Getting Botox For The First Time

As we age, we can begin to develop fine lines and wrinkles, which can be frustrating to manage. Dynamic wrinkles form from repetitive facial expressions, which become permanently etched into the skin over time. Thankfully, there is a simple treatment available: Botox. Some people are intimidated or nervous about their first Botox treatment. But rest assured, Botox is a safe and easy non-invasive procedure. Since its FDA approval for cosmetic use in 2002, Botox® has surged in popularity and is currently the number one non-invasive cosmetic procedure performed in the United States. More patients than ever are getting Botox for the first time and enjoying the stunning results from it. Dr. Michele Green was one of the first dermatologists in NYC to incorporate Botox injections in her patients’ treatment plans for consistently stunning, beautiful results.

Botox remains the most popular cosmetic procedure due to its remarkable results, minimal side effects, and no downtime. Botox is a brand name that is often used interchangeably with neurotoxin and neuromodulator. The active component, botulinum toxin, blocks the communication between nerves and muscles, causing muscles to become “frozen” from Botox injections. Repeated facial expressions can cause the skin to fold, leading to wrinkles that may become permanently etched in, resulting in fine lines and deeper wrinkles. First-time Botox can prevent dynamic wrinkles from developing, stop their progression, or even reverse them, giving patients a smoother, more youthful appearance. If you are ready to treat your fine lines and achieve clear, smooth skin with Botox, Dr. Green is here to help.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned, board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing some of the world’s most discerning individuals with innovative, non-invasive cosmetic treatments, including what has been described as the “best Botox injections in New York City.” Dr. Green was among the first dermatologists in NYC to offer cosmetic Botox injections, embracing a less-is-more philosophy regarding facial rejuvenation treatment. This approach focuses on enhancing natural beauty and achieving beautiful, natural-looking results. Consistently recognized as one of NYC’s top dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, Super Doctors, and The New York Times, Dr. Green carries the knowledge and expertise to deliver Botox injections for pan-facial rejuvenation.

What is Botox?

Botox is an FDA-approved injectable treatment that has both medical and cosmetic uses, benefitting patients with migraines and fine lines alike. It is composed of a neurotoxin called botulinum toxin type A, which was initially isolated from the ‌Clostridium botulinum bacterium. As a neurotoxin, Botox acts at the neuromuscular junction, blocking the neurotransmitters that tell the muscles to contract. By blocking the signal, Botox leads to “frozen” muscles that do not fold the skin into wrinkles. Botox received FDA approval for cosmetic use in 2002 and has become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. Botox helps to smooth out and prevent facial wrinkles, particularly those that occur due to repetitive facial movements and muscle contractions, known as dynamic wrinkles. Common areas for Botox injections include forehead lines caused by raising the eyebrows, glabellar frown lines created by scrunching, and crow’s feet around the eyes from smiling or squinting. This not only smooths out existing wrinkles but can also teach the facial muscles to avoid contraction, thereby preventing the development of deeper wrinkles. In addition to Botox, other brands of neuromodulators block nerve signals to eliminate dynamic wrinkles, such as Dysport and Xeomin.

Where can you get Botox for the first time?

Botox can be applied to various facial muscles, and it can be overwhelming to decide where to have your first treatment. Thankfully, Dr. Green is here to assist. During your consultation in her private dermatology office, Dr. Green will determine the location for your Botox injections, which is influenced by the severity of dynamic wrinkles and individual facial anatomy.

Botox can be used to treat:

• Forehead lines.
• Frown lines between the eyebrows.
• Crow’s feet around the eyes.
• Necklines or Cords.
• Lines around the mouth.
• Pau d’orange of the chin.
• Downturned mouth.
• Brow lift.
• Gummy smile.
• Botox lip flip of the upper lip.
• Masseter Reduction for Facial Slimming and TMJ.

Procedure for first Botox appointment

The first step to receiving Botox injections is to have an initial consultation with Dr. Green in her boutique dermatology office. During the consultation, you will talk about your specific concerns and the areas of the face you’d like to treat to reach your ideal aesthetic result. Medical photography will be taken to determine the best cosmetic treatment for you and monitor the results. Dr. Green will obtain a thorough medical history, including any medications or medical conditions, review any previous cosmetic procedures you may have had, including dermal fillers, and assess your distinct facial anatomy, as well as muscle movement. The cost of Botox will be reviewed and based on the areas being treated. Depending on your preference, your Botox injections may be performed on the day of your initial consultation or scheduled for a later date. For sensitive patients, a topical numbing cream will be prescribed to your selected pharmacy, which should be applied to the treatment area one hour before your Botox injections.

To prepare for your first Botox treatment, you should avoid taking any blood thinners, including aspirin, Aleve, Motrin, multivitamins, or fish oil, for two weeks leading up to the treatment to reduce the risk of bruising at the injection sites. Dr. Green will have you perform various facial expressions before marking the injection sites and performing the procedure using a fine needle. An icepack will be applied to the treatment area immediately after the procedure to reduce any potential swelling. It is important to remain upright for four hours after Botox injections and avoid aerobic exercise for 24 hours. Finally, Dr. Green often has patients return in two weeks to evaluate the cosmetic results and see if additional Botox is necessary.

Side effects of Botox treatment

Typically, the only side effects associated with Botox injections are mild swelling at the injection sites, though this resolves generally within an hour.

Other potential side effects of Botox injections include:

• Localized swelling or bruising in the treatment area
• Pain at the injection site
• Headache
• Flu-like symptoms
• Dry eyes or excessive tearing
• Drooping eyelid or ptosis
• Double or Blurred vision

Immediate allergic reaction side effects that require immediate medical help include:

• Rash or Itchiness
• Red itchy welts
• Wheezing or Asthma symptoms
• Dizziness

Rare side effects of botulinum toxin products may result from toxic effects. The effect of botulinum toxin may cause:

• Muscle weakness
• Trouble breathing, talking, or dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
• Vision problems
• Bladder incontinence (loss of bladder control)
• Neck pain
• Paralysis

Patients who experience severe side effects or allergic reactions from any botulinum toxin product should not receive repeat injections. Pregnant and breastfeeding patients should avoid Botox injections. During your consultation with Dr. Green, she will gather a thorough medical history and review your current medications to ensure you are a suitable candidate before administering cosmetic Botox injections.

Botox injections aftercare

After receiving Botox injections from Dr. Michele Green, you will be given all aftercare instructions to experience the best results. Patients must remain upright for four hours and refrain from strenuous exercise 48 hours after receiving Botox. Any facial massages or hard pressure to the treatment area should be avoided for three days. Patients should continue to avoid blood thinners such as Ibuprofen, Aspirin, vitamin E, and fish oil for one week following treatment, as these can worsen any associated bruising or swelling. Two weeks after the injections, you will experience the full effects of the Botox. Dr. Green recommends that all her Botox patients return to her NYC office two weeks after their initial cosmetic injections to reassess the treatment and ensure that the injections are adequate and have achieved the best cosmetic results.

What can you expect after getting Botox for the first time?

Botox injections are quick and easy, with little to no downtime. Immediately after injections, patients may experience mild swelling at the injection site, which resolves within an hour. There is a chance that bruising may develop at the injection site, but this bruising will resolve over the next few days. We advise all patients to refrain from blood thinners, vitamins, or supplements for one week before the procedure to lessen the risk of bruising at the injection site.

Patients should not expect their Botox to work immediately. Botox injections take a few days to “kick in” and start working. The effects of Botox can start to work as early as several days following treatment, although it can take up to two weeks for them to fully be observable. The effects of Botox last for up to four months, and most patients have regular Botox treatments 3-4 times per year to maintain their smooth, wrinkle-free skin.

Skincare to pair with Botox experience

Carefully curating your skincare routine maintains a youthful appearance while delivering nourishing, anti-aging, and protective benefits to your skin. Dr. Green’s proprietary skincare line, MGSKINLABs, has been formulated to address a range of skin concerns, including signs of aging, for patients of all skin types and tones. Many patients have also benefitted from using Dr. Green’s MGSKINLABS AM/PM Serum Duo, which features powerful antioxidants that target fine lines and wrinkles and minimize visible signs of aging. Retinol, like the Essential Antioxidant Infusion serum from MGSKINLABS, can promote skin cell turnover and boost collagen production, leading to a smoother, more even-toned complexion overall. Moisturizers are essential in a balanced skincare regimen. Dr. Green’s Absolute Recovery Anti-Wrinkle Cream is a superb product for hydrating and nourishing the skin, particularly after laser treatments or chemical peels. Sunscreen is one of the most vital components of any skincare routine. Patients should seek a broad-spectrum formula that protects against UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF of at least 50. The Hydrating SPF 50 from MGSKINLABs is an outstanding product that shields the skin from harmful UV rays while containing hyaluronic acid and lactic acid to hydrate and soften the skin.

How many units of Botox are needed for the first time?

Many of Dr. Green’s first-time Botox patients ask, “How much Botox do I need for the first time?” The answer depends on multiple factors. For the first time getting Botox with Dr. Green, she takes a “less-is-more” approach to injections. Many patients aim to maintain a natural, youthful appearance during their initial treatment without completely freezing their facial muscles. The specific number of units of Botox required depends on the areas being treated and the strength of the muscles. After your first consultation, where you will discuss your aesthetic goals, Dr. Green will determine the precise number of units necessary for your preventative Botox. She requires all new Botox patients to return after two weeks for a follow-up to either touch up the Botox or add any additional units needed for optimal cosmetic results.

FAQs about First-Time Botox

What do you need to know before getting Botox for the first time?

Botox is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for good reason. It offers natural-looking, long-lasting results in a quick appointment. It is easy to access, with an increasing number of clinics and doctors’ offices offering Botox; even some dentists have started to provide cosmetic Botox. It is crucial to choose the right office for your Botox treatment. While it may be cheaper at a Medspa or clinic, the nurse injectors usually lack the experience or training of a board-certified dermatologist. Receiving Botox from a nurse injector raises the risks of side effects and poor cosmetic results, which is why you should always receive your Botox from a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green. When you consult with Dr. Green about your first Botox treatment, you can be confident that you will achieve the best cosmetic results with the lowest risks of side effects.

How long does it take for Botox to work the first time?

It can take up to two weeks for the full effects of Botox to be felt. While some patients may feel the effects within a few days of treatment, it takes closer to two weeks for Botox to fully “kick in.” Dr. Green always has her first-time Botox patients come back to the office at that time to evaluate the treatment area and determine if additional Botox is required for ideal results.

How much Botox is typical for a first time?

The amount of Botox patients receive varies depending on the areas they are treating and the strength of the muscles. For your first Botox treatment, Dr. Green will assess the treatment areas and the strength of the targeted muscles to determine the number of units necessary. Two weeks after the procedure, you will return to the office to assess the area and determine if any additional Botox is needed. Dr. Green always employs a “less-is-more” technique for her first-time Botox patients, ensuring that the procedure produces natural-looking results.

How long does Botox last the first time?

Some patients wonder, “Does Botox wear off faster the first time?” The answer is no! Patients can expect their first Botox to last just as long as the rest of their treatments. Botox is a long-lasting but temporary treatment that freezes the muscles in the treated areas to diminish and prevent wrinkles. The primary ingredient in Botox is a neurotoxin that disrupts communication between the muscle and nervous system, preventing the muscle from contracting. The effects of Botox typically last for 3-4 months. However, some patients report results lasting for up to six months.

How do you sleep the first night after Botox?

After receiving Botox, you can sleep as usual. However, patients are advised to remain upright for four hours. Lying down too soon can allow the Botox to migrate to other muscles, potentially causing drooping or muscle weakness. Patients should also avoid sleeping on their stomachs, as this can put excessive pressure on the treated areas, leading to Botox migration.

How much does first-time Botox cost?

The cost of Botox treatments can vary based on several factors, including the injector’s experience and skill level, as well as the geographic location of the treatment facility. Some clinics charge for Botox based on the number of units used, while others charge according to the number of areas treated. While it may be less expensive to receive treatment from a nurse injector or aesthetician, there are risks associated with Botox if not administered properly. The likelihood of experiencing unwanted side effects increases significantly when an unqualified or inexperienced injector performs the procedure. For optimal safety and effectiveness, it is advisable to have your Botox injections administered by a board-certified dermatologist in a medical setting, ensuring that the procedure is executed correctly using appropriate techniques. When you consult with Dr. Green for your Botox treatment, she will collaborate with you to create a personalized facial rejuvenation plan that best fits your needs, goals, and budget.

How to get started with Botox today

The best place to get Botox for the first time is in the office of a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green. Fine lines and wrinkles can be a frustrating sight to see. Luckily, Botox injections offer a safe and effective way to prevent the formation of dynamic wrinkles in younger patients and erase mild to moderate fine lines on the face, neck, and decolletage. If you’re looking to prevent or reduce the appearance of fine lines and dynamic wrinkles on the skin, Botox may be just what you’ve been looking for. Known as providing some of the “best Botox in New York City,” expert injector Dr. Green will help you achieve a rejuvenated, youthful appearance that lasts.

With over two and a half decades of experience providing the best non-invasive cosmetic treatments, Dr. Michele Green is considered one of the best cosmetic injectors in NYC. An Allergan Platinum provider, Dr. Green has provided expert facial rejuvenation to patients worldwide. Well-known for her less-is-more approach to injectable treatments, Dr. Green is an expert at creating naturally subtle results without fully inhibiting muscle movement, providing patients with full expressive capabilities. Dr. Green is consistently available to schedule a consultation today to learn more about how Botox works. Please feel free to contact us online today or call our NY office at 212-535-3088 to develop your custom treatment plan.