So you’re thinking about getting BOTOX®?

Maybe you’re a 20-something-year-old who used tanning beds throughout your adolescence or perhaps you’re approaching 40 and your forehead just isn’t what it used to be; either way, regardless of age or gender, you might be experiencing some sort of facial aging that your skincare regimen is falling short on addressing.

Just like anything new, receiving a wrinkle relaxer treatment (such as BOTOX®, Jeuveau®, Dysport® or Xeomin®) can be slightly daunting if you’re new to the field of aesthetics and are unsure of what to expect.

That’s why we’ve put together our list of the 5 Questions to ask yourself before getting BOTOX® to help you feel confident, prepared, and ready to make your appointment!

Question #1:

What are your expectations?

Before and after Botox Treatment at Skin by Lovely Lake Oswego
*Individual results may vary.

You may already understand how BOTOX works, but if you don’t- we recommend reading up on the BOTOX 101 basics before scheduling your appointment.

In short- BOTOX is administered via an injection and works by temporarily inhibiting your muscles’ ability to contract, therefore reducing fine lines and wrinkles on the overlying skin. Think forehead lines, frown lines/ “elevens”,  and crow’s feet around the eyes. These are the areas where BOTOX Cosmetic really shines.

BOTOX is not used in the lips, cheeks, or under-eyes to replace volume. These concerns are good candidates for dermal filler. You can learn more about that here.

For an even further look into BOTOX, how it works, treatment demos and more- check out our website & youtube channel.

Question #2:

What ‘look’ are you trying to achieve?

This one is personal preference, but something to be aware of before scheduling your appointment. Due to the way BOTOX works within the muscles, it is common to hear of people looking/being “frozen”. This is (unfortunately) a common deterrent for people since most people want to still look natural and like themselves.

We promise that being ‘frozen’ as a result of wrinkle relaxers is not a given! While BOTOX can be used to knock out facial expressions and ‘freeze’ the face, in the right hands, it can also create gorgeous, natural-looking results that subtly reduce facial lines & deep-set wrinkles.

The latter is what Skin by Lovely is known for: beautiful results that leave you looking and feeling refreshed, while still being able to show the full spectrum of emotions.

To get a better idea of some real-life results from wrinkle-relaxers, visit our Instagram for before & afters or watch our video that shows a treatment demo as well as recorded facial movements once the wrinkle relaxer has taken effect.

Question #3:

Are you patient?

Whereas dermal fillers immediately replace lost volume, wrinkle relaxers (BOTOX, Dysport, and Xeomin) all take time to kick-in and take full effect.

For BOTOX, you’ll see full results in 7-10 days.

Dysport: 3-7 days.

Xeomin & Jeuveau: 5-10 days.

This doesn’t mean you won’t start to see some results sooner than that, but these timelines are important to know prior to scheduling your appointment.

So plan accordingly for that upcoming high school reunion…

Preventative Botox at Skin by Lovely PortlandQuestion #4:

Are you committed?

BOTOX is not permanent. Neither are Dysport, Jeuveau or Xeomin.

Neuromodulators (wrinkle relaxers) work by temporarily affecting the injected muscles. This means you’ll need to plan on periodic trips to see your injector throughout the year. For most, BOTOX appointments every 3-4 months will maintain results and keep your skin smooth and wrinkle-free.

Question #5:

Have you done your research?

“If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional, wait until you hire an amateur.” -Unknown

We’ll just leave that right there…

This 5th question is incredibly important because who you choose to administer your wrinkle relaxer treatment will make or break your results. First, do the research in your state about who can legally perform these treatments, then find a reputable, experienced injector that you trust.

Your face will thank you. We promise! For a detailed look into everything we suggest researching, head over to this article.

Make it through the 5 questions? Ready to book your BOTOX® appointment? Skin by Lovely offers appointments in Santa Monica, CA, Portland, OR and Lake Oswego, OR.

Stay confident, lovelies!