Common Questions About Botox

Botox Portland

Is Botox Safe?

Botox is currently the top nonsurgical cosmetic procedure in the United States for a reason – it’s extremely safe and it works! FDA approved, Botox is backed by over 15 years of clinical studies and is the most widely researched and studied treatment of its kind.

Does Botox Prevent Wrinkles?

Absolutely. Botox injections will slow muscles that contract hundreds of times a day, that would otherwise eventually etch lines in the skin. If Botox is started before the lines become etched in you will be preventing the wear that causes the lines to form in the first place.

Will Botox Make Me Feel Numb and Look Frozen?

It will not affect the nerves that cause sensation, or make you feel numb. Using Botox moderately and properly (administered by someone who is licensed, trained, and a medical expert in facial anatomy) won’t cause a “frozen face”. At Baskin Aesthetic, we would rather err on the conservative side and have you come back for a touch up, than use too much and not have a good result. So basically, you’ll look like yourself—only with less noticeable lines. No one should be able to tell you’ve had anything done.We prefer a more natural look, meaning you’ll still have movement and expression in your face.

What Can I Expect the Day After My Botox Appointment?

Not much. Results begin to show in a couple of days and develop gradually over the course of two weeks. We tell anyone preparing for a big event to come in two weeks ahead of time.

How much time does treatment take?

The injection process takes a quick 10 minutes! What are you waiting for?

The Botox timeline: What to expect following your treatment

When Botox is administered correctly it can offer a relaxed, refreshed and more youthful appearance.  It can help to enhance your features while also preventing those pesky lines and wrinkles developing for years to come.

It’s understandable that you might have some questions and reservations about the treatment – it does involve facial injections after all! To put your mind at ease, we’ve outlined what you can expect before, during and after the treatment:

At the consultation

During the initial consultation, Dr Baskin or one of our Registered Nurses will discuss with you exactly what your concerns are and manage your expectations to ensure you get the best result. They will make treatment recommendations to align with what you want to achieve and your budget. Now’s the time to ask any questions you have, to ensure you have a full understanding of the treatment.

At the Botox® appointment

At your first Botox® appointment*, you’ll complete a medical consent form and pre-treatment photos are taken to track your results. This initial appointment is about 30 minutes, which is longer than follow up appointments which are only around 15 minutes. Your nurse will then talk you through the procedure before starting. Botox® is injected directly into the targeted muscle using a fine needle. Most people describe the treatment as ‘slightly uncomfortable’ but it is over in no time!

*Unless you are under a doctor order for it,  seven days prior to a Botox injection avoid Aspirin, Advil, Aleve, Motrin, any anti-inflammatory medications, Fish Oil/Flaxseed Oil supplements and Melatonin.  This will decrease your chance of bruising.

Immediately after the treatment

Right after the treatment, you may have a small amount of redness and swelling – this will usually resolve within ten minutes. Most people experience no pain or side effects, a small number get a mild headache after the treatment which can be eased with mild pain relief. You will be given post-treatment information which outlines all of the details and post-care advice.

1 day after the treatment

Most people will not experience any symptoms that show they’ve had the treatment done, however it is possible to have some minor bruising. Noticeable results are not usually visible the next day, as it take a bit of time for the Botox® to kick in.

1 week after the treatment

After five to seven days, you are likely to start to see results of your treatment, with the full effect seen at 10-14 days. The treated area will appear smoother and look more refreshed.  

1 month after the treatment

A month down the track, your Botox® will still be very effective.  Some people will have a very small amount of movement return, although this differs for everyone and also depends on the area treated.

3 months after the treatment

After about 3 to 6 months, the effects of Botox start to wear off and you will start to see a gradual return of movement. If you want the fresh and smooth look to return, you will have to repeat the injections. Most people get injections every 3 to 4 months. 

The Effects of Long-Term Botox Use

Many people think that Botox is only good for a quick fix, especially since the effects are temporary. However, long-term Botox use can actually make your wrinkles look permanently better by preventing them from getting worse in the long run.

Think about it this way: people make facial expressions every single day, whether it’s expressing an emotion (i.e. smiling) or simply out of habit (i.e. raising your brows). Making facial expressions causes temporary dynamic lines to show up in your face. These lines go away when your face returns to rest. However, as you continue to make facial expressions, day after day and year after year, and as your skin ages, these lines start to get etched in your skin. That’s when frown lines get progressively deeper for people who frown all the time. Or when crow’s feet stay put even after you stop smiling or squinting. Eventually, what once were dynamic wrinkles become wrinkles that are just there, even when you don’t make any facial expressions.

This is where Botox comes into play. When you get consistent Botox injections, you prevent potential wrinkle formations from getting deeper or worse. Botox limits the range of facial muscle movement (when done skillfully, your face will not get that frozen look) so that wrinkles don’t worsen over time. If you have a bad habit of frowning or lifting your brows for no reason, consistent Botox injections can also help your face kick these bad habits and therefore prevent any potential lines from getting etched in your skin. Getting frequent Botox injections may also help relax your facial muscles so that you don’t need as a high a dose or as frequent as an injection to maintain your results.

Bottom line: You don’t need to use Botox all the time, but long-term and consistent Botox use helps a lot.

Boxtox Cosmetic – How It Works

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How does BOTOX Cosmetic Work?
Botox Cosmetic is administered in very low doses through a few tiny injections into the muscles between the brows, which are responsible for frown lines. Botox Cosmetic enables the muscles to relax by blocking the chemical which normally causes these muscles to contract. The effects of Botox Cosmetic are extremely localized and will not effect other areas on your face. Your smile, laugh and facial expressions will remain the same.

Botox for Sweating
Excessive sweating or hyperhydrosis is a common problem for men and women that can affect one’s daily living. Botox of the underarms, hands, or feet significantly reduces this problem and lets you “get back to your life.” The treatment can be administered easily on your lunch hour and results typically last 6-9 months.