Since the beginning of the new millennium, plastic surgery trends have seen major changes. Botox injections, in particular, have soared in popularity over the past decade (759 percent growth since 2000) and were the most commonly performed non-invasive cosmetic procedure according to data collected by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons in 2015. These days, Botox injections are becoming more and more popular as researchers discover new applications for Botox and related therapies.
So, if you have decided to become one of the millions of Americans each year to receive Botox injections for either therapeutic or cosmetic reasons, read on for a few tips towards the best pre-procedure preparation.
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Choose your provider carefully. Check the credentials of the individual who will be administering your Botox injections—dentists, physicians, or other trained medical professionals should be the only ones to perform this procedure, even though it is non-invasive.
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Understand the pricing scheme. Botox is manufactured as a solid, crystalline product which must be mixed with saline or another liquid before injection. During preparation, clinicians can add as little or as much liquid as they like, which can result in a diluted injection with smaller effects. If costs are determined per unit, it’s possible that you might be overcharged for a diluted product.
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Since Botox is a treatment performed in an outpatient setting and is minimally invasive, very little preparation for the procedure is required. However, you should still inform your clinician about any allergies or medical problems that you have – this is to ensure your safety.
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Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you are taking any blood-thinning medications like aspirin. Aspirin and similar drugs can result in post-procedure bruising, and you should not receive Botox injections if you are pregnant.
Don’t be afraid to ask any questions you have or voice your concerns! Your medical provider will be the best source to find the answers you need.
