Botox is quite the popular topic of conversation, not just between close friends, but also in the media. So it’s no surprise you’ve been wondering whether or not you want to take advantage of the benefits it’s meant to provide. If you’re in your late 20s, you may already be seeing the signs of late nights, partying, falling asleep with makeup on, and a life full of expression.
If you want to know what Botox is all about, here are the 9 most important things you need to know before you decide to give it a try. Botox can be truly life-changing and it can help you reduce the appearance of wrinkles, helping you look more youthful. But it’s important that you’re responsible with your choices. It’s your face, after all, so make sure you have all the information you need! These facts will help you get started.
1. Age Doesn’t Matter as Much as You Think
Of course, you shouldn’t be thinking about Botox before 25 and even at 25 whether you should get preventive Botox will depend on many factors. But if you find that you have noticeable lines while your face is resting and they bother you, you can get a consultation to see if you can benefit from the treatment.
In fact, this is why age doesn’t matter as much as you think. What matters is whether or not you can benefit from it and that will depend on different factors. Which is precisely why you need a consultation. There’s no recommended age for Botox because everyone’s muscles present differently on people’s face.
Most experts agree Botox can be a preventive measure for young clients who are concern about the development of expression lines on their face. As long as their concern is founded, Botox will help preserve the skin and stop lines from developing. On older clients, Botox will make the wrinkles less present and help preserve the skin as well.
2. The Dose Will Vary
The average does for Botox is 10 to 25 units, but the dosage will vary depending on the target area and how deep the lines are. How much Botox you need will be determined in your consultation and then it will be inserted with a needle on the target areas of your face. Which can be the frown area in between your eyebrows, your forehead and your smile lines as well as the area around your eyes.
3. Yes, It Will Hurt a Little
Botox is applied by injection, there’s truly no other way to go about it. It will hurt a little bit; you’ll feel a slight sting but it will be sharp and fast. Immediately after you’re injected, the area is dabbed with cotton to clear up any blood. If you’re a bit squeamish or nervous around needles, focus on the fact that the application is actually very quick and even though you’ll feel it a bit, it’s not difficult to handle. As women, we’re used to a little pain in the name of beauty. I’m looking at you, hot wax! When the benefits far outweigh the pain, which is minimal, you won’t have an issue going through the process of Botox.
4. You Can’t Exercise Straight After
If you were thinking of going to the gym right after getting your Botox, you can forget it. The solution will take around 20 minutes to settle into your muscles, so it’s recommended that you remain upright for that period of time. That rumor going around that you need to stay upright for over 2 hours is false and it won’t make a difference. It’s advisable that you don’t engage in exercise that’s too strenuous or hot right after the treatment. And also, wash your face carefully and gently when you get home. Don’t scrub or rub your skin!
A few things about recovery…
5. It’s Common to Experience a Little Bruising
There are a few side effects to be expected from Botox treatment. A bit of redness is to be expected and it will disappear soon after, but you might want to keep your schedule clear right after the treatment. The pin prick points of the injections will be visible on your face and bruising is also very common. The severity of the bruising will depend entirely on how sensitive your skin is. You may also experience a headache, which will soon disappear, but you can take medicine to help you with that. If the headache persists after 48 hours and you’re experiencing symptoms such as nausea, please contact your practitioner as soon as possible.
6. You’ll See a Difference in 3 to 5 Days
Botox results are not immediate, which is good to know so you can manage your expectations. You’ll really start to see a difference in 3 to 5 days and maximum results will take about 2 weeks to show up on your face. Of course, this can vary from person to person. Some people see maximum changes in only a week. But what’s true is that little by little your target areas will have a lot less movement than before. This will feel strange at first, but you’ll get used to it!
7. People (Ahem, Women) Will Notice
People will definitely notice the difference on your face. It will definitely look fresher, so expect compliments from friends and family. And prepare for their reactions when you tell them you got a little Botox. But don’t expect your boyfriend or other men in your life to notice. They may compliment you more than usual, but they won’t know what the heck is going on. They’ll just know you look better and that’s what you want; you want people to notice a difference but you still want to look like yourself.
8. The Effects Last Up to 5 Months
The effects of Botox can last anywhere from 3 to 5 months. Of course, it will require some after care, including no smoking, no excess alcohol, little sun exposure and avoiding stress. All these things will make collagen break down faster, which will affect the longevity of the treatment. Other factors that affect its longevity are muscle strength and metabolism.
9. Botox Costs Vary Greatly
Botox is now more available than ever, so you will notice that costs can vary greatly. What’s important here is that you choose a qualified and experienced expert. They will charge a bit more, but it’s worth it. Do your research, read reviews, compare prices and choose the best possible option for you. If the price is too good to be true, it probably is. Be smart and be careful!
The idea of Botox can be scary if you don’t know anything about it. It’s safe to say the Botox horror images of the early 2000s are still stuck in our heads. But the good news is Botox has evolved and its application has been refined through the years. As long as you choose a good practitioner, you’ll look as natural as you want!
*Information in this article is not medical advice and may not be factually accurate. It is intended for entertainment purposes only. Consult with a physician before attempting any tips in this blog post and to get the most up to date factual data about any procedure or treatment.
