Botox treatments – procedures that everyone is aware of nowadays. The best solution for such aging problems as fine lines, crows feet, and mimic wrinkles in other unwanted areas. However, a lot of potential patients are afraid of Botox cosmetic procedures because of various rumors that it may hurt.
But is it true? Does the Botox injection procedure really hurt? Are there any methods to reduce discomfort and make the whole operation more pleasant? Now, we are going to tell you everything on this topic and diminish all silly superstitions you may have heard from other people. Enjoy!
Do Botox injections hurt, and how is it feels like when it starts to work?
We would like to answer your main question immediately – no, botulinum administration doesn’t hurt at all. The procedure itself is performed with the help of tiny Botox needles and mini-punctures. If you are still worried the Botox hurt, and something may go wrong, you may easily ask your beautician about numbing cream in the areas of choice. During the actual treatment, you may experience a little bit strange sensations, kind of like a mosquito bite. Post-Botox feel slight residual stinging, but it is minimal and can be easily eliminated with the help of a special gel your beautician may provide you with at the clinic.
Sometimes, a small bump may appear in the treatment areas, as well as bruises, rash, and minor itching. But those fade quickly, so it shouldn’t be a big problem. Slight discomfort after the first treatment is totally normal and not dangerous; it should become lighter after some time, so be patient and not rush the healing process. Facial muscles start relaxing after the first week, and Botox begins working thanks to a neurotoxic protein that affects the neurotransmitter.
The next appointment should be conducted approximately 3-4 months after the first treatment. That’s because the muscle movement activates again during this period of time, so patients return to get Botox once more. Just make sure the procedure is conducted by a properly trained specialist, so there will be no problems and unfortunate consequences afterward.
What should I know before getting Botox for the first time?
Before Botox injection treatment, the first thing you should understand that it doesn’t work instantly and cannot provide a magazine-like face that you always see on the Internet. Your expectations should’ve realistic – yes, Botox is a muscle relaxer that can give a youthful appearance to those who choose it, but it is not a magic solution that can change your looks dramatically. You will see a slightly noticeable difference, of course, but still, do not expect such dramatic results a surgery may give you. If you are not sure what to expect, have a free consultation with a specialist of choice; he will explain everything to you.
Also, do not be surprised if your face becomes a little more restricted after Botox use. That’s important because thanks to muscles relaxation, no frown line would appear in the treated zones. The only thing is that you should be careful to make sure original injections are used in the clinic of choice. Check whether the product is in a proper box, is not expired, and was stored in the correct conditions. Also, there are some things about pre-treatment and aftercare you should definitely be aware of; we will discuss them in the next paragraph.
Aftercare and precautions
The first thing every doctor will tell you about is that alcohol is forbidden 24 hours before 2-3 days after the Botox treatment. It is also recommended avoiding Ibuprofen and other blood-thinning medications; a specialist can prescribe another analgesic as an alternative. Warn your doctor if you are taking any other over-the-counter supplement.
Not only that, but you shouldn’t touch a treatment site too, as well as do not lay down during the first hour after the procedure and do not sleep on the treated side. Avoid physical activities; you may resume exercising in 5-7 days.
Stay away from the direct sunlight and places with excessive heat. That means you should always use sunscreen and avoid bathtubs, extremely hot showers, saunas, etc. Do not forget that the area of Botox injections is very sensitive after the actual procedure, so other beauty procedures, like peelings or facial massage, should be avoided to protect it from other damages.
To sum up
Botox treatments are not painful at all, and every rumor about the extreme pain patients experience is just the lie of those who have never tried this type of treatment. If you have any worries, consult with a specialist to ask all the questions that may make you worried. Slight discomfort is nothing compared to the outstanding effect that you will get afterward. It’s your choice!