After Botox®, patients can expect to feel some minor irritation similar to that of a bug bite. Small red spots and minor swelling may appear at the injection sites. These side effects generally disappear in a few hours. Patients receiving Botox® injections will also receive aftercare instructions from the doctor. For most people, care directions include not touching the injected area and resting for a day or so if needed.
Botox® is a botulinum toxin that is injected into muscle groups in the face and forehead. The muscles are temporarily paralyzed, preventing the formation of wrinkles. Many individuals choose Botox® because it is a non-surgical alternative to facelifts or plastic surgery. After Botox®, most patients do not require a large amount of recovery time or extra care, making it a convenient and easy way to fight the effects of aging. It is a temporary treatment, with effects that last for a few months or up to a year, depending on the individual.
A fine needle is used to inject Botox® under the skin and into specific muscle groups. Since the treatment is delivered via injection, there can be some light redness or swelling after Botox®. For most people, the injection site will look like a small red dot or bug bite and will fade in a few hours. Patients should avoid wearing cosmetics for a day of so if the skin is irritated after Botox® treatment, resuming use only after skin irritation has faded.
Anti-aging treatments like Botox® are offered through medical spas and some doctors' offices. Most treatments take under 10 minutes to complete, and the patient can resume normal activities shortly after Botox® is injected. Patients will receive specific aftercare directions designed to minimize discomfort and maximize results. Botox® may be injected by a doctor or by another healthcare professional operating under a doctor's supervision.
Patients should expect to need follow-up treatments with Botox®; it is not a permanent cure for wrinkles. After Botox® has been injected and any swelling has gone down, the patient can expect the results to last a few months. Treatments can be performed as often as every three to four months, if needed. If consistent treatments are not maintained, the results will begin to fade about four to six months after the injections. If patients opt to discontinue treatments, their wrinkles or lines will gradually reappear.
