First Time Getting Botox®? Here's What to Expect

Dr. Robert Topham and our Holladay Dermatology & Aesthetics team have earned a reputation as skilled, experienced medical professionals who offer unsurpassed skin care and cosmetic treatments for people throughout the Salt Lake City, Utah, area. We extensively research products and procedures before including them in our services.

So, you can rest assured that we provide Botox® injections based on three solid principles — it’s safe, effective, and proven. 

But that’s not news — Botox has been around for many years, smoothing out the deep creases caused by years of facial expressions for around 5 million folks yearly. What has changed is the scope of the product. It now has multiple cosmetic and medical applications that can positively change your life if administered by an experienced professional.

If you're a Botox newbie, you’ve come to the right place. Dr. Topham is a highly skilled dermatologist who specializes in aesthetics. He has the expertise and artistic sensibilities necessary to administer Botox precisely and safely.

Like most first-timers, you probably wonder what to expect during your initial Botox session, so we’ve compiled this guide to give you a glimpse into your appointment. 

What to do before your first Botox appointment

Before your Botox appointment, discuss your medical history, current medications, and expectations with our team to ensure you’re a good candidate for Botox. 

It's also a good idea to avoid alcohol, blood-thinning medications, and certain supplements like vitamin E for a few days before your appointment because they can increase your risk of bruising.

What happens during the first Botox appointment

During your first Botox appointment, Dr. Topham examines your face and decides the appropriate injection sites based on your specific concerns and desired results. 

We then clean the area and apply a numbing cream to minimize any discomfort. Using a thin needle, Dr. Topham injects small amounts of Botox into the targeted muscles, and this typically takes just a few minutes.

How Botox injections feel

Most people describe the sensation of Botox injections as a slight pinch or sting. The discomfort is usually minimal and brief, especially if we apply a numbing cream beforehand. 

You may experience a mild burning sensation as Dr. Topham injects the Botox, but it usually subsides quickly.

What to do after your Botox appointment

After your Botox appointment, it's crucial to follow our post-treatment instructions. For example, avoid strenuous exercise, lying down, or massaging the treated area for a few hours after your appointment. These precautions help prevent Botox from spreading to unintended areas, which could cause temporary muscle weakness or drooping.

Possible side effects to expect

Most people tolerate Botox well, and most side effects are mild and short-lived. 

However, common side effects like redness, swelling, and bruising at the injection site usually resolve within a few days. Although other issues are rare, you could experience headaches, temporary muscle weakness, or eyelid drooping. Contact us if you experience any concerning side effects or if your symptoms last over a week.

How long you can expect Botox to last

You’ll likely notice your Botox results within a few days to two weeks after treatment and expect them to last anywhere from three to six months. 

The duration of the effects varies based on your metabolism, the area treated, and the amount of Botox used. Expect to return for regular maintenance treatments to maintain your results.

Schedule your first Botox session at Holladay Dermatology & Aesthetics in Holladay, Utah, for the safest, most positive Botox experience possible. Call 801-272-4408.