It’s 2018! Another year has ticked by … and it’s showing on your face. Before you search on Groupon for a Botox bargain and end up with your first regret of the new year, use this list of Botox do’s and don’ts to ensure results that make you feel and look spectacular.
DON’T Shop for Bargains
Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport are injectable neuromodulators. Injectable means that someone is going to insert needles into your face near important nerves and blood vessels. Never trust your Botox to an amateur who works at cut rates. Botox should only be administered by a board-certified dermatologist who has a comprehensive understanding of facial anatomy.
Neuromodulators such as Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport relax the nerves that send signals to your muscles. Without a nerve prompting it to contract, the muscle softens. If the neuromodulator gets injected into the wrong muscle, you could be left with unflattering effects such as drooping eyelids, a sagging forehead, and lopsided or paralyzed lips. Yet another reason to make your decisions based on expertise, rather than price.
DO
Find a board-certified dermatologist who is an expert with injectable treatments and has years of experience using neuromodulators to calm down wrinkles. Teaming up with a great dermatologist who gives you beautiful and consistent results ultimately saves you time and money. Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport are not one-time treatments. They must be repeated every three to six months in order to maintain your results. You need someone reliable and knowledgeable to give you the same results every time.
Also, a dermatologist helps you address other issues you may have, including making recommendations for skin care and sun protection that keep you looking as good as possible for the rest of your life.
DON’T Smoke or Take Blood Thinners
Injections of neuromodulators and dermal fillers can cause swelling and bruising, which you should minimize by avoiding substances that thin your blood. The week before your procedure, you should try to quit smoking. You should also stop taking the following substances:
- Blood-thinning painkillers, such as aspirin or ibuprofen
- Herbs such as ginkgo biloba, ginseng, and St. John’s Wort
- Supplements with Omega-3s, such as fish oil
DO
Ask your board-certified dermatologist for a complete list of substances that you should avoid before your procedure. If you’re in pain for any reason, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever that contains acetaminophen, but avoid those that could thin your blood.
Also, ask your doctor for explicit aftercare instructions, such as the type of pain relievers and icing protocol he or she recommends to minimize bruising or swelling (in case they arise).
DON’T Have Unrealistic Expectations
Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin can smooth out your wrinkles but they can’t lift your face or resolve other skin issues. Also, depending on how deep your wrinkles and creases are, you may need other types of treatments, such as laser therapy to improve the quality of your skin or hyaluronic-acid-based injectables, such Restylane, to fill in your creases.
DO
Discuss your expected outcome with your doctor. The more you understand what Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin can accomplish and how they work with other cosmetic dermatology treatments, the happier you will be with your final results. Learn more about the most popular neuromodulator at BotoxCosmetic.com.
DON’T Self-Diagnose What Wrinkle Treatments You Need
Neuromodulators, dermal fillers, laser therapy, and other cosmetic treatments each have slightly different effects and longevity profiles. Your dermatologist will have the experience, training, and skill to help determine the best neuromodulator for your skin type and degree of wrinkling.
DO
Stay open to the kinds of therapies you may need to get the improvement you want. Most men and women need a combination of treatments to get a full rejuvenation. You’ll learn what’s best for you in your consultation and can decide among the therapies you think you need right now and those that can wait a little longer.
Feel free to bring photographs of your younger self or of an ideal self to your consultation. Your doctor helps you understand how you can improve and rejuvenate your look, while also making sure that your expectations are realistic.
DON’T Be Afraid of Botox
If you’re troubled by frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead wrinkles but are afraid of getting the “frozen” look associated with certain overdone celebrities, put those fears aside. When Botox is properly administered by a board-certified dermatologist, you can express yourself normally. Your face should never look “frozen” — just smoother and younger.
DO
Treat yourself to a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist who has extensive Botox expertise, such as Kory Kitagawa, MD, in Honolulu, Hawaii, so that you can learn more about how Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin help you get a more refreshed and energized look for 2018.
Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin can be used at any age over 18 years. As long as you are healthy and have mild to severe wrinkles around the eyes or forehead, Botox can help you look younger, happier, and more relaxed. Call Dr. Kitagawa today to set up an appointment or use our online contact form.
