First Time for Botox? Here's How to Prepare for the Best Experience

As the leading minimally invasive cosmetic procedure in the United States, Botox® is well known for its ability to smooth out lines and wrinkles that form as a result of facial movements — so-called dynamic lines and wrinkles. 

Even though millions of people turn to Botox each year, there’s a first time for everyone, and if you’ve never had Botox, you might be wondering what you can do to set the stage for the best possible experience.

At Metroderm DC: Medical, Laser, and Aesthetic Dermatology Center, Edward Stolar, MD,  Todd Perkins, MD, and Adrianna Gonzales, MD, FAAD, want every patient to enjoy their Botox experience and their results, too. 

In this post, learn what you can do to get ready for your first session near you at our Washington, DC, center.

The basics of Botox

When you make a facial expression, nerves communicate between your muscles and your brain, telling your muscles when to contract and when to relax. Over time, repeated movements etch lines and wrinkles into your face, particularly around your eyes, forehead, and mouth.

Botox is what’s known as a neuromodulator or a neuromuscular blocking agent — a treatment that affects the way nerves and muscles interact. When we inject Botox into specific facial muscles, it prevents nerves from telling the muscle to contract, which means lines and wrinkles won’t form.

Once injected, Botox results become apparent within a day or so, lasting for about 3-4 months. When the effects begin to wear off, you can have a touch-up treatment to maintain the results and keep your skin looking smooth and wrinkle-free.

We use very precise doses of Botox to achieve natural results that never look stiff or frozen. In addition to Botox, we offer three other neuromuscular blocking agents — Dysport®, Jeuveau®, and Daxxify® — to help you achieve the best results for your needs and goals. 

Getting ready for your visit

We administer neuromuscular blocking agents via injections, and for many people, the biggest worry is whether the treatment will hurt. The good news is, these agents use very thin needles — much thinner than the needles used for vaccines. As a result, most people tolerate injections very well, describing the sensation as a small pinch. 

Prior to your Botox treatment, we assess your facial anatomy, mapping out your treatment plan to target only very specific muscles to achieve a natural result that helps you look your absolute best. 

We also review your medical history and any medications you’re taking. Depending on the type of medications or supplements you’re using, we may suggest altering your dose temporarily before treatment to reduce the risk of bruising afterward. 

You should also avoid alcohol for a couple days prior to treatment.

When you arrive, we cleanse your skin, so skip makeup and other facial products the day of your visit. Each injection takes just a few moments, with most complete treatments taking 15 minutes or less.

Afterward, there’s no downtime but we recommend avoiding strenuous activity for several hours to prevent Botox from spreading. You should also avoid rubbing the area, although gentle application of ice is fine for reducing bruising — just don’t press or rub.

Schedule your first Botox session today

We can use Botox on its own or in combination with other treatments, like dermal fillers, for truly custom results, depending on your needs and goals. 

If you’re looking for a dermatologist near you and want to learn more about Botox or to schedule a consultation, call 202-659-2223 or book an appointment online with our team at Metroderm DC in Washington, DC, today.