Wrinkles, fines lines, saggy skin, and other signs of aging are inevitable for many people. Luckily, these issues are treatable with Botox®, a popular treatment that restores a youthful appearance. The highly effective injections are administered by a skilled skin surgeon. If you’ve signed up for the procedure, the guide below details what to expect before, during, and after the treatment.

A Guide to Botox Treatment

Before

Leading up to your session, you may need to stop taking medications such as blood thinners, sleeping aids, or muscle relaxers to reduce the likelihood of bruising and bleeding. Also, stop using anti-inflammatory drugs and alcohol two days before treatment, as these may also lead to bruising. Make sure to avoid the sun and to protect your skin, so damage doesn’t interfere with the injections or results. Use at least an SPF 30 every day on all exposed skin before the treatment.

During

Ask your cosmetic surgeon about numbing agents if you have concerns about pain. Options include massage and vibrations around the injection site, ice or a cooling cream, or a topical anesthesia. Once they’ve administered a numbing agent, they’ll use a thin, minimally invasive needle to inject the Botox into the surgical site. The solution paralyzes muscles that cause sagging, wrinkles, and fine lines. The average appointment lasts 30 minutes, and you’ll be able to go back to daily activities after.

After

There can be some redness and swelling around the injection site, which usually resolves after 10 minutes. While rare, there may be some bruising the following day. Don’t rub the area, as you can irritate the injection site or cause the solution to move away from the treated area.

Results usually appear after seven days. The skin around the injection site will be smoother, and many age lines will resolve. If you experience prolonged redness, pain, swelling, or bruising, it’s important to let your skin surgeon know right away so they can look into the cause. After a few weeks, schedule an appointment with your skin surgeon to discuss possible ongoing treatments.

Are you ready to explore Botox further? Lauren A. Daman, M.D., P.C. of Hartford, CT, provides many skin care treatments to patients who want to achieve smooth, glowing skin. Dr. Daman offers microdermabrasion, sclerotherapy, scar removal, and laser surgery for spider veins. Visit her website to browse her services and call (860) 246-3533 to schedule a consultation.