8 Questions About Botox to Ask Before Your Treatment

Are you wondering if a Botox treatment is the solution to your skin needs? Here are questions about Botox to ask before your treatment.

Did you know that most Botox treatments take as little as 15 minutes? Below are some commonly asked questions can help you decide if you’re a good candidate.

Popular Questions About Botox

1. What Is Botox?

Botox, otherwise known as botulinum toxin type A, is a wrinkle relaxer that can be injected.

It was FDA approved in 1989 for medical purposes. And by 2002, it was FDA approved for the use of cosmetic treatments between the eyes and for frown lines. Finally, by 2013 the FDA also approved it for crow’s feet.

It has been deemed a safe and effective treatment to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles.

In fact, in the United States, it ranks as the #1 non-surgical cosmetic procedure.

2. How Does Botox Work?

Botox paralyzes the muscles temporarily in order to reduce wrinkles. In other words, it blocks the nerve signals responsible for muscle contractions that cause wrinkles. Plus, it can reduce the rate of new wrinkles since contractions are temporarily prevented.

A Botox treatment is minimally invasive. Which means you can go back to your normal life right afterwards.

However, if you are concerned about pain, a topical anesthetic or numbing cream can be applied to the treated area.

Treatment time takes no longer than 15 minutes.

3. How Much Does Botox Cost?

The cost of Botox will vary depending on your age, amount of sun damage, where you live and provider. The average treatment cost ranges from $200 to $600. Since this is a cosmetic treatment, insurance does not usually cover the cost.

To get an exact price point, contact your provider for a consultation. They will give you an estimate of what you’ll need and how much it will cost.

4. How Long Does Botox Last?

On average, Botox or Dysport will last anywhere from 3 to 6 months. So, the length of time it lasts depends on your age and metabolism.

Once it starts to wear off, you’ll notice your muscles start to contract and the wrinkles will start to return. You will want to stay on top of your treatments to avoid the lines from getting any deeper over time.

5. What Are the Side Effects?

Thankfully, Botox has minimal side effects. The most common include bruising, pain, or swelling at the injection site. Other side effects after treatment can include headache, dizziness, or lethargy which usually subsides day of treatment.

6. What Will Recovery Be Like?

Since Botox is minimally invasive , you don’t have too much to worry about when it comes to recovery. In fact, most people resume their regular activities immediately after treatment.

The most important thing is to avoid excessive sweating the day of treatment. If you are someone that is active, make sure you get your activity in prior to getting your Botox or Dysport injections.

Another helpful tip for recovery is to take zinc supplements. Some doctors recommend this so that your Botox will last longer.

7. Does It Hurt?

The needles used to inject Botox are very thin needles. Therefore, pain is very minimal.

Oftentimes, patients only feel a small pinch or prick from the needles. However, topical numbing creams can be applied for those worried about pain.

After the treatment, little to no pain is reported.

8. Am I a Good Candidate for Botox?

This is a great question to ask your provider at your consultation. They will go over each and every aspect of Botox. Use this time to explain why you think you need Botox and how your body usually reacts to injections. This will allow you to voice any concerns or ask any questions. Ultimately, this will help both you and your provider conclude if Botox is right for you.

If not, you can discuss other options that may be available for you to try.