When it comes to cosmetic injections, Botox is Dr. Brian Arslanian’s drug of choice! It’s his go-to for eliminating fine lines and wrinkles, and he knows his stuff. Besides being a double board-certified plastic surgeon and Harvard grad, he also has advanced training in injectable cosmetics like Juvederm, Kybella, and Botox. It’s important to know all about both the benefits and about the potential side effects before you get started with your Botox treatments. If you’re reading this, you’re doing your homework. Side effects and adverse reactions to Botox are rare when injections are administered in proper doses by a trained medical professional. Trust your face to the best.
Dr. Arslanian wants you to be fully informed so that you’ll be confident in your decision and ready to celebrate your stunning results. You deserve it.
Contact his office today to schedule your appointment and get started on your path to a smooth, youthful complexion. Dr. Arslanian has offices in both Brookhaven and Jonesboro to conveniently serve the Atlanta area.
Botox Stats
Patients love the safe and consistent results that Botox delivers, and it keeps delivering. Doctors have been injecting Botox since 1989, and it is the most commonly performed non-surgical cosmetic procedure in the United States. It’s FDA approved for safety, efficacy, and, just as importantly, for patient satisfaction.
Botox is also one of the most widely studied and researched cosmetic pharmaceuticals.
Botox has 16 years of published research proving its efficacy and has been discussed in over 528 articles of peer-reviewed scientific and medical journals. (1) Believe the hype! In 2018, The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reported that 1,801,033 recorded injections of Botox had been performed that year alone.(2)That number is on the rise, and it’s no wonder. Botox is the ultimate convenient and minimally invasive answer to lines and wrinkles. Botox is a temporary solution to lines, drooping, and wrinkling, so there’s little risk in giving it a try. Botox injections last up to 4 months, and results are visible 24 to 48 hours after injection. Because it a shorter-lived cosmetic procedure with such excellent results, many patients enjoy regularly scheduled sessions. Dr. Arslanian is confident that once you experience Botox, you’ll find yourself looking forward to your next appointment too. Another reason Botox remains such a popular procedure: an extremely low rate of adverse reactions and side effects. Studies show that only a small percentage of adverse reactions are reported after Botox injections. How small? Under 10%. (1) The odds are good that the only thing you’ll experience is smooth, unlined skin and a jolt of self-confidence.
Pregame with Dr. Arslanian
Whether you visit our Atlanta or Jonesboro locations, Dr. Arslanian will spend some time getting to know you and answer any questions that you may have. He’ll also have some questions for you. To make sure that you’re a good candidate for Botox, he will need to ask about your medical history and any other cosmetic procedures you’ve had in the past. Make sure that you tell Dr. Arslanian if you are taking any medications. They could cause side effects or complications.
He will then perform a facial analysis and determine what areas could benefit from treatment and how many units of Botox would best suit your needs. Much of the success of this cosmetic depends on proper dosage and accurate placement of the injection. You’ll be in good hands. You can read reviews from other patients to learn more about the fantastic results they’ve received from Dr. Arslanian.
Shots!
Before you start worrying about any other side effects, it’s important to keep in mind that Botox treatment involves a series of injections. This cosmetic works its wonders by targeting the muscles that contract to cause wrinkles. So, Botox is injected directly into the muscle. If you’re not a fan of needles (who is?) don’t despair. Unlike other shots, you’ll be given a topical anesthetic to numb the area first and injected with an extremely delicate needle. Unfortunately, even the tiniest needle and the steadiest, most experienced hand may damage a small blood vessel in your skin. This is what causes mild bruising after an injection. If you normally experience bruising after an injection or blood draw, prepare yourself for some discoloration. Most patients do report slight swelling and soreness after their injections, but these symptoms typically don’t last more than a day or two. You can see some of Dr. Arslanian’s Botox successes by following his blog.
What to Do Before and After Botox
Set yourself up for success! Dr. Arslanian and his staff will make sure that you know exactly what to do before your appointment.
Before your Botox injections:
- Stop taking blood thinners unless your doctor advises otherwise
- Don’t take aspirin, ibuprofen, or other NSAIDs
- Avoid strenuous activities for 2-3 days after your treatment
- Skip alcoholic beverages the day before
It’s impossible to know whether you’ll have a reaction to your Botox injections (although the chances are very low). So, make like a boy scout and Be Prepared.
Most side effects from Botox occur in the day or two after injections, although some can linger for a week or so. However, most of these can be treated with what you may already have in your medicine cabinet or with a quick run to the drugstore. Botox’s common side effects are no match for common sense.
Make sure to have these essentials on hand and know when to use them.
- Over the Counter Pain Medications
You can expect to feel some mild ache or pain after your procedure. You did just get injections in your face, after all. In the 24 hours after, opt for acetaminophen, like Tylenol. NSAID’s thin the blood, which can exacerbate bruising and contribute to extra bleeding.
In a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study of Botox reactions, headaches were the most frequently reported reaction. 9% of test subjects reported headaches after receiving Botox injections for glabellar lines on their foreheads. Interestingly, 5% of the group that received a placebo injection also reported headaches.(3) Over-the-counter pain medication can help alleviate any headache pain.
- Ice
It’s not just for cocktails. And, it’s advised to refrain from alcoholic beverages for 24 hours after your injections anyway. But keep your chin up; that is, don’t lie down for 2-3 hours immediately following your appointment. Ice can help ease any swelling or bruising after your injections. Apply ice or a cooling pack intermittently for 2-3 days following your injections. Keeping your head elevated when it is time for bed will also reduce swelling.
- Eyedrops
5% of patients report eyelid ptosis or drooping of the eyelid. If you experience lingering eyelid ptosis, this can be treated with a prescription eyedrop. Over-the-counter eye drops can alleviate dry or itchy eyes. Eyelid ptosis was reported by patients who received injections to treat forehead and glabellar lines.
- Hydration
It’s never a bad idea to be properly hydrated. Drinking plenty of water can help with headaches and speed recovery from bruising and swelling. Extremely rare cases of dry mouth have been reported after Botox injections. If you do experience dry mouth, make sure to drink plenty of water. Another rare side effect is dysphagia or trouble swallowing. Drinking small sips of water through a straw can help you stay hydrated, and make swallowing food easier during mealtimes.
The 1%
1% of patients reported these symptoms occurring within 90 days of injection:
- Facial pain
- Muscle weakness
- Partial or slight paralysis of the face
- Muscular weakness
- Eyelid edema (swelling)
Botox doesn’t last forever, and neither do its side effects. In any case, be sure to drink plenty of water and get proper rest. You’ll notice a marked improvement as any effects of the Botox wear off over the next few days. Stay in touch with Dr. Arslaninan and his team. Letting him know what you experience after your Botox injections will help both of you better prepare for your next session. And while the chances of having a bad Botox reaction are slim, it’s important to be informed and make sure that you have everything you may need. With the right precautions before your injections and proper rest and self-care afterward, you’ll soon be ready to relish your results. Call his Jonesboro or Brookhaven offices at (678) 894-9200 to see what Botox can do for you.
FAQ
How long does Botox last?
Although each patient is unique and may receive varying doses of Botox, most results last for up to 4 months and become visible 48 hours after the initial injection.
What are my chances of having a bad reaction to Botox?
Less than 10% of patients who receive Botox injections report having an adverse reaction. Most other side effects only last a few days and are easily treatable with over-the-counter medication.
References
- Coté TR, Mohan AK, Polder JA, Walton MK, Braun MM. Botulinum toxin type A injections: adverse events reported to the US Food and Drug Administration in therapeutic and cosmetic cases. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2005;53(3):407-415. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2005.06.011
- American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Cosmetic (Aesthetic) Surgery National Data Bank.; 2018. Accessed January 22, 2021. https://www.surgery.org/sites/default/files/ASAPS-Stats2018_0.pdf
- Allergan. HIGHLIGHTS of PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. ; 2020. Accessed February 22, 2021. https://media.allergan.com/actavis/actavis/media/allergan-pdf-documents/product-prescribing/20190626-BOTOX-Cosmetic-Insert-72715US10-Med-Guide-v2-0MG1145.pdf