So… you booked it.
Your first Botox or Dysport appointment. And now you’re somewhere between excited and spiraling.
You’ve probably looked in the mirror more than usual this week. Maybe practiced raising your brows. Maybe wondered if you’re about to look “frozen.” Maybe told one friend but not another. First of all, this is completely normal. Let’s talk through what to expect in a real way.
What Botox and Dysport Actually Do
Here’s the simple version.
When you frown, squint, or raise your eyebrows, your muscles contract. Over time, those repeated movements leave lines behind. At first, they only show when you move. Eventually, they stick around even when your face is resting. Botox and Dysport gently relax those specific muscles. That’s it.
They do not change your personality.
They do not erase your expressions.
They do not make you look like someone else.
They just soften movement so your skin can smooth out.
Most people don’t want to look different. They just want to look less tired, less tense, or less “why do I look mad in photos?” That’s the goal.
How to Prepare Before You Come In
Preparation is easy and low-stress.
The day before your appointment:
- Skip alcohol.
- Avoid things like ibuprofen, aspirin, or certain supplements if your doctor says that’s safe for you.
Those things can thin your blood and increase the chance of bruising. Some patients take zinc for about a week beforehand because there’s research suggesting it may help neuromodulators last longer. It’s optional, but something to consider.
And here’s a big one:
If you have a wedding, vacation, or big event coming up, schedule your appointment at least two to four weeks before it. Results take time to settle, and we want you feeling confident.
What Happens During the Appointment
The part everyone fixates on. The injections.
Let’s be honest. They are tiny. And they are quick.
Before we start, we’ll ask you to make some expressions. Raise your brows. Frown. Squint. This helps us see how your muscles naturally move. Everyone’s face is different, and that matters. The injections themselves feel like quick little pinches. Most people are surprised at how fast it goes. The whole thing usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
You walk in.
You sit down.
You’re done before you know it.
You won’t leave looking different. There’s no dramatic transformation in the mirror. It takes time.
Aftercare: What to Do (and Not Do)
For about four hours after your appointment:
- Stay upright.
- Don’t rub or press on the treated areas.
- Skip workouts, hot tubs, and anything that makes you sweat heavily.
The product needs time to settle into the muscle. Heat and pressure can interfere with that. Also, no makeup the rest of the day. The tiny injection sites need a little time to close. By the next morning, most people feel completely normal.
When You’ll See Results
This is where patience comes in.Some people notice changes in three or four days. For others, it takes closer to a week. Full results show around the two week mark.
And this is important:
Do not judge your results too early.
We tell patients all the time, don’t love it and don’t hate it for two weeks. Let it fully settle. We check in around that time to make sure everything looks balanced and natural. Small tweaks, if needed, are best done then.
Thinking About a Lip Flip?
If you’ve ever said, “My top lip disappears when I smile,” you might be curious about a lip flip.
A lip flip uses a tiny amount of neuromodulator around the upper lip. It relaxes the muscle just enough that the lip gently rolls outward.
It doesn’t add volume like filler. It just enhances what you already have. It’s subtle. It’s quick. And most people love how natural it looks.
How Long It Lasts
Typically, Botox and Dysport last about three to four months. Everyone metabolizes it differently. Some people go a little longer. Some notice it fades sooner.
There are newer options, like Daxxify, that may last longer for certain patients. We can always talk through what fits your goals and lifestyle. Most patients come in about three times a year to maintain their results.
Can You Pair It With Other Treatments?
Yes, and this is where it gets fun. Some patients love adding LED light therapy to boost skin health. Others use a soothing sheet mask that evening.
There’s also a technique where neuromodulator can be microchanneled into the skin instead of injected into muscle. This helps with fine lines and overall skin texture. None of this is required. But it’s nice to know you have options.
The Nerves Are Completely Normal
Almost every first-time patient says the same thing when they sit down.
“I’m kind of nervous.”
That’s okay.
It’s your face. Of course you care. The best approach is starting conservatively. You can always add more. The goal is never to erase your expressions. It’s to help you feel confident and comfortable when you look in the mirror.
At Head & Heart Health and Wellness, we believe this should feel collaborative. We talk through your concerns. We explain what we’re doing. We move at a pace that feels right for you.
Most patients walk out saying the same thing:
“That was way easier than I thought.”If you’re thinking about booking your first appointment, just know this. You’re not alone in feeling unsure. And you don’t have to commit to anything dramatic. Sometimes it’s just about softening one line that’s been bothering you. And sometimes that small change makes a bigger difference than you expected. Reach out to us today to talk about your options.