First Time for Botox®? Here’s How to Prepare for the Best Experience

Getting older is a right of passage for many that often comes with aching joints, gray hair, and wrinkled skin. While some people embrace these changes, you may be thinking of ways to hold on to your youth a little longer.

One of the options for younger-looking skin is Botox® injections. These injections are minimally invasive and offer months of smooth skin to rejuvenate your appearance and boost your confidence.

At Dr. Brandon Plastic Surgery in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, board-certified plastic surgeon Brandon Elnekaveh, MD, and his team specialize in cosmetic treatments for problems like wrinkles and sagging skin.

Dr. Elnekaveh educates you about Botox injections and helps you determine if it’s right for you. Here, he explains how Botox works, how you can best prepare for your appointment, and what to expect in the days and weeks following your treatment.

Botox 101

Botulinum toxin type A, also known as Botox, is a type of neurotoxin that doctors use for cosmetic and medical purposes. The same toxin causes botulism, but it’s safe in small doses under a specialist's supervision.

Botox blocks nerve signals to specific muscles to prevent muscle contractions. The muscles in the treatment area relax for some time, eliminating wrinkles and fine lines.

Here at Dr. Brandon Plastic Surgery, we use cosmetic Botox for wrinkles, fine lines, crow's feet, and furrow lines. Doctors also use it for other medical problems like hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), migraines, and overactive bladder.

Botox injections aren't permanent, and you typically need multiple injections in one area. However, the results usually last several months until you return to repeat the treatment.

Preparing for your first Botox appointment

If you’re ready to move forward with Botox, take these steps to enhance your experience and improve your results:

Schedule a consultation

Dr. Elnekaveh has years of experience administering Botox, and he likes to begin with a personal consultation. He examines your skin and trouble areas, talks with you about your cosmetic goals, educates you about the procedure, and tailors a plan that meets your specific needs. Come to the appointment with your questions ready and he’ll gladly answer them and make sure you’re comfortable before the procedure.

Pause specific medications

If you're on blood thinner medications, you must stop them a few days before the procedure. Blood thinners increase the risk of bruising and bleeding at the injection site, which may change your results. Anti-inflammatories and some herbal supplements can be problematic as well, so be sure to follow your pre-treatment instructions.

Abstain from alcohol

As much as you may want to have a glass of wine or two in the days leading up to your appointment, be sure to abstain from all alcohol for at least a week before the procedure. Like certain medications, alcohol increases the risk of bruising after Botox, and can interfere with the effectiveness of the injections.

What to expect during the procedure

After you arrive and get settled, Dr. Elnekaveh cleans the skin around the treatment area to prevent bacteria from entering the injection sites. He uses a tiny needle to inject Botox into specific areas of your skin to target certain muscles. Commonly treated areas include:

• Forehead creases
• Crow’s feet
• Frown lines
• Mouth creases

You may feel some discomfort as the thin needle goes into your skin, but it’s short-lived and subsides quickly. Dr. Elnekaveh uses a numbing cream to minimize the sensation and help you relax.

Botox is an outpatient procedure, so you can go home the same day and resume most of your normal activities.

How to get the best results

Part of the preparation for your first Botox appointment is knowing what to do after the procedure. Here are some post-treatment instructions that can help optimize your outcome:

• Don’t rub the treatment area or apply any pressure for at least 24 hours to prevent the toxin from moving to other facial areas
• Avoid lying down for a few hours to prevent the toxin from spreading 
• Refrain from exercise until the following day
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated

If you follow the preparation guidelines and the aftercare steps, you should expect to see dramatic results within several days of your treatment.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Elnekaveh to discuss Botox treatment, call the office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, today or request a consultation on the website.