Botox Basics: What to Expect Before, During & After Treatment
Thinking about Botox for the first time? You’re not alone. Every day, thousands of people just like you are exploring how this popular injectable can help smooth fine lines, soften wrinkles, and create a refreshed, youthful appearance—without surgery or downtime.
Whether you’re preparing for your first appointment or just curious, here’s everything you need to know about Botox, start to finish.
Lets start with what is Botox exactly? Botox is a neuromodulator made from a purified form of botulinum toxin type A. When injected in small, precise amounts, it temporarily relaxes targeted facial muscles. The result? A smoother, more rested appearance, especially in areas prone to expression lines like:
-Forehead lines
-Frown lines (the 11’s between your brows)
-Crows feet (the lines around your eyes)
To add to this, there are MANY medications that do the same job that Botox does. In fact, I use several in my practice- these inlcude:
Dysoprt, Jeuveau, & Xeomin.
These injections don’t freeze your face when done properly- it softens movement for a natural, refreshed look.
Now you might be asking, am I good candidate for Botox? If you’ve started noticing fine lines that linger when your face is at rest—or your makeup is settling into the lines this is a good time to take action! Or, if you want to prevent wrinkles from forming in the first place—you may be a great candidate!
I provide a complimentary consultation to help determine if Botox injectables are right for you. During your consultation, we’ll talk through your goals and tailor a plan just for you.
Now that we’ve learned about Botox, and you’ve had your consult to determine if it’s right for you, let’s talk about what to expect at your Botox apt with me!
We’ll assess your facial anatomy, review your goals, and answer any other lingering questions. No pressure—just education.
Treatment: Injections are done with a fine needle (similar to an insulin needle) and take about 10–15 minutes to administer. Most patients describe the sensation as a quick pinch. Most patients are also surprised to learn it isn’t bad at all, and they often say “Oh wow, is that it, that didn’t hurt at all!"
Aftercare: There’s no downtime, but I will give you tips to optimize your results, and there are a few things I want you to avoid right after your injections—like trenuous exercise, excessive sweating (steamroom, sauna, hot tub), lying flat, or rubbing the area for 4–6 hours post-treatment. I also don’t want you to have a facial or a massage planned for at least 48 hours after your injections. We don’t want that medication spreading to a muscle we didn’t intend.
Now, the question that almost every patient asks next: When will I see my results?
I know you will be so excited to start seeing the benefits of your treatment, so I like to do some education here and explain that it takes about 3-5 days for the medication to actually start working on a level that is noticeable to the patient. We can expect the FULL effect to be working by days 10-14, BUT I do like to make sure that everything is perfect, so I might have you come back in 2-3 weeks for any final touches.
The treatment should last an average of 3-4 months. This is very important to understand that the longevity of the treatment depends on several factors, including your individual metabolism, overall health, immune system, ect. I typically recommend a repeat treatment between 3-4 months for 99% of my clients!
The last thing to tackle here is Botox Myths! Let’s bust them.
❌ “Botox will make me look frozen.”
✔️ Not when done properly. You’ll still look like you—just more rested and smooth. You will make all your normal facial expression, but your skin will be smooth and radiant.
❌ “It’s only for women.”
✔️ Botox is for everyone! More and more men are embracing injectable treatments for a confident edge.
❌ “Once you start, you can’t stop.”
✔️ Botox wears off gradually. You can stop anytime—but many clients love the way they look and feel and choose to keep going!
❌ “Botox is toxic and unsafe.”
✔️ Botox is actually FDA-Approved for cosmetic use AND for theraputic uses as well like migraines, teeth clenching, sweating, bladder spasms, eye lid spasms and much more.
Whether you are ready to smooth away fine lines, or want to prevent them from showing up, you deserve a provider who listens, understands, educates AND supports you and your goals. I am passionate about education and delivering real results, and building real relationships with my patients. This is more than just a treatment, this is YOU! As a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in aesthetics and wellness, I take a conservative, personalized approach to injectables. My goal is always natural, confident results that align with your unique facial anatomy and lifestyle.
Let’s create a custom plan for you and your skin goals that fit your lifestyle AND your budget!
click here to book now: https://hmprs.myaestheticrecord.com/online-booking
