Botox is a very popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment because it provides dramatic results without significant downtime. Botox softens wrinkles and lines, helping you look younger and more refreshed without the need for surgery. If you are getting Botox for the first time you may be feeling nervous and unsure of what to expect. These tips will help you prepare for your first Botox appointment:

Get a Consultation First

A consultation is important because your dermatologist will want to evaluate your skin, talk to you about your beauty goals, and have you fill out all of the medical intake paperwork. The consultation is also your chance to ask any questions you have before scheduling Botox. At your consultation, you can also discuss any other beauty treatments you're curious about, such as lip filler or chemical peels. 

Prepare for Possible Bruising or Swelling

Not everyone bruises or swells after Botox, but since it's your first time, you should plan on it just in case. If you do have bruising or swelling at the injection sites, it will go away after a few days. You can decrease the chances of bruising and swelling by using an ice pack after your appointment. If you have an important event coming up, schedule your Botox appointment at least a week beforehand.

Plan to Have a Follow-Up

As a new client, your dermatologist will want to see you a couple of weeks after your first appointment. Everyone reacts a little differently to Botox and your doctor will want to examine the results from your first appointment. They can then make any adjustments necessary, such as adding slightly more Botox for a more dramatic result if you feel your results are too subtle.

Exercise Beforehand

One thing to keep in mind is that you are not supposed to work out for at least four hours and ideally a full day after getting Botox. It takes a bit of time for your Botox to fully kick in and exercising right away can lead to Botox migrating to other parts of your face. Once the Botox has settled, you will be able to exercise like normal. If you are someone who gets a good workout in every day, you may want to exercise before your visit to the dermatologist.

Getting Botox for the first time is nothing to be afraid of and these tips will help you be as prepared as possible.