What To Expect Before, During & After Having Botox Injections

The facial aesthetics market is booming – you only have to open your instagram feed to be flooded with plenty of imagery, often near perfection, to see why.

With people wanting to become the ‘best version of themselves’ at any age, it’s understandable that more and more people are opting for easier, quicker treatments with minimal downtime and side effects.

For example, a typical facelift has at least 30 days downtime. This is assuming there are no complications, combined with having more extensive side-effects requiring time off work.

I’ve summarised the main factors to consider if you’re thinking about having Botox^®.

Before you book an appointment

• Make sure you’re available

If you’ve got a big event coming up eg: dream holiday/wedding it’s always good to make sure you plan well in advance. Botox^® typically takes 1-2 weeks to start showing a difference, and it starts to wear off within 3-6 months. A top-up is often scheduled 2 weeks after the initial appointment, so it’s important you factor and plan these around.

• Research

Research is key. Many patients can begin this process online or by reading a variety of blogs/reviews. Unndoo provides a wealth of educational pieces for you to read and you know you’re in safe hands as we only have doctors and dentists on our platform. Most importantly, you can WhatsApp our Chief Medical Officer anytime on (07585 237 435) and they’ll be more than happy to answer any of your questions.

• Select a practitioner

It’s so important that you select the right practitioner. As Botox^® is a prescription-only medicine, it can only be prescribed by a doctor, dentist, nurse prescriber or aesthetic pharmacist. It’s essential to know the qualifications that you’re practitioner holds. At Unndoo, you don’t have to worry as all of our practitioners are either doctors or dentists!

• Obtain a consultation

It’s essential for you to have a face-to-face consultation with your practitioner before you have any treatment. This is the perfect opportunity to ask whatever questions you may have and remember there is no such thing as a silly question! At UNNDOO, your practitioner will focus on the areas that you want to improve and will provide you with sound and trusted advice.

• Consider alternative or adjunctive treatments

There are a range of other treatments on offer eg: chemical peels or surgery. Make sure you consider that these are viable options. Additionally, the doctor may advise you on a skin care routine that can be used in conjunction with your Botox^®  treatment, as the effects drastically improve when your skin is at its best.

• Have some reflective down time

It’s normal to need to some time to think about if you want to go ahead with treatment, especially if it your first time. Our customer service team are always on hand if you have any other questions that you would like to ask before booking your treatment.

• Costs

As a general rule of thumb, prices are based on the number of areas that you have treated. One area, for example, can be your frown lines. Here at Unndoo, the prices include your consultation, treatment and review/top-up appointment.

• Photos

As a patient, it’s nice to be able to see your results and compare the difference! It’s important that you consent to have these photos taken and that they can be used for marketing uses on an anonymous basis.

• Know your next steps

When you book with Unndoo, you’ll be provided all the after-care instructions via email and your practitioner will go through all the steps. Our Medical Team will also contact you should you wish to have a Review or Top-Up appointment. A Review/Top-Up appointment gives you the potential to ask as many questions as you want or if you’d like to receive additional Botox® to help give you your desired look. Ultimately, it’s about making sure you’re happy with the results.

During your treatment

• Consent

The consent process forms a vital part of your consultation. Your practitioner will discuss in detail the risks and benefits of the procedure and the signing of this form means that you are giving your consent.

• Skin Preparation

It is best to go with clear skin, therefore we ask you to make sure your face is free of any oils, make up and creams.

After your treatment…DO

• Keep upright for four hours.
• Lightly wash your face at night.
• Gently apply a mineral-based make-up if needed after 1 hour.
• Sleep on your back.
• Purchase some Bruise MD online or over the counter and lightly place this on the area if you have bruising.
• Contact your clinician if you are worried or are experiencing any side effects.
• Arrange an appointment 2 weeks later for a review.

After your treatment…AVOID

• Lying down or leaning forward for four hours.  
• Restrictive headgear eg: headbands.
• Touching, massaging or rubbing the area for 24 hours which can cause the deposits to spread to other parts.
• The gym or any intense activity for 24 hours. After 4 hours you can do light exercise eg: walking, jogging.
• Alcohol consumption.
• Facials, chemical peels, massages, saunas or microabrasion for 24 hours.
• Avoid aspirin and other pain killers as it can cause more bruising.
• Lying down or leaning forward for four hours.  
• Restrictive headgear eg: headbands.
• Touching, massaging or rubbing the area for 24 hours which can cause the deposits to spread to other parts.
• The gym or any intense activity for 24 hours. After 4 hours you can do light exercise eg: walking, jogging.
• Alcohol consumption.
• Facials, chemical peels, massages, saunas or microabrasion for 24 hours.
• Avoid aspirin and other pain killers as it can cause more bruising.

Blog Post by Dr Rima Hussain

Discover which treatment may be suitable for you, here.