While BOTOX^® Cosmetic injections represent the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the world, with millions of injections administered annually, it’s important that all patients start the process at a facility staffed with experienced, trained medical professionals. During a consultation process, these medical professionals will learn more about your needs and goals in order to determine whether BOTOX^® Cosmetic is, in fact, the best procedure to address your needs. While BOTOX^® Cosmetic is ideal for treating many facial lines and wrinkles, some patients might be more satisfied with the use of facial fillers.

The length of the consultation varies, but it’s important to come prepared with your medical history, including a list of current medications, past procedures, and details about whether you might be pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as a list of questions you’d like answered.

Most patients will be asked to remove any makeup near the injection site prior to the procedure, and the patient’s face will be cleaned with an antiseptic before any injections start.

At the dermatology office in Dallas, we apply ice to the injection sites before the procedure to ensure that our patients experience minimal discomfort. This eliminates the need for a topical anesthetic while providing our patients with the best possible experience. At worst, patients experience a feeling akin to a pinprick at the injection site. Patients who are especially concerned about pain are encouraged to discuss this with their administrator of choice prior to the procedure.

During the treatment session, the doctor will ask that you make certain facial expressions to identify wrinkles and better access the muscles that cause them. For the smoothest and fastest possible procedure, follow any instructions you’re given very carefully while otherwise remaining as still as possible. A typical treatment involves a handful of injection sites carefully selected based on a patient’s unique areas of concern.

Patients typically resume their normal activities immediately following treatment. Though the ease with which patients can return to a normal schedule has created a nickname that might sound somewhat trivial, BOTOX^® Cosmetic is commonly referred to as a “lunchtime” procedure.

Some patients experience redness at the injection site, and some occasionally find mild bruising, but there should be no other external indications that you’ve received a treatment. There are steps you as a patient can take to minimize possible bruising, including no longer taking blood-thinning medications like Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, and Aspirin the week prior to your procedure.

To maximize results, patients are advised to avoid both strenuous activity and drinking alcohol for a few days following the procedure. Medical or cosmetic procedures near or on the injection sites—such as facials, chemical peels, waxing, and the like—are also best avoided.

We encourage Dallas patients with questions or concerns about their BOTOX^® Cosmetic procedure to contact us with any and all questions.