How to Prepare for your First Botox Appointment 

If you’re thinking about trying Botox, but unsure what to expect, a little information about how to prepare and make the most out of your session can go a long way.

“For my first-time Botox patients, I start with a consultation so we can get to know each other, they can get familiar with our office and atmosphere, and I can learn more about their background and the areas they want to target,” said Sarah Cross, PA-C, at WVU Medicine Plastic Surgery, in Shepherdstown. “Typically, we offer treatment the same day as your initial consultation.”

Before your first appointment, Cross recommends familiarizing yourself with Botox and how it can help. 

“Botox is the brand name for botulinum toxin type A, which temporarily relaxes the muscles beneath the skin,” she explained. “We inject into targeted areas of the face and neck to block the nerve signals that cause muscle contractions. This is how it smooths out lines and wrinkles. Botox can also create a lifting effect when used appropriately.” 

Common areas where people receive Botox injections include: 

• Forehead lines.
• Frown Lines.
• Crow’s Feet.
• Platysma Bands.
• And more! 

“Depending on what someone is looking to target, we can come up with a treatment plan to determine volumes, timing and budget, and possibly combine with other non-surgical treatments like injectable fillers to achieve your aesthetic goals,” Cross said.  

If you’re looking to receive treatment leading up to a certain event or milestone, appointment timing can be important. 

“I recommend making your appointment about 4-6 weeks before any major events,” Cross said. “This way, if there’s any swelling or bruising from the injections, there’s time for that to go down, and we have time for a perfection check in case any minor touch-ups are needed.” 

In the weeks leading up to your appointment, you may need to stop taking NSAIDs and supplements like fish oil, Vitamin E, and other blood-thinning medications and substances. Be sure to speak to your medical provider before stopping prescribed medications. 

A few days before your appointment, Cross recommends avoiding alcohol and harsh topicals on the skin to prevent sensitivity. 

“If you’re using skincare products with retinol, Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA), Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA), or harsh facial scrubs, it’s best to skip those for the 2-3 days leading up to your appointment,” Cross said.  

On appointment day, arrive hydrated with a clean face and a plan to take it somewhat easy for the rest of the day. 

“We do our best to make your Botox session smooth, simple, and even relaxing,” Cross said. “To help, I’d say have a light meal before you come to keep your blood sugar steady and limit caffeine that day. Either come with no makeup or skincare products on your face or just be aware that we’ll have to clean the target area prior to injections.” 

Botox injections come with little to no recovery or downtime, but there are some things you can do to optimize your results, including: 

• Avoid touching or massaging the area for about 24 hours.
• Reschedule any treatments like facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or laser treatments for about two weeks.
• Use gentle, high-quality skincare products.
• Avoid strenuous exercise and high temperatures for about 24 hours after treatment. 

“We can advise about medical-grade skincare, follow-up treatments and aftercare to help make sure you get the best result possible,” Cross said.  

Learn more on our website and call to schedule your consultation today: 304-350-3274. 

Featured Expert

Sarah Cross, PA-C.