Smile lines, crow’s feet, and even frown lines can be signs of a rich life that has inspired plentiful facial expressions. But just because fine lines emerge naturally doesn’t mean you have to grin and bear it when they prove bothersome.
The same goes for deeper wrinkles, which are especially likely if you’re a smoker or you’ve spent time tanning or outdoors without UV protection. In any of these cases, Botox® provides a minimally invasive solution.
At LA Medical Clinic Inc in Glendale, California, board-certified nurse practitioner Lusine Apikyan. NP, and her team offer Botox injections to diminish common signs of aging.
Let’s delve into Botox, including how to prepare for your first treatment.
How Botox works
Botox injections contain a neurotoxin that temporarily weakens muscles in the treatment area. As a result, you experience fewer of the muscle contractions that eventually fuel crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead lines.
The injections themselves often feel like a tiny pinch, which many people tolerate well. And depending on your treatment goals, you may wish to have one or multiple areas treated during one appointment.
Your results may be visible within 24-48 hours, with full results apparent within 30 days. From there, while individual results vary, Botox benefits often last 3-4 months.
Preparing for your first Botox treatment
Because Botox requires only a short office visit and no downtime for recovery, you don’t have to do much in preparation. You’ll simply sit in a comfortable treatment chair while your injections are placed.
If you arrive wearing makeup, such as foundation, your provider gently removes it prior to starting your injections. We may also take a few “before” photos to keep in your file. All in all, you can plan on roughly 15-30 minutes for your appointment.
To make the most of your initial treatment, consider these preparation steps:
- Avoid ibuprofen beforehand; it may lead to bruising
- Exercise beforehand, instead of within four hours afterward
- Request an ice pack or a topical numbing cream if you have sensitive skin
- Schedule a pre-treatment consultation to go over your goals
If your doctor approves, you may also want to avoid blood-thinning medication before your treatment to minimize the risk of bruising. If bruises do appear, they tend to be small and diminish before long.
Our team provides specific aftercare instructions to keep in mind after your treatment, such as avoiding lying down fully or rubbing your face for several hours.
To learn more about Botox or to get started with your first treatment, call LA Medical Clinic Inc or book an appointment online on our website today.