Are you considering cosmetic injectables like Botox® or Xeomin®, or have you got your first treatment coming up? Feeling a little nervous about your first treatment is totally normal! Knowledge is power though, and it can help to ease any anxiety by being informed on what happens during a typical Botulinum toxin (Botox®)/ Xeomin® treatment, and how you can prepare for the best results. Proper aftercare can also help to ease any discomfort and help to set and prolong the effects of your cosmetic injectables, which is always a bonus! In this guide, we’re covering everything you need to know ahead of your first anti wrinkle appointment so you feel informed and confident walking into your first treatment.
In this article we will cover:
What is Botox®?
How Botox® works
Everything you need to know before your first Botulinum toxin (Botox®) or Xeomin® treatment
What you should avoid before your treatment
What happens at the appointment
What to expect after your treatment
What to avoid after your Botox® or Xeomin® treatment
How regularly should you get Botox® or Xeomin®?
Answering your frequently asked Botox® and Xeomin® questions
What will it feel like?
Is Botox® and Xeomin® permanent?
Are there any side effects with Botox® and Xeomin®?
What is Botox®?
Botox® is a ‘purified protein’ which is injected into the treated area (muscle) that then temporarily reduces the muscle from moving. This means unwanted lines and wrinkles are softened and reduced giving you a fresh and youthful appearance. Anti wrinkles can be administered in a number of facial areas, but is most commonly injected in the forehead, frown between the brows and around the eyes for crow’s feet. If you are looking for more information on what anti wrinkle injectables are all about, check out our super handy guide on Botox® and Xeomin®.
How Botox® works
What exactly does anti wrinkle injections (Botox® and Xeomin® ) do? It blocks certain chemical signals from nerves, signals that cause muscles to contract and form wrinkles. When anti wrinkle injections are administered into the area treated it will temporarily relax or ‘freeze’ your muscles to soften lines and wrinkles. A very fine needle is used to inject the product into specific muscles, which takes only a few minutes and causes minor discomfort. It generally takes a few days for the Botox® or Xeomin® to start taking effect, with full smoothing and rejuvenation appearing after 14 days. It can also have a preventative effect, in which certain areas of the face can be injected to prevent wrinkles and fine lines from forming. In New Zealand, anti wrinkle can only be administered by a qualified healthcare professional - at Caci all cosmetic injectable treatments are done by registered nurses.
Anti wrinkle injections can sometimes be confused with dermal fillers as both products are cosmetic injectables that can give a youthful, rejuvenated look, but the products and how they work are actually very different. Dermal filler is an injectable gel that ‘works to give the treated area more volume and contouring. Botox® and Xeomin® are not fillers, these relax muscle activity to treat lines and wrinkles from repeated expressions on the face. Botox®/Xeomin® and dermal filler can be used together to create your desired look, or the provider you speak to may offer one product over the other depending on your desired results. Check out our guide for more on Anti Wrinkle Injectables vs dermal fillers.
Everything you need to know about before your first Botulinum toxin (Botox®) or Xeomin® treatment
Before any Botox®/Xeomin® treatment, you should have a consultation with your treatment provider to discuss your desired outcome. At Caci, we offer a free consultation with a Registered Nurse to go over everything from what your skin goals are and what is possible to achieve with treatments.
What you should avoid before your treatment
An initial consultation should also include tips on what to avoid before your Botox® treatment, such as:
Avoid topical creams like retinol, Retin-A, retinoids and acids:These products can make your skin more sensitive and cause irritation, so we recommend avoiding them for at least two days before your Botox® treatment.
Avoid hair removal products like waxing, tweezing or bleach:This can irritate the skin, so it is best to avoid using it on the treatment area for at least two days before the treatment too.
Avoid drinking alcohol:Only for 48-72 hours before your treatment! Drinking alcohol can increase the chance of bruising or bleeding, so it’s best to avoid happy hour for another night
Other top tips before Botox® and Xeomin®:
Chat to your doctor if on medicationsParticularly anti-inflammatory medications or prescribed blood thinner medications. Your treatment provider will discuss this with you before your appointment, but it pays to check with your doctor if you are on prescription medications, and try to avoid anti-inflammatory medications which can contribute to bruising.
Get that last workout inWhy not get that last gym session in before your treatment (or take a day off, no biggie!) This is because you are not able to do any strenuous exercise for 24 hours post-treatment. Brisk walks are okay though!
Plan ahead when it comes to eventsIn some instances, you might have an event coming up that you want to look your best (and why shouldn’t you). Make sure to avoid having your treatment too close to the event, especially if you are after the treatment for the event. This is because the full effect of your Botox® treatment will be around 14 days, although you will notice results within 3-4 days.
Most importantly, try to relax!Try not to stress too much before your treatment, of course, it’s normal to be nervous but we can assure you, you are in safe hands, plus it is such a quick process you are likely to be surprised how quickly it is over before it has even begun!
What happens at a Botox®/Xeomin® appointment
Once you have completed your consultation and you are feeling good about the appointment you will be booked in for your first treatment - exciting! At Caci, only registered nurses administer Botox®/Xeomin® to the treated area/s. All our nurses are highly experienced and qualified nurses, we can assure you that you will be in the safest of hands. The team at Caci are continuously following all safety protocols and delivering the best experience for customers in a timely manner.
The overall procedure is relatively quick. Your treatment provider will make sure you are comfortable. Botox®/Xeomin® is injected using a very fine needle. Treatments typically take around 15 minutes and require no downtime so you can go about your day as soon as the treatment is finished. If it's your first treatment, why not take a pamper day and relax for the rest of your day?
What to expect after your treatment
What we love about Botulinum toxin injections (Botox®) or Xeomin® is that most people can resume their daily activities after the treatment. It is not uncommon that you may notice the treated area is pink or red after your treatment. This is all totally normal and it should be gone within 15 to 20 minutes. It does take a few days for results to be visible and most people start to see results within 2-3 days, however, it can take up to 14 days to see the full effects. Bruising can sometimes happen after your Botox®/Xeomin® treatment but this isn’t cause for concern. If you have symptoms of bruising we recommend Hirudoid cream to help shorten the time the bruise is around (available at most chemists).
What to avoid after your Botox®/Xeomin® treatment
Avoid lying down or rubbing the area
Try to avoid lying down or rubbing the areas for at least 2 hours after as this can move the product and lead to bruising at the injection site.
Avoid exercise for at least 24 hours after your Botox®/Xeomin® treatment
It’s best to skip the gym the day after your anti-wrinkle treatment, as strenuous exercise can raise your blood pressure and increase the risk of inflammation. A brisk walk is okay, but save the HIIT class for a day or two.
Avoid heavy make-up and opt for mineral make-up
Rubbing your face after your treatment isn’t recommended, and cosmetic products can interfere with your Botox® injection sites, leading to infection. Mineral makeup applied with a light hand is okay though, just be very gentle with it.
At Caci, we love to hear from you, so we will check in with you after your treatment to ensure you’re satisfied and happy with your Botox®/Xeomin® results. After you have your first Botox®/Xeomin® treatment at Caci you can book a review session two weeks post-treatment. Not only do we love to see great results, but we also use this time to review your results in the event that extra treatment is required.
How regularly should you get Botox® or Xeomin®?
How regularly you choose to get Botox® or Xeomin® treatments is a personal decision and really up to you! We have mentioned above that the effects of Botox® last around three or four months. Keep in mind though, like any treatment, how long results last can vary between each individual. To maintain your results, your new look we have our Amerase membership and payment plan option.
Answering your frequently asked Botox® questions
What will Botox®/Xeomin® injections feel like?
This is a common question for all Botox®/Xeomin® newbies! (And no question is a silly question!) The initial process is very quick and the needles are small and fine so the treatment hardly hurts at all. To describe the feeling of the treatment you are likely to feel a pinprick, most customers describe the treatment as being a bit uncomfortable rather than painful.
Is Botox®/Xeomin® permanent?
Wouldn't that be nice! Unfortunately not. Botox® is not a permanent treatment. Botox® effects can last generally around 3 to 4 months, depending on the customer of course.
Are there any side effects with Botox®/Xeomin®?
It is possible to experience some minor side effects after your Botox® treatment. There can be redness in the treated area and this is normally gone within 20 minutes. It is also possible to experience some bruising and headaches but these can be treated with pain relief medication. Check out the disclaimer at the end of this guide for more.
Are you ready to book your first Botox®/Xeomin® treatment at Caci?
We hope this covers everything you need to know about your first Botox® or Xeomin® treatment at Caci. We can’t wait to see the results! If you have been on the fence and intrigued to know more OR you are ready to start your injectables journey, then book a free consultation at your local Caci clinic today.All before and after photos are of treatments performed by Caci Registered Nurses. Results may vary from person to person and are not guaranteed.
Botox® is a Prescription Medicine containing 50,100 or 200 units of clostridium botulinum Type A toxin complex for injection. It is used for the treatment of frown lines, crows feet and horizontal forehead lines. It should be administered only by trained medical professionals. Cautions: people with defective neuro-muscular transmission disorders, presence of infection at site of injection, glaucoma, pregnancy and lactation. Possible side effects include headaches, pain, burning or redness at injection site, local muscle weakness including drooping eye lids, lack of feeling & nausea. Talk to your specialist about the benefits/risks of this procedure or if you have concerns or side effects. Note: Botox® treatment lasts about four months and after this time further courses of treatment may be necessary. Speak to your specialist about your own situation”. A charge applies. You will need to pay for treatment Allergan, Auckland
XEOMIN® Incobotulinumtoxin A) 50, 100 Units is a Prescription Medicine. Indications: In adults, for the treatment of cervical dystonia; blepharospasm; spasticity of the upper limb; upper facial lines: glabellar frown lines, lateral periorbital lines (crow’s feet), horizontal forehead lines. XEOMIN®has both risks and benefits, consult your doctor if XEOMIN® is right for you. Further information on the risks and benefits of XEOMIN® can be found in the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) available from https://merzaustralia.com.au/patientinformation/aesthetics/products/ or www.medsafe.govt.nz or by calling 0800 822 310. Use strictly as directed. If symptoms continue or you have side effects, see your doctor, pharmacist or health care professional. Common side effects include: Headaches; nausea; tenderness, swelling, redness, numbness or bruising of the skin; dry eye; heavy feeling of eyelid/eyebrow/forehead; face/brow not symmetrical, dropping eyelids/eyebrows. Serious side effects are rare and include allergic reactions. XEOMIN® is an unfunded medicine, prescription charge will apply. Normal doctor charges will still apply.For further information, consult your doctor or refer to the Consumer Medicine Information available at: www.medsafe.govt.nzPharmacy Retailing NZ Limited t/a Healthcare Logistics (HCL), 58 Richard Pearse Drive, Mangere, Auckland
Botulinum toxin injections are prescription medicine for the treatment of frown lines , horizontal forehead lines and crow’s feet round the eyes. Botulinum toxin injections have risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if botulinum toxin injection is right for you. If you have side effects, see your doctor. You will need to pay for your botulinum toxin injection and clinic fees will apply. For details on precautions & side effects consult your doctor or go to www.medsafe.govt.nz . Botulinum toxin injections lasts about 4 months and further courses of treatment may be necessary. Should only be administered by trained medical professionals.
