Your First Botox® Treatment: What to Expect

At Rick J. Smith, MD, in East Lansing, Michigan, Botox® is one of our most popular treatments. However, just because nearly 9.5 million Americans get neuromodulator injections annually, that doesn’t mean that you don’t have questions. 

Don’t worry — you’re in expert hands. Dr. Smith and our team make the experience comfortable and effective.

The timeline below breaks your first Botox appointment into easy-to-follow steps so you’ll head into your session with confidence.

Before your Botox treatment

Before we inject Botox, we discuss your goals and expectations. Dr. Smith assesses your facial muscles and skin, listening carefully to your concerns. Let us know if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any medications because Botox injections may not be suitable in these cases.

Next, we:

• Explain how Botox works by blocking nerve signals in the targeted muscles
• Recommend treatment areas like crow’s feet, forehead lines,  frown lines and platysmal bands
• Discuss side effects, such as mild swelling or bruising, which typically subside quickly

You will be advised to avoid certain medications or alcohol in the 24 hours leading up to your Botox appointment. Blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, increase the risk of bruising.  We also recommend no vaccinations for 2 weeks prior or 2 weeks following your Botox injection.

During the treatment session

Botox appointments are known for their convenience. The entire process typically lasts around 20 minutes, so you can fit it in even if you have a busy schedule. 

Dr. Smith uses fine needles to inject small amounts of Botox into specific facial muscles. These precise injections temporarily limit your facial muscle movement, softening wrinkles and making your skin look smoother.

Here’s what happens step by step:

1. Marking the treatment areas 

A marker is used to pinpoint the treatment areas and ensure accurate injections. The most popular injection sites are the forehead, around the eyes, and between the eyebrows. 

2. Applying anesthetic cream (optional) 

If you’re worried about discomfort, we can apply a topical numbing cream or ice pack to the injection site. 

3. Injecting the Botox 

Dr. Smith delivers a series of small injections using a thin hypodermic needle. Most patients describe the sensation as a mild pinching. 

4. Immediate post-treatment freedom

One of the best parts of Botox treatments is that there’s no downtime. After your Botox session, you’re free to resume your regular activities. 

After your Botox treatment

Although the procedure is quick and minimally invasive, we always recommend a few simple aftercare steps to follow:

• Don’t rub or press on the area for at least 12 hours to prevent movement of the Botox 
• Stay upright (no lying down) for 3-4 hours post-treatment
• Skip strenuous exercise for 24 hours, as sweating could displace the Botox

If you notice mild swelling or redness, don’t worry — it’s perfectly normal and should resolve in a day or two.

Gradual onset of results

Be patient — Botox results aren’t instant. Some of our clients begin seeing improvement in as little as three days, but the full effects can take up to 10-14 days to appear. You’ll notice your wrinkles softening and your skin appearing smoother. The results are subtle yet significant.

Longevity of results

The effects of Botox aren’t permanent, but they last a long time. Most people enjoy smoother skin for 3-4 months before coming back for touch-up sessions. Over time, repeated treatments might even train your muscles to contract less so you can stretch the intervals between appointments.

Now that you know what to expect from your first Botox treatment, take the next step: call Rick J. Smith, MD, or request an appointment online.