Botox has been quite the buzzword of the decade. Although Botox continues to grow in commercial popularity, there is still a lot of confusing information flying around about Botox, especially with the introduction of additional filler options to the market. The first step to a more youthful glow is to be mindful of your skincare regime. The right beauty products crafted specially to reduce fine lines and wrinkles are your BFF when it comes to looking younger. Based on advice from licensed practitioners, here’s some must-know food for thought.
7 Things You Should Know Before Considering Botox
Not sure what Botox is? The infamous Botulinum toxin is injected to paralyze the face, eliminating wrinkles temporarily. Although the thought of disabling facial muscles sounds alarming, Botox was still the most popular aesthetic procedure in 2018.
Here are a few things you should know before considering going under the needle.
#1. ONLY go to a reputable Doctor.
Ask friends who’ve successfully had effective Botox for a personal referral. Only a registered, trusted doctor should inject Botox into your face. Your chosen doctor should also be an official vendor for the neurotoxin of your choice; Allergan, Galderma, and Merz are the top three brands. Ensure that you are not receiving a counterfeit, tarnished, or expired vial by using a licensed physician. It’s essential to book in for a consultation before anyone injects you. An expert should ask you to smile, frown and raise your eyebrows to evaluate how your face moves naturally to achieve a rejuvenated appearance rather than an expressionless look.
#2. Avoid Groupon and bargain offers.
The lower the price for Botox, the more likely it is that the product is diluted. Watered down Botox is weaker, meaning you’ll like need additional sessions to see results, eventually spending more than you would have for the original recommended retail price. Another reason for cheap prices could be that your practitioner purchased the product outside of the USA which is not only illegal but could also be incredibly dangerous if the product is fake or contaminated.
#3. Things to avoid before your injections.
Blood-thinning medications like aspirin and ibuprofen are a big no-no before treatment, Anticoagulants prevent blood clotting which increases the risk of bruising. Foods to avoid for a minimum of a week before ‘operation’ include multivitamins, cinnamon, green tea, ginger, red wine and fish oil. Ask your doctor in advance for a full list of foods and supplements to avoid before your procedure.
#4. Ask your doctor if they offer complimentary vascular laser treatment.
When a blood vessel is accidentally hit, an unsightly black and blue bruise can appear at the injection site. Many practitioners offer next-day complimentary vascular laser treatment to diminish bruising significantly.
#5. Avoid silicone at all costs.
Never, ever, EVER, get silicone injections anywhere in your body. Silicone is the beastly ingredient that’s considered to cause the majority of filler complications. It’s not FDA approved for a reason.
#6. Preventative Botox is a thing.
Injecting Botox into expression lines and wrinkles when they start to appear helps prevent deepening and worsening wrinkles. Think carefully before going down this road; starting young means, you will be using Botox for 45 years plus. The medical industry doesn’t yet have much insight into the side effects of long-term Botox use.
#7. Schedule your injections carefully.
To avoid spreading the toxin or weakening the Botox effects post-injection, it’s advisable not to apply makeup, wash your hair, hit the gym or fly for at least 48-hours after Botox.
