Do you notice more fine lines and wrinkles in the mirror every morning, making you feel like your skin is aging faster than it should. This feeling can be frustrating, but many of us can relate to it. Now, you have questions about how to reclaim youthful skin with the power of Botox, but where should you begin? How does it work? Is it right for you? Can you still look like yourself?
Total Skin Dermatology & Aesthetics is here to be your guide throughout the entire Botox process, and that starts right now. We share what you should know before your first appointment, so you can start treatment with confidence. If you’re considering Botox in Fargo but aren’t sure what to expect, you’re in the right place.
Whether you feel nervous before your first injection or you just started considering Botox, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know before you begin treatment.
From how it works to what results you can expect, we’ll help you feel confident about taking the first step toward a refreshed, natural-looking appearance.
Understanding Botox: What is it and how does it work?
Botox (short for botulinum toxin) is a completely purified protein derived from a specific type of bacteria. Doctors originally developed Botox for medical treatments—such as reducing eyelid spasms—but in 2002, the FDA approved it for aesthetic use. Even decades later, providers still use Botox primarily to treat dynamic wrinkles, and it is popularly used as a wrinkle relaxer.
Botox works so well to reduce the natural signs of aging because it is a powerful neuromodulator. When injected into specific facial muscles, this wrinkle relaxer temporarily blocks the nerve signals that cause muscle contractions in the face. Reducing these contractions leads to a smoother, more youthful appearance.
What can Botox treat?
Botox excels at treating dynamic wrinkles—which are wrinkles that are caused by muscle movements. These movements include smiling, laughing, frowning, and squinting. Some of the facial areas our team treats using Botox include:
- Forehead lines
- Brow lines
- Mouth lines
- Chin lines
- Neck lines
- Crow’s feet
During an initial consultation, our team will assess your skin’s health and the wrinkles you want to treat. Botox minimizes dynamic wrinkles, but we treat other forms of wrinkles (like static wrinkles) with alternative procedures—like dermal filler.
If you want to learn more about the differences between Botox and dermal filler, check out our breakdown on Botox vs dermal filler in Fargo and learn which injectable might meet your needs.
Is Botox right for you?
If you want to turn back the hands of time and reduce the signs of aging on your face, neck, or around the eyes—Botox might be a good match for you.
It might seem counterintuitive for a dermatology and aesthetics office to say this, but no one needs Botox treatments.
However, Botox in Fargo has a plethora of practical uses, and it provides many with physical and mental benefits that can elevate your life and well-being. When we look good and love what we see in the mirror, we feel good, too.
Common Questions About Botox
Have questions about Botox? The team at Total Skin has answers. From downtime to safety, we’ve compiled the most commonly asked questions on Botox to help you feel informed and confident before your first treatment.
Is Botox safe?
Botox has an excellent safety record when administered by trained and experienced professionals—like our providers at Total Skin. The treatment has been FDA approved since 2002, and millions of people have safely used the treatment for its wrinkle reducing benefits.
During your consultation, we’ll review your medical history to ensure you don’t have any health conditions that could negatively affect your treatment. We want Botox to completely align with your aesthetic and health goals.
Is there downtime after a Botox treatment?
Most patients can resume their normal activities immediately after their treatment. You won’t need to take time off work or have any bed rest after your injection. Though there isn’t any downtime, we recommend avoiding a few activities after your treatment.
Avoid lying down, especially on your face or side, for the first 4-6 hours to prevent the Botox from spreading to unintended areas. We also suggest avoiding strenuous exercise or physical exertion for at least 24 hours after your injection.
Is Botox painful?
Botox injections are very well tolerated by patients. The treatment uses ultra-fine needles for all injections, and the procedure only takes around 15 minutes. Patients experience a pinching sensation during the injection process, but this subsides once the injections are finished.
You may have a little redness in the injection area, but this typically resolves itself within the day after treatment. Your injection site shouldn’t hurt once you leave your appointment, though you may feel some soreness immediately after the injection.
How soon will I see results from Botox?
Botox in Fargo takes a few days to spread into the injected muscle and start relaxing it. The Botox takes time to bind to nerves in the muscle and block the signals that cause contractions and movement.
Usually, patients will see results about 2 weeks after the initial injection. These results will include the fine lines and wrinkles smoothing out.
How long do the results from Botox last?
The duration of Botox results last depends on the person and how quickly their body breaks down the injection. Patients can enjoy smoother skin with a reduction in wrinkles and fine lines for 3 to 4 months after their treatment.
Our team recommends regular maintenance treatments to sustain the desired results and prevent new dynamic wrinkles forming.
How can I get the best results with Botox?
Maximizing your results with Botox starts with choosing a qualified provider. Finding experienced professionals trained in administering injections ensures a safe and successful Botox treatment.
Qualified medical spas, like Total Skin, understand the importance of a well-trained staff and exceptional patient care. If you want to learn more about how med spas offer powerful anti-aging treatments, read our blog on med spas near Moorhead, MN, for more information on how they can help you feel and look your best.
The Botox Process: Step-by-Step
Trying something new can be a bit nerve-wracking, but we’re here to guide you through every step of the Botox treatment. From consultation to aftercare, we want you to know exactly what to expect.
The Consultation
We believe that getting to know you, your skin, your health and your goals sets the foundation for the treatment process. We start all our Botox in Fargo treatments with a curated comprehensive consultation, where we discuss your concerns and desired results.
During this time, we also assess your skin so we can tailor your treatment plan to your unique lifestyle and goals. If your provider thinks another treatment would work better, they will recommend that at this time.
Before Your Botox Treatment
In the days leading up to your appointment, you can do a few things to make your experience with Botox more comfortable. We recommend the following pre-care steps:
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours: For at least 24 hours before your Botox appointment, avoid drinking alcohol if possible. Alcohol can contribute to bruising at injection sites and increase your risk of bleeding.
- Discontinue retinol products for 2 days: 2 days before your treatment, stop using retinol products in your daily skincare routine. Retinoids can increase your skin’s sensitivity, which might lead to irritation or bruising after your injections.
- Stop taking blood thinners for several days: For a week or 2 before your appointment, avoid taking blood thinners. If your doctor has prescribed blood thinners, call your primary-care physician to check if you can safely discontinue them before your treatment.
If you have questions leading up to your appointment, reach out to us. We can always provide guidance personalized to your needs, and we want you to feel prepared before your treatment.
The Botox Procedure
On the day of your Botox appointment, a member of our team escorts you to a private treatment room, where you relax in a comfortable treatment chair. Your expert provider will cleanse your skin to begin the procedure.
The first step includes carefully mapping out the injection sites based on your individualized treatment plan. Once we mark everything properly, we start the injection process. Placing the injections only takes around 15 minutes, and you can return to your normal routine immediately after.
After Your Botox Procedure
Following after-care steps can help you maximize your results with Botox in Fargo. After your injections, there are some do’s and don’ts we recommend.
The Do’s
- Do be gentle with your treated skin for at least 24 hours after treatment.
- Do drink plenty of water after treatment.
- Do schedule maintenance appointments to continue to enjoy the results.
The Don’ts
- Don’t lay flat for at least 4 hours after your treatment.
- Don’t rub and touch the injection sites.
- Don’t sleep on the side of your face—sleep on your back with your face upright if possible.
- Don’t exercise vigorously for at least 24 hours after treatment.
- Don’t forget sunscreen. Use SPF 30+ sun protection following your Botox treatments.
You can expect to see results over the next 2 weeks as your muscles relax and the dynamic wrinkles fade. Most patients enjoy the results for 3 to 4 months after, and often schedule maintenance injections to ensure the wrinkles do not return.
New Confidence Starts Here
Taking the leap into Botox in Fargo for the first time doesn’t have to be intimidating—it can be an exciting step toward feeling your best! Now that you know what to expect, you can walk into your appointment with confidence, equipped with the knowledge to have a smooth and stress-free experience.
Total Skin Dermatology & Aesthetics wants to help you refresh your look with minimal downtime. You can achieve natural, confidence-boosting results with just an appointment. Request an appointment to get started on your journey with Botox.
