For those considering Botox injections in Sterling Heights, or the surrounding area, it is important to know how to prepare for the treatment, and what to do afterwards. While Botox from a Sterling Heights dermatologist or specialist is not a rare or unusual option today, there are many things the average patient may not realize that can help to make the treatment more comfortable, and even longer-lasting.

Reasons for Botox Injections 

Before getting into the basics of preparing for Botox in Sterling Heights, it is important to first assess why patients get the treatment. While Botox is a cosmetic treatment that is best known for helping to lessen facial wrinkles and risks of their further development in the future, it is also used to treat:

  • Excessive underarm sweating
  • Uncontrolled spasms of the neck
  • Chronic migraine
  • Uncontrollable blinking
  • Overactive bladder

Here, the emphasis will be on how to prepare for Botox injections in Sterling Heights when it is used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, crow’s feet, and excessive underarm sweating.

Getting Ready for Botox in Sterling Heights​

One of the first things to do when preparing for Botox from a Sterling Heights doctor is to remember that it is a relatively quick and easy treatment. It is nothing to be nervous or afraid of and it is an outpatient option. That means anyone who receives Botox injections in Sterling Heights should be able to easily finish up their day or enjoy a comfortable experience in the hours immediately afterward.

Before receiving Botox injections in Sterling Heights, however, patients are encouraged to sit down with the provider and review any medications they currently use. This is because Botox may not pair well with certain remedies, muscle relaxants, sleep aids, blood thinning treatments, allergy medications, some NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin, ginseng root preparations, Omega-3 and fish oil supplements, and a few others. A doctor must know about them before doing any Botox injections in a Sterling Heights office.

It is best to work with a doctor who will offer a full consultation in advance. He or she will be able to evaluate the patient’s full needs and explain whether or not multiple treatments can address the patient’s concerns. Botox is an FDA approved remedy for crow’s feet and fine lines, but it does not help with issues like loss of collagen and elasticity. It is ideal for helping to prevent the formation of additional lines by preventing certain muscles from frowning or causing skin to wrinkle, but will not fill out the face. So, a consultation is a smart “first step.”

 

The Best Steps to Prepare for Botox 

After the steps above have been done, it is time to consider how best to prepare for Botox injections in a Sterling Heights office. The first thing that should happen, if one smokes, is that a smoking cessation program must begin. Why? Smoking increases the chances of bruising and will also impede healing. It is best to stop smoking a full week or more before treatment.

It is also important that patients about to get Botox in Sterling Heights avoid consumption of alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising. Also, skipping breakfast or the meal before the treatment is not advised as many people can become a bit lightheaded when doing so, and this is not a wise choice when about to receive a medical treatment.

 

Skin must be properly cleansed before Botox injections. Doctors will do a cleansing treatment before, but it is best if a patient arrives with a clean face that is free of dirt, moisturizers, cosmetics, serums or anything else. A freshly washed face is the best face to present for Botox. If there is a history of cold sores, rash or blemishes in the area where the treatment will be administered, it is important that a patient contact the provider of the Botox injections in Sterling Heights and discuss rescheduling.

 

 

Aftercare & More Botox Tips

After the treatment, most patients will not see instant results. In fact, Botox may take up to a week to develop the fullest, most noticeable results. And once it is done, it is possible to go about one’s day; but most experts will recommend taking a bit of time to relax.

Those who receive treatment in Sterling Heights or elsewhere should also try to avoid smiling or frowning in the hours immediately after the injections as this can enable the Botox to enter certain muscle and nerve pathways and fail to function as strongly as desired. Vigorous exercise or any sort of strenuous activities should also be avoided, and flying the same day as Botox injections is also not advised as the pressure in the cabin of an airplane can affect how Botox interacts with soft tissue and nerves.

 

Also, it is imperative that no makeup is applied, and that the area of injection is not poked or prodded. A little-known tip for patients preparing for Botox in Sterling Heights is to apply arnica gel to the face as it cuts down on the risks of bruising.

It is a good idea to consider Botox early in life as the younger the patient, the better the treatment. However, modern technologies, advances in care, and working with a dermatologist can allow a patient of any age to see great results. Pairing Botox with other modalities (such as dermal fillers) can create long-lasting outcomes, and help restore the face to a more youthful, radiant appearance.