subject: Botox: Preparing For Your Treatment Session [print this page] Botox has garnered a tremendous amount of popularity in the United States and around the world as a minimally invasive treatment that actually works when it comes to reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Unlike a face lift, which is very invasive and can take weeks to recover from, the injections are simple and the recovery is minimal. The results are nearly instant, meaning you don't have to wait weeks or months to see improvements in the mirror. If you've decided that this is the treatment you need, here are some things you can do to get prepared.
Find a Good Doctor
This is an important step and it shouldn't be ignored. The risks surrounding Botox and the horror stories the media has promoted have nearly all come from disreputable clinics that have people performing the treatment that do not have the requisite training and experience to make it safe. Do your research and make sure you're in the hands of a good doctor. While it isn't necessary to have a board certified plastic surgeon actually perform the injections, a good doctor should always be on the premises and the clinicians should be well trained.
Arrange Payment
Because Botox is not considered a medically necessary treatment (except in cases of migraine headaches, the problem these injections were originally created to address), insurance companies are not under any obligation to pay for it. And most won't. This means you'll need to make arrangements to come up with the money yourself. Thankfully, the injections are not particularly expensive, especially when compared with plastic surgery procedures of a similar purpose.
Side Effects
While serious risks and complications stemming from Botox are rare and isolated, you are doing yourself a disservice if you don't prepare for your treatment by knowing all of the possibilities. There are no real long term side effects associated with the treatment, but some of the short term issues you may experience include nausea, drooping eyelids, and tenderness around the areas of injection. Make sure your doctor tells you everything that could potentially go wrong. A good clinic believes in having well informed patients, even if the risks scare them away.
Recovery
The recovery from Botox is minimal, but there are some things you can do to help your face heal as quickly as possible. Prepare for your treatment by learning about these things ahead of time. Talk to your doctor for any specific recommendations. In general, using ice to prevent bruising and swelling is usually a good idea.
