. As such, the effects of these products often last between four and six months. For the best outcome and a problem-free recovery period, the doctor must know about any fillers or other injectable products that you’ve used in the recent past.
Getting Botox is an excellent way to refresh your appearance and renew your confidence. Many people get Botox injections to look their best for special events, like weddings, anniversaries, and vacations. Keep in mind that it can take up to one full week for results to show, but most people can look forward to having smooth, line-free skin for about four to six months after their procedure. To find out if Botox is right for you, call Sacramento Surgical Arts at 866.930.5837 to schedule a consultation.
