Botox is an FDA approved anti-aging injectable treatment to address facial signs of aging. This cosmetic procedure is appropriate for people seeking to reduce moderate wrinkles and fine lines in a non-surgical way.
Data from the American Society of Plastic Surgery indicates that Botox is the most sought-after non-invasive procedure in the US today.
At the time of the initial consultation, the Botox provider will explain the usage and effectiveness of the treatment to the patient. The primary goal of a committed treatment provider will be to enable the patient to make an enlightened decision.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jacob Bloom provides injectable treatments for facial rejuvenation to patients in Chicago, IL, and surrounding locations.
Evaluating the Patient’s Needs
The treatment provider will understand the patient’s reasons for considering Botox injectable treatment during the consultation. They will try to determine the particular facial areas where the signs of aging are visible and can be treated with Botox.
In case the patient is unhappy about moderate fine lines and wrinkles due to the underlying dynamic muscles in the face, the provider may recommend Botox as an effective treatment option.
However, if the patient seeks a long-term solution with more visible results to treat saggy facial skin or loss of facial volume, they may recommend soft tissue fillers or another more appropriate treatment instead of Botox.
The treatment provider will inform the patient about issues such as the label and off-label uses of Botox, approximate longevity of the results, and potential risks.
Developing Expectations
Some injection providers may use the pre-treatment consultation as an opportunity to make sure that the patient has reasonable expectations from the Botox procedure. They may display Botox before and after images to the patient to allow them to understand the potential results in a better manner.
In case the patient is satisfied with the provider’s explanation and chooses the procedure with a positive frame-of-mind and reasonable expectations, they may be an ideal candidate for this treatment. In addition, the provider may share testimonials from previous patients to provide them insight on Botox from the perspective of another patient.
Establishing Candidacy
At the time of the initial consultation, the provider will determine the candidacy of the patient for Botox. They will ask the patient about any recent skin allergies and whether they have undergone botulinum toxin-based treatment in the past six months.
They will evaluate the degree of skin laxity, droopiness in the eyelids, forehead muscle weakness, and assess the facial skin for any indications of infection. Pregnant or nursing women may be advised against undergoing this treatment. In case the patient requires more volume in certain areas of the face, the provider may recommend filler injections in addition to Botox.
Other Guidelines
If the patient is a smoker, they will need to discontinue smoking for a few days before their Botox procedure. Additionally, blood-thinning drugs may need to be stopped for a specified period.
The treatment provider will offer the patient post-treatment care instructions during the consultation. At the time of the Botox consultation, the patient should openly ask questions and express concerns prior to making a final decision.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jacob Bloom receives patients from Chicago, IL, and nearby areas for injectable treatments for facial wrinkle reduction.