Thinking about trying botox for the first time? Here’s everything you need to know.
New to botox? If you’re thinking about trying botox for the first time, you’re in good company! Botox has become one of the most popular cosmetic injections with the global botulinum toxin market expected to be valued at 8.65 billion USD in 2024 and anticipated to reach around 21.57 billion USD by 2034—now that’s a lot of injections! Whether you’re starting to notice you look angry even when you’re not or are just starting to notice a few fine lines you’d like to prevent from getting any deeper, botox injections in Kamloops and Kelowna could be your answer. In this botox for beginners guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the treatment so you can feel 100 percent confident in your decision.
What is botox and how does it work?
Botox injections are one of my most popular cosmetic injection treatments in Kelowna and Kamloops—but what is it, really? For the purposes of this blog, please note when I say botox, I am actually referring to neuromodulators, which can include brands such as BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport® and Xeomin®. While these formulas differ slightly, they are all commonly referred to as botox. Botox is a purified form of botulinum toxin, a protein that temporarily relaxes muscles by blocking the signals between the nerve and muscle. When injected into specific muscles, botox prevents them from contracting, which helps prevent the creasing of the skin that causes fine lines and wrinkles with repetition.
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Though botox has some unique benefits such as reducing teeth grinding and excessive sweating, in my practice I most commonly use botox to reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles my patients are experiencing—those caused by repetitive facial expressions, such as frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines.
How long do botox results last?
The effects of neuromodulators—such as BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, and Xeomin®—typically last between three to four months, but this can vary from person to person. Factors such as individual metabolism, muscle strength, lifestyle, and the dosage used all influence the duration of results.
For some, results may start to fade closer to the three-month mark, especially if they have a fast metabolism or an active lifestyle, while others may experience effects that last closer to four to six months. Once we see how your body responds, we will customize your treatment frequency based on your unique needs.
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Related: How can I make my botox last longer?
Are botox injections safe?
When it comes to cosmetic injections, whether it’s botox, dermal fillers, or biostimulators, safety is my top priority. Botox has been FDA-approved for both medical and cosmetic use for over 20 years, so it has a long history of being effective and safe. That being said, you should always ensure you’re booking with a trained and experienced professional. In British Columbia (BC), neuromodulator injections can be administered by physicians, nurse practitioners, and dentists, while registered nurses and licensed practical nurses can administer injections under the delegation and supervision of a licensed prescriber, as botox is a prescription medication that must be ordered by an authorized healthcare provider. When choosing the right provider for you, look for these red flags prior to booking with them.
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Who is a good candidate for botox?
Botox is ideal for those looking to smooth wrinkles caused by facial expressions, such as crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead lines. It’s commonly used by individuals in their 30s, 40s, and 50s but can also be a preventative measure in your late 20s. The best candidates are healthy, with moderate to fine lines caused by muscle movement. However, botox may not be suitable if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an upcoming flight, active cold sore, scheduled dental work within two weeks, a major event approaching, plan to be physically active within 48 hours, or will have significant sun exposure in the next week. If I believe botox or filler isn’t necessary for you, I’ll be upfront and let you know. Let’s discuss your goals and determine the best treatment plan for you.
What areas can botox treat?
For my clients seeking botox in Kamloops and Kelowna, the most commonly treated areas tend to be the upper face, where those expressive wrinkles usually form. But there’s more areas that botox can treat too. Here are the most common areas to treat with botox:
- Forehead lines: The horizontal lines that show up when you raise your eyebrows.
- Crow’s feet: Those fine lines that appear around the outer corners of your eyes when you smile or squint.
- Frown lines (11s): The lines between your eyebrows that make you look like you’re scowling, even when you’re not.
- Bunny lines: The little wrinkles that form on the sides of your nose when you scrunch it.
- Eyebrow lift: Botox can also subtly lift the eyebrows, giving you a more refreshed, awake look.
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Is botox painful?
For anyone who’s never tried cosmetic injectables before, just the thought of having a needle that close to your face can be a bit frightening. But as an Naturopathic Doctor and an experienced cosmetic injector, I have perfected the art of minimizing patient discomfort. For patients with a lower pain tolerance or injections of more sensitive areas, I use numbing cream to dull sensations, ice packs to reduce inflammation, and cannulas when possible to minimize invasiveness. For botox first-timers, please know that injections really are like a tiny pinch, which the most sensitive area being the crow’s feet. For patients who are worried about pain levels, I recommend starting with botox before progressing to dermal filler (hello, lips).
There are a lot of things we can do together to make sure you are as comfortable as possible in my chair during your botox or filler appointment. Most importantly, please let me know if you do have any fears, anxieties or tendency of passing out as I may shift my schedule around to allow us extra time. It’s important you remember to stay calm throughout your treatment. Cosmetic injection treatments are typically very efficient and will be over before you know it. Click below for just some of the things we can do to ensure you feel comfortable in my chair.
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Are there any side effects?
Botox is generally very safe, but like with any treatment, there can be a few mild side effects. Most people experience some redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site, but it’s usually gone within a few hours or days. Some might also get a slight headache within the first 24 hours, but that’s pretty rare and tends to go away on its own. Very occasionally, botox can cause a temporary droop in the eyelids or eyebrows, but it’s rare and typically resolves within a couple of weeks. You might also feel some tenderness or soreness in the treated area, but it’s usually very mild and doesn’t last long. We’ll always talk through any health concerns during your botox consultation in Kamloops or Kelowna to make sure botox is a good fit for you.
Are there any post-treatment aftercare instructions?
After your botox treatment in Kamloops or Kelowna, there are just a few simple things to keep in mind to make sure you get the best results. First, try to avoid touching or rubbing the treated areas for the first few hours, just to make sure the botox stays in place. You should also avoid lying down or doing anything that could increase blood flow, like heavy exercise, for about four hours after treatment. It’s a good idea to stay upright during that time. You might notice some redness or swelling right after the injections, but that usually fades pretty quickly. If you’ve had botox in your forehead or around your eyes, it’s also a good idea to avoid facials, massages, or anything that involves intense pressure on those areas for a few days. Other than that, just relax and enjoy the process! Results typically start showing up in a few days, and you’ll be feeling great.
Related: Your Ultimate Guide to Filler and Botox Before and Aftercare
How much does botox cost in Kamloops and Kelowna?
The cost of botox depends on how many units are required, with botox at my practice in Kamloops and Kelowna costing $10 per unit. The number of units you’ll need can vary based on the area being treated and the severity of the wrinkles, but I can give you some general guidelines.
Unlike fillers, neuromodulators, like Dysport® or Botox® Cosmetic, have specific unit minimums and underdosing can significantly shorten the longevity (and overall effectiveness) of your results. On average, individuals need about 64 units to effectively treat the three main areas: forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet. Men typically require 50-100 percent more units due to larger and stronger muscles. As with all treatments, they must be individualized. Here’s a quick look at typical unit needs:
Chin: 2-6
Lip Flip: 4-6
Crow’s Feet: 5-15
Eyebrow Lift: 2-5
Forehead Lines: 10-30
Frown Lines: 10-25
Jaw: 15-50 per side
Neck: 25-50
The effectiveness of a neuromodulator largely hinges on the number of units used and proper placement into the muscles. If you’re noticing your results fading sooner than expected, it may be time to consider switching brands to avoid building a tolerance. Many patients who don’t respond well to Botox® Cosmetic for example, will find success with Dysport®. If you have any questions about the best treatment plan for you, I’m here to help!
Botox in Kamloops and Kelowna
With six locations across Kamloops and Kelowna, you can book your first botox treatment with me at a clinic that’s most convenient for you. During your initial consultation, I’ll assess your unique facial anatomy, discuss your goals, and answer any questions you may have—whether about treatment areas, expected results, or how to maintain long-lasting outcomes. Click here to get started.
