Botox® Atlanta Botox® Facial Injections

What is Botox®?

Botox® is the #1 aesthetic procedure in the world and has been for years. This anti-aging treatment smoothes away lines and wrinkles on the upper face. Specifically, the frown lines (the 11’s in the unibrow area), crow’s feet and brow lines (the lines you get when you raise your eyebrows). Botox® Cosmetic is the only treatment approved by the FDA for the temporary relief of moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people 18 to 65 years of age.

At WIFH, we have done thousands of Botox® injections with excellent results and no complications. We inject more Botox® than 93% of cosmetic practices in the country. And we only use Botox® Cosmetic bought directly from the manufacturer, Allergan.

How Does Botox® Work?

Botox® Cosmetic works by reducing the mobility of the muscles that cause those persistent lines and wrinkles that have developed over time. Within days after treatment, you will begin to notice an improvement in the area treated. It can take up to 10 days for full results to be seen. If you do not continue Botox® treatments, the lines and wrinkles will gradually return and look like they did before treatment.

What are the Risks/Side Effects?

Botox® is a very safe procedure and complications are rare, even still you want an experienced injector when selecting a Botox® provider.

Since a needle is being inserted in the skin there is always the risk of bruising. They are typically very tiny and easily covered up by make-up. Some patients may experience a headache afterward, but this is temporary. Having your forehead injected can make it feel heavy the first time you have it done.

Often this heaviness is confused with ptosis which is the drooping of the upper eyelid. While ptosis can occur, this is very rare, as are all of the side effects. If you were to experience heaviness or a ptosis it typically resolves on its own within 2 weeks after being injected. Should you experience ptosis a prescription eye drop can be given to speed up resolution. None of these things are permanent and usually correct themselves very quickly. They also have very low occurrence rates.

Preparing for Botox®

The Week Before Your Procedure

To reduce the risk of bleeding and bruising, you should discontinue all supplements including fish oils, aspirin and ibuprofen. If you are on a prescribed anti-coagulant, you will need to consult with your prescribing physician to see what they recommend before moving forward with Botox® injections.

The Day of Your Treatment

There is no real prep involved when getting Botox® at WIFH in Atlanta.

Botox® treatments are super quick, lasting no more than 15 minutes. If you typically exercise, we recommend doing that before coming in for your appointment as rigorous exercise is not recommend for the rest of the day.

What to Expect During the Procedure

You and your practitioner will discuss the areas you would like to treat with Botox®. You will probably be asked how much correction you are looking to achieve or how much movement you would like to have in the area. It is a common misconception that if you get Botox® your face will be frozen, this is simply not true. Botox® treatments are customizable so the more you use the less movement you will have, conversely the less Botox® you use the more movement you will have. So, you can still have a “normal” looking face with less lines and wrinkles.

Once the number of units has been determined along with the areas to be treated, your practitioner will draw up your Botox®. The treatment area will be thoroughly cleansed prior to treatment. Once the Botox® has been administered the area will be cleansed again and Arnica cream will be applied. Arnica is a soothing cream and can also help prevent bruising.

Pain/Discomfort

While the thought of having a needle stuck in your face sounds like it would hurt. Botox® injections are actually very comfortable. No numbing is required when administering Botox®. The tiny little needle enters the skin easily and without much discomfort. It is not at all like receiving a shot.

Treatment Duration/Frequency

Botox® treatments are super quick, lasting no more than 15 minutes even if you are having your forehead, crow’s feet and frown lines treated.

How often you will need to get Botox® is not a straightforward answer. Allergan, the makers of Botox® says results should last 3-4 months. There are several factors that can affect how long your Botox® will last: the number of units injected, the area injected and the rate your body metabolizes the product, etc.

The more units you use the longer it will last, but the more you use the more frozen the injected area will be. This is something to consider.

Everyone’s body can metabolize Botox® at different rates. Some very physically active patients may find their Botox® doesn’t last as long.

Those that have been using Botox® for years may find their Botox® lasts a little longer each time. This is due to the fact the muscles have atrophied and just aren’t as strong as they used to be, since their movement has been suspended.

The good news is movement will gradually return to the area treated with Botox® so you will be able to determine long before it is completely gone that you need to schedule another appointment. A good rule of thumb is to plan for every 3-4 months.

Botox® Recovery Time

Typically, the injected areas return to normal within 15-20 minutes following treatment. You may experience injection site swelling and redness, but again, this goes away typically by the time you are back in your car after leaving your appointment.

We request that you not lay down for 3 hours following treatment and to limit strenuous exercise for the rest of the day. All other activities are fine, you are also able to apply make-up immediately following treatment.

Botox® Consultations

We believe consultations are very important when you are considering any treatment. Our consultations give us the opportunity to get to know you and understand exactly what you are looking to achieve. At your consultation you will meet with one of our advanced injectors who will make recommendations for the number of units they believe will provide you the look you are after. Because we know your time is valuable, we can schedule both your consultation and treatment for the same day, simply let us know so that we can schedule the appropriate amount of time.