You’ve done your research, you’ve asked your friends, and now you’re finally ready to explore Botox near Shorewood Forest, IN—but you’re not quite sure what the first appointment will feel like. At Icon Aesthetics, we understand that your first visit can come with questions, and maybe even a little hesitation.
Whether you’re exploring Botox or Xeomin to reduce fine lines, prevent wrinkles from forming, or to refresh your appearance, our goal is to provide a personalized experience rooted in clinical expertise and expert care.
From your initial consultation to your final results, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. In this blog, we’ll walk you through what to expect during your first visit, so you’ll know exactly what’s to come when you walk through our doors.
What is Botox?
Botox is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the United States, with over 3 million Botox treatments administered every single year. Its popularity stems from how effectively it can help to reduce the signs of aging and prevent further lines and wrinkles from developing.
This injectable is made from a purified form of botulinum toxin, which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Just because it’s a form of toxin, it doesn’t mean that it is actually toxic—at least not in the way you might think.
We refer to Botox as a neuromodulator, as the toxin interferes with neural signals. However, in these small, diluted doses, it’s considered harmless with little to no side effects.
When administered correctly by trained professionals, Botox near Shorewood Forest, IN, has tremendous benefits for both aesthetic and medical uses.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Botox for treating frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet, as well as specific medical conditions. This includes neck spasms, excessive sweating, and chronic migraines.
How does it work?
Using ultra-fine needles, very small doses of botulinum toxin are administered. The Botox injections reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by blocking the nerve signals (neurotransmitters) to the muscles in the treatment area.
Treatment areas can include the following:
- Forehead
- Around the eyes
- Cheeks
- Jaw
The muscles become more relaxed as the Botox stops them from contracting. The procedure doesn’t damage the nerves in any way—it simply puts them to sleep temporarily. Without consistent movement, fine lines and wrinkles in the corresponding areas will become softer and smoother.
What is Xeomin?
Xeomin, like Botox, is another powerful injectable neuromodulator designed to relax the muscles that cause lines and wrinkles in the face. Similarly, it is made of a purified form of botulinum toxin, which is the same active ingredient that makes Botox effective.
It is FDA approved to treat dynamic wrinkles such as:
- Forehead wrinkles
- Crow’s feet
- Glabellar lines
- Masseters
Xeomin can also be used to treat specific medical conditions, like temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), migraines, and jaw pain.
How does it work?
Xeomin works in the same way that Botox near Shorewood Forest does. Using an ultra-fine needle, Xeomin is injected in areas of the face where patients have dynamic wrinkles, which are associated with movements such as squinting and frowning. The neuromodulator disturbs the communication between the nerves and muscles, which relaxes the treatment area.
This stops the muscles from contracting, which temporarily reduces lines and wrinkles in the treated area.
Finding the Perfect Match for You
Both Botox and Xeomin are simple injectable procedures that only take a few minutes to complete. They are often called the “lunchtime procedure.” Though both share many similarities, there are a few key differences that may make one injectable more suitable for you than the other.
The biggest difference between Xeomin and Botox is in the formulation. Xeomin is formulated purely of botulinum toxin Type A, with no additional proteins. Botox contains accessory proteins, also known as complexing proteins, which surround the active molecule and help stabilize the neurotoxin. Some people have reactions to these accessory proteins.
If you have experienced an allergic reaction to Botox in the past, Xeomin may be more suitable for you due to its pure formulation.
Outside of any sensitivities a person may have, choosing between Botox and Xeomin is usually a personal preference. It’s important to discuss your goals, medical history, and budget with your provider at Icon Aesthetics. This way, you’ll see optimal results while staying within your comfort zone.
From Consultation to Confidence: Your First Botox Appointment Explained
Your first appointment for Xeomin or Botox near Shorewood Forest, IN, should feel empowering, not overwhelming. Our team at Icon Aesthetics understands that knowledge is power, and in this section, we’ll be walking you through each step of the process.
From your personalized consultation to your post-treatment care, this is what you can expect on your journey to refreshed, confident skin with neuromodulators.
Before Your Consultation
Often, our patients receive their injections the same day as their consultation. Because of this, there are some important steps to take before the day of your treatment. We recommend that you:
- 1 week before your appointment: Avoid blood-thinning medications like ibuprofen, aspirin, Aleve, and Motrin to help prevent any bruising on the day of your treatment. If these medications are prescribed, discuss discontinuing them with your provider at Icon Aesthetics or your primary care doctor.
- 3 days before your appointment: Avoid using harsh products like hair removal creams or retinols and retinoids for three days before your treatment.
- The day of your appointment: Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine on the day of your appointment to prevent bruising.
The Initial Consultation
Your first step with Xeomin or Botox is a one-on-one consultation with a provider at Icon Aesthetics. First, we’ll determine if you’re a suitable candidate for these injections. If you’re looking to embrace a proactive approach to skincare, soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and don’t have medical contradictions, you’re likely an ideal candidate for these treatments.
This consultation is also our chance to get to know you and your unique needs better and help you determine which neuromodulator is the best fit for you. Your provider will tailor a treatment plan using one of these injectables based on your facial features, skin quality, and individual concerns and goals.
The Injection Process
If you are a good candidate for Xeomin or Botox and choose to move forward with the treatment, you’ll be able to get your injections the same day as your consultation. Our nurse practitioner will mark the face, placing the injections in spots that will enhance your natural beauty, rather than overshadow it.
The entire procedure only takes around 15 minutes to complete. Your provider will cleanse the treatment area and use ultra-fine needles to administer the Xeomin or Botox. Since the needles are so fine, patients usually tolerate the injections very well. Many describe the sensation as a quick, mild pinch.
After Your Treatment
One of the significant benefits of Xeomin and Botox near Shorewood Forest is that there’s no downtime after your treatment. Most people can resume their daily routine right after their injections.
Though there is no downtime, there are a few steps you can take to encourage optimal treatment results from the injections. These steps include:
- Stay upright: For at least four hours after your injection, avoid lying down or applying direct pressure to the treated area. This helps prevent the neuromodulator from migrating to other areas of the face.
- Avoid excess strain: The day of your injection, refrain from vigorous exercise or heavy lifting. Increased circulation can cause the neuromodulator to spread from the injection site.
- Limit retinoids and makeups: For 1 to 2 days after your injection, avoid applying makeup or retinoids (and similar products) to the injection site. This helps minimize any risk for redness or irritation.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our post-care instructions.
Your Results Timeline
Each person is unique, so the timeline for results with neuromodulators may look a little different from person to person.
Botox Timeline
For Botox, you’ll experience results within 7 to 10 days of the treatment. Some patients see softened lines quickly, while for others, results may take a few days longer to appear. It all depends on your unique anatomy.
The results of Botox typically last between 3 to 4 months. Over time, the body breaks down Botox, gradually restoring muscle movement in the treated area. This may cause wrinkles to reappear.
We often suggest maintenance treatments so patients can sustain their results indefinitely.
Xeomin Timeline
Some patients begin to notice their desired results from Xeomin within about 3 to 4 days of their initial injection, though this can vary from person to person. For some, it takes closer to 10 days, so don’t panic if you’re not noticing any changes in the first few days following your appointment.
The results usually last for about 3 to 4 months, though this will vary from person to person as our bodies metabolize the Xeomin at different rates. Just like with Botox near Shorewood Forest, IN, our team at Icon Aesthetics recommends following a treatment schedule to ensure you get to enjoy the results of Xeomin for months and months to come.
Your First Step Toward Timeless Confidence
Your first experience with Botox or Xeomin should leave you feeling not only refreshed but also completely confident in the care you’ve received. At Icon Aesthetics, we’re here to ensure that your first wrinkle relaxer appointment is seamless, informative, and tailored entirely to you.
If you’ve been exploring options for Botox near Shorewood Forest, let us show you what thoughtful, expert care truly looks like. Schedule your consultation, and take the first step towards a more radiant, refined version of you.
If you’re curious about other injectable treatments we offer at Icon Aesthetics, check out our blogs on lip filler and under-eye filler for more information.
