5 Must-Knows Before Your First Botox® Appointment

5 Must-Knows Before Your First Botox® Appointment

Botox® is an excellent injectable treatment that eliminates frustrating signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines. It's a great option when you want a youthful appearance without undergoing painful plastic surgery.

However, Botox injections can go wrong if you don't know what to do before and after your appointment. Dr. Anthony N. Dardano offers a range of injectables and fillers to give you a youthful glow you're proud to show off in 2026.

Understanding Botox injections

Botox injections are a cosmetic treatment for signs of aging, like wrinkles and fine lines. The drug is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It's purified in a lab, so it's safe for use.

Botox injections work by temporarily paralyzing the muscles by blocking nerve signals to them. It prevents acetylcholine release at the nerve-muscle junction, preventing muscles from contracting and forming wrinkles and fine lines.

The result is a smoother-looking appearance that's temporary while the muscles stay relaxed. The body slowly metabolizes the toxin over several months, so you need to get more injections to maintain the appearance.

Botox has both cosmetic and medical uses, but we primarily use it to temporarily eliminate signs of aging. You need repeat injections to maintain a smooth complexion, usually every 3 to 4 months.

Five facts to know before  your appointment

If you're ready to start the New Year out with a smooth, youthful appearance, Botox injections are a great place to start. They're minimally invasive and a quick fix for mild to moderate fine lines and wrinkles.

However, it's essential to know the facts about Botox before you come in for the injections. We offer the following information that you need to know before your first Botox appointment:

1. There are restrictions afterwards

The most critical aspect of Botox injections is the aftercare. It's crucial to know what you can and can't do to avoid complications and ensure the results are what you want.

You should avoid strenuous exercise, touching or massaging your face, or wearing makeup for several days while the toxin settles. It's also crucial to stay upright and avoid the sun and heat for the first 24 hours, as the injection can move.

Sleep on your back for the first day or so and avoid excess pressure on the injection sites. Avoid alcohol before and after the injections to prevent excessive bruising.

2. Stop certain medications beforehand

You also need to stop certain medications before your Botox appointment that could cause unnecessary bruising. For instance, avoid blood thinners like aspirin and ibuprofen, as well as certain natural remedies that can increase bruising.

3. The results aren't instantaneous

It's important to know that you won't see results the day of your injections due to swelling and redness, which dissipates within a few days.

Most people see results from Botox within 3 days, but the optimal timing is up to 2 weeks. That's when you should see a smooth, youthful appearance as the muscles fully relax.

4. The results are temporary

While Botox injections are an excellent fix for aging signs, the results are only temporary. Most people see improvements for several months, usually between three and four.

The results may last shorter or longer, depending on how your body metabolizes the toxin and the severity of your wrinkles and fine lines.

5. There are mild side effects

It's essential to learn about the possible side effects related to Botox injections, so you're not surprised. Most side effects are mild and include redness, swelling, and bruising at the injection site. You may also notice some pain and numbness that goes away within a day or so.

Contact our office in Boca Raton today to discuss Botox injections with Dr. Dardano or send a message to our team through the website.

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