7 Questions About Botox to Ask Your Doctor

By Kashi On Jun 30, 2021

Plastic surgeon drawing lines over eyelid of a nice young female before cosmetic operation.

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Do you want smoother, younger-looking skin? You might want to consider the benefits of Botox! Botox could help you accomplish your beauty goals. In fact, almost seven million people requested Botox treatments in the span of a single year. Before rushing to receive your first injection, take the time to schedule a consultation appointment with your doctor first. Here are seven questions you can ask about Botox. Asking these questions will help you feel more prepared before your first treatment.

It can also help you determine if Botox is the right option for your specific needs. Head into your first appointment with your eyes wide open. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know when preparing for Botox today.

1. How Will Botox Affect Me?

One of the first questions about Botox you might want to ask is the most basic one: what is Botox, exactly?Botox is an injectable wrinkle muscle relaxer. Botox Cosmetic uses botulinum toxin type A. It’s also called OnabotulinumtoxinA. This toxin can temporarily paralyze muscle, which can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. treatment is minimally invasive. It’s considered safe, too. In fact, Botox first received FDA approval in 1989.

Previously, it was used to treat eye muscle problems like blepharospasm. In 2002, it received approval as a cosmetic treatment for frown lines around the eyebrows. It received approval for treatment around the eyes in 2013. Make sure to talk to your doctor about the effects of Botox injections. You’ll want to make sure Botox injections can help accomplish your beauty goals. Botox is usually used as a cosmetic treatment for the area between the eyebrows and around the eyes to treat crow’s feet. However, it’s also used to treat medical problems.

For example, Botox helps patients with:

Chronic migraines
Overactive bladder
Excessive underarm sweating
Lower limb spasticity

Botox works by temporarily blocking muscle contractors and nerve signals. Understanding how it works can help you feel more comfortable about the procedure.

2. Is This My Best Option?

Before scheduling your Botox treatment, talk to your doctor about other treatment options. Remember, you’ll want to make sure Botox is ideal based on your specific beauty goals. Your provider might suggest other cosmetic procedures instead. For example, they could suggest a filler that uses natural hyaluronic acid.

Ask your doctor how long it will take and how long the effects will last as well. The effects of Botox injections aren’t instantaneous. It might take a few days before you start to see results. The results aren’t permanent, either. Your body can react and adjust to the toxin. You might want to wait three months between treatments for optimal results.

3. How Should I Prepare?

As you ask a doctor these questions about Botox, ask them how you should prepare beforehand as well. Since the procedure is non-surgical, there’s little you’ll need to do to prepare beforehand. However, you should talk to your provider about your medical history. Let them know about any allergies or medical conditions you have, too. Otherwise, make sure to cleanse your face and remove all makeup before your treatment. Avoid blood thinners like aspirin beforehand, too. Make sure to find a licensed provider before scheduling your appointment, too. You can talk to them about botox aftercare to ensure you’re prepared.

4. Can I See Before and After Photos?

Ask your provider if you can see before and after photos of their recent clients. Reviewing photos will help you measure the effects of Botox injections. You can determine if this form of treatment is ideal for meeting your goals.

5. How Much Experience Do You Have?

Remember, you’ll want to choose an experienced, licensed practitioner. Ask your doctor how often they complete this procedure. How many clients have they helped over the years? Finding someone with years of experience will give you peace of mind. Otherwise, they might make a costly mistake with your treatment.

6. What Side Effects Should I Anticipate?

Talk to your doctor about the potential side effects of Botox injections you could experience. Many people experience minor bruising and discomfort. These side effects should improve after a few days, though. Otherwise, you might also experience:

Dry eyes
Double vision
Tiredness
Headaches
Swelling or drooping in the eyelid area
Neck pain
Allergic reactions (itching, rashes, asthma symptoms, etc.)

If you start experiencing these side effects, make sure to contact your provider. In the meantime, make sure to avoid massaging, rubbing, or applying pressure to the treated area. Rubbing the area could cause the Botox to spread to other areas. It could impact your treatment results, too.

If you received treatment between the brows, avoid lying down or bending over for about four hours. Otherwise, Botox could slip under your orbital rim. Your eyelid might droop as a result. It’s important to maintain realistic expectations when preparing for a Botox treatment, too.

You likely won’t notice results until two days after your treatment. The full effect should last for about four months. It could help prevent the return of fine lines, too. You might want to consider additional injections to maintain the results of your initial treatment.

7. How Much Will It Cost?

As you ask these questions about Botox, don’t forget to ask about the cost of Botox, too. The cost can vary based on the number of injections you’re requesting. Your geographic location can impact the price range, too. The average cost for Botox treatment is around $376. Consider consulting a few different providers in the area to gauge your local price. Costs can vary based on the size of the treatment area you’re interested in as well.

It’s important to note that Botox is an elective procedure. Your health insurance likely won’t cover the cost. Talk to the treatment center about any deals or discounts they might offer before your appointment.

Smoother Skin: 7 Questions About Botox to Consider Beforehand

Don’t rush to schedule your first Botox appointment. Instead, ask a doctor these questions about Botox first. Asking these questions can help you feel more prepared before your first treatment. You can walk into your appointment knowing Botox is the best treatment for accomplishing your beauty goals. Searching for more tips and tricks? You came to the right place. Explore our latest guides today to get started.