In case you weren’t aware, Botox is no longer just for the rich and famous. It is now a mainstream procedure that is growing by leaps and bounds. In fact, 30% of Botox fans are only in their 20s and let’s not forget the newest adapters to the Botox craze. Teens! The number of procedures performed on this age group has risen more than 800% in the last year!

Because of the youth of the this new crop of patients, they may not know what to expect when they get injected. Oh, who are we kidding? If you’ve never had injections, you don’t know what to expect either! So here goes. This is what actually takes place after the shots:

First Few Minutes:
Obviously, you are going to experience a pinch but topical numbing gel typically helps with the pain. The most common sensation is the fact that you can’t move your forehead! Your face feels tighter and tighter as you get less control. You probably won’t see the results immediately. It takes a little bit of time. You may also experience a slight headache, but nothing a little NSAID or aspirin can’t handle. Visible bruising is different for every patient but physicians typically offer patients an ice pack.

After a Few Days:
You can expect a little bruising and/or swelling, but nothing that would prevent your day-to-day activities. After all, you did have liquid injected into your face. You should see the full effects in as little as 3 to 5 days, or it can take up to 2 weeks. Again, everyone is different. Botox is super popular because there is little to no downtime - unless you get injections around your lips. That area tends to bruise worse than others.

Within a Few Weeks:
Whatever you do, don’t call your practitioner after 3 days saying you can’t see the results. Otherwise, you’ll end up calling back after the 1 - 2 week mark saying, “Oh nevermind!” It is at this point that your skin will look shiny and perfect! Botox generally lasts somewhere between 90 - 120 days. The good news is, the more often you have it done, the longer it lasts!

Theraderm Clinical Skin Care’s Eternox Peptide Repair Creme was designed to help extend the life of Botox by confusing nerve to muscle transmission. Good stuff!