If you’ve seen a cosmetic injections before and after picture, you know how impressive results can be from just one round of injections.
Have you ever wondered what happens during a typical cosmetic injection procedure, though? Here’s a simple breakdown of what you can expect during your first treatment:
Cleansing/Prepping
After answering any lingering questions about your cosmetic injection treatments, the injector will gently clean your skin and prep it for the injections.
You won’t receive any anesthesia before you begin receiving injections. However, some injectors offer numbing cream to help you feel more comfortable during the treatment.
Injections
Once your skin is prepped, it’s time for the injections. The injector will use a small needle to administer the number of units of injectables previously agreed upon (30-40 units is standard for most people).
Cosmetic injections do hurt, especially if you don’t have any kind of numbing cream applied beforehand. However, the pain is temporary, and most consider it pretty mild.
Remember, too, that most cosmetic injection appointments last an hour or less, so you won’t be hurting for very long.
Preparing for cosmetic injections.
You don’t have to do much to prepare for your cosmetic injection appointment. However, doing the following can help you set yourself up for a successful treatment and better results:
Avoid blood-thinning substances (aspirin, anti-inflammatory) for at least a week before your first appointment to reduce the risk of bruising
Avoid alcohol for at least a week before your appointment (it’s a blood-thinner that increases your risk of bruising)
Avoid intense skin treatments (harsh exfoliants, scrubs, peels, etc.) that may make you more sensitive
Stay out of the sun (or wear sunscreen) in the week leading up to your appointment to avoid making your skin more sensitive
These simple steps can help you feel more comfortable during your appointment and reduce your chances of experiencing side effects after.
Recovering from Cosmetic Injections
You can drive yourself home immediately after receiving your cosmetic injections. You could even go back to work if you wanted!
Because cosmetic injection treatments are minimally invasive, you don’t have to do much to recover. Here are a few dos and don’ts to keep in mind following your injections:
Do return to normal activities (work, household chores, etc.)
Don’t massage the injected area (this can cause the toxin to spread)
Do lay down if you feel like it (your body position won’t cause the toxin to spread or affect the injections’ results)
Don’t do any intense exercise for at least 24 hours after treatment
Do engage in mild-to-moderate active -- if you want -- just avoid intense training for at least 24 hours)
Contact your injector if you have any concerns or questions after your treatment. They’ll be happy to address your concerns and ensure you feel at ease.