With a satisfaction rating of over 95%, Botox Cosmetic® has become a popular cosmetic treatment in North America, with an estimated three million treatments performed annually.
Simply put, Botox is a purified protein that temporarily weakens muscles. It is indicated for wrinkles that are caused by repeated facial expressions (muscle movement). At GraceMed, all Botox is administered by an experienced injector.
Botox injections may also be used as a therapeutic treatment for migraines, eye spasms, overactive bladder, and excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). In fact, Botox was used medically long before it was ever approved as a cosmetic treatment.
Day of your appointment
You will want to make sure you are feeling well (no cold or flu), and that you are not pregnant or nursing. Your visit will begin with a consultation with your treatment provider – a doctor or nurse who has been specifically trained in cosmetic injections. This will give you an opportunity to ask questions and discuss what type of results you are looking for. You will also be asked some questions about your health history to make sure you are a good candidate for the treatment.
Your injector will observe your muscle activity so that she can determine your optimal dose – this is the number of “units” you will require. Because Botox is a customized treatment, the number of units will vary from patient to patient and injection sites. Therefore, just because your friend got a great result with 20 units, it doesn’t mean you will get the same outcome with the same number of units. It all has to do with facial anatomy and the strength of your muscles.
Botox Treatment
Botox is administered via a series of injections using very tiny needles. At most, you will feel several small pinches, or you may feel nothing at all. The treatment will only take 5-10 minutes, and you will be on your way.
Immediately after the treatment, the injected area may be slightly red or bumpy, but this is temporary and usually resolves within a few minutes. Avoid rubbing the area, lying down, or doing intense workouts for the next four hours – otherwise, you can return to your normal activities.
After two weeks, you will be invited back for a follow-up visit so that your injector can review your results and dosing.
After your Botox treatment
If you are interested in trying Botox for the first time, please book a complimentary consultation with one of GraceMed’s qualified nurse injectors. They will happily answer all of your questions and help you make the right decision for you.
