Tiny doses of BOTOX are injected into the skin where wrinkles are noticeable. It is normally done in the doctor’s office and the procedure can last from 15 to 30 minutes. The number of injections and dose amounts administered varies by patient depending on the severity of wrinkles. Patients are first marked with ink prior to the injection so that the practitioner can accurately inject the areas in need of wrinkle softening. This procedure does not create any discomfort other than a normal prick that comes with a small needle. A numbing cream may be applied to help with any discomfort. Patients will be able to go home right after treatment with no downtime from their normal routine.
After treatment, mild swelling and bruising may appear on the injection spots. Patients are advised to limit exercise and to sleep in an upright position the same night as the treatment. The redness and swelling will only last for a few hours, but some patients may experience bruising for several days. There are bruising medications, such as Arnica, that patients can take a week prior to treatment to help minimize bruising. The results from a BOTOX treatment take 5-7 days to appear. When they do, the face will look smoother and brighter, and patients will feel rejuvenated by their fresh appearance.