Some advice from anyone who has had Botox - first time tomorow and a bit nervous

[KellyElly]

I am going for botox on my eleven lines for the first time ever tomorrow evening.

For anyone who has had this before, can you let me know what to expect?

Does it hurt? Did you have bruising - if so how badly? Did it go wrong for anyone? Is it true you can't lie down for four hours afterwards? Can I use use cream on my face that night? Do I have to sleep on my back? Can I wear make up the next morning?

I'm a little bit nervous about it.

I'm going to the Viva Skin Clinc with Dr Rupert Critchley if anyone has used him before.

[TFIBedtime]

Hi there,
I've only had it once so no expert. My advice would be to go lightly to start with. You should be seen in a couple of weeks to check everything is ok. You can always top up then.
Yes it's true that you can't lie down for 4 hours.
I think you have to avoid creams / make-up for the first night. You should be fine the following day. Normal make-up and beauty routine.
You can sleep normally.
I was told not to drink alcohol for 12/24 hours (I forget which). I went out that night and got quite drunk as it was a very rare night out that ran away with me a little. No bad side effects.
I was totally surprised by how little a deal it was. It didn't hurt, it was incredibly quick and there were no marks afterwards. I felt a bit self conscious as I did the school run straight afterwards but not a single person has noticed or mentioned it. I can see a difference and I'm really happy with it.
I was incredibly nervous and had a bit of a dry mouth / funny tummy afterwards but I think that may be because I had worked myself up into a bit of a panic about it.
I would definitely have it again. I don't know the clinic you are going to I'm afraid so I can't advise on that.
Good luck! come back and tell us how you got on.

[KellyElly]

Thanks for the advice. I'll take my make up remover etc with me, so I don't have to do it that evening. Glad my appointment is at 6.30pm if I can't lie down for four hours. I was going to do a 9pm appointment - I would have been exhausted staying up until 1am!!

[KellyElly]

Btw, if you need to top up in two weeks time, is that chargable?

[TFIBedtime]

No, you shouldn't be charged for that. It's to make sure you're happy and to tweak if necessary.

It does feel strange for a while and I feel like I can still frown, although I'm not actually frowning.

[Kittyrobin]

I have it every 6 month for migraine, I've never been given any aftercare advice, sit down, injections, 5 minutes later walk out.
I've had light bruising a few times but no one has ever commented on it. Never been told to avoid anything.

[YoungGirlGrowingOld]

I have it every 6 months. No side effects and it's virtually painless. I get a mild antibiotic cream and the clinic also gives out balloons full of ice which are v soothing for rolling on the injection site after. (Make some at home maybe?)

I would take it easy at first. One particular session left me a bit waxy-faced and I couldn't move my eyebrows. It wore off quickly but less is definitely more iykwim.

[Truckingalong]

Doesn't really hurt, so seriously don't stress about that bit. No after effects ever or bruising (apart from once with a butcher of a nurse!). It's really straightforward and the results are amazing but you have to wait a few days to see the effects.

[biddleyboo]

I have it regularly, and have seen a few different practitioners. Never had any bruising, and it isn't painful to me, and I can be a softie. The effects are fabulous
There will be some aftercare advice and it should be followed for the most part. Different people have given different advice, with the only consistent advice being to not lie down for four hours or so afterwards. And the advice re alcohol is because it raises your body temperature which can effect how well the Botox takes. Also advised not to go to the gym or for a run (no danger of that!)
I have had appointments that have lasted five minutes, and it worked but wasn't the best result I've had. The best came from two nurses who spent at least 20 minutes with me, looking at different expressions, marking the injection sites, and then measured and noted where and how much had gone in. Follow up two weeks later for a top up to ensure it was even. So the best advice is to go to somewhere with a really good reputation and who isn't after just getting your money and going. And make sure they use the best quality branded Botox.

[KellyElly]

Great. Thank you everyone. Sounds like it's all going to be fine. I was doing a bit too much googling earlier and stressing out!

[Ifonlyiweretaller]

I had it done for the fist time last Thursday. Was surprised how quickly the actual injections were, although the appointment was quite long as the nurse wanted to know what I was hoping to gain/ warn about side effects / after care etc. I had it for my eye wrinkles and it didnt hurt, just a bit uncomfortable. I did bruise, but not so it looks like I've been punched, just a grey-ish mark at one injection site which is fading. Main aftercare was to be gentle when cleansing / moisturising around the eyes for 48 hours, and to avoid alcohol as if you are dehydrated the botox will be trying to overcompensate (?) and wont work as well.
I wasn't convinced at first that it had any effect, but 6 days later i can definitely tell the difference. Not obvious, just subtle improvements. I had intended to get my money's worth & go for the free top up session, but to be honest i really don't think i will need to.
So a happy bunny here...

[KellyElly]

Great. I'm starting to look forward to it now! Can't wait to see the results