Thinking about Botox® injections but not quite ready to book yet? You’re not alone. For many people, the first Botox appointment comes with a mix of excitement and a few understandable nerves.
The good news? Botox is one of the most studied and commonly performed cosmetic treatments. In fact, over 9.8 million neuromodulator injection procedures were performed in 2024. That was a 4% jump from the prior year.
Not only is Botox common, but when administered by experienced providers here at Novell Primary Care and Weight Loss, it’s safe, effective, and subtle.
Read on as our primary care providers explain what first-timers need to know before their first Botox appointment.
Botox is a purified protein (onabotulinumtoxinA) derived from a naturally occurring bacterium called Clostridium botulinum.
When used in small, controlled amounts, it temporarily relaxes specific facial muscles. As your muscles relax, it helps reduce the appearance of a certain type of wrinkles called dynamic wrinkles. Botox doesn’t work for static wrinkles caused by collagen loss or facial volume loss.
Dynamic wrinkles are wrinkles that form from repetitive facial expressions and include frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet.
We hear this question a lot, and rightly so. It’s normal to wonder whether any injectable treatment hurts and, if so, how much.
The truth? Most people describe Botox injections as a quick pinch or tiny sting. The needles are very fine, and the entire treatment usually takes just 10–30 minutes.
No anesthesia is required, and discomfort is minimal and short-lived.
Botox isn’t instant, but it works fairly quickly. You may start noticing smoother skin within three or five days. You can expect your full results to appear around 10–14 days after treatment.
Results typically last about three to four months, depending on your body’s metabolism and treatment area.
This is one of the most common myths about Botox. When administered correctly, Botox should never “freeze” your face. It enhances your natural features without ever eliminating your full facial expression.
At Novell Primary Care and Weight Loss, our providers focus on precise dosing and personalized treatment plans to make sure natural-looking results that still allow you to smile, frown, and show emotion.
To help minimize bruising and get the best results:
Before you receive any injectables, your Novell Primary Care and Weight Loss provider reviews your medical history and discusses your aesthetic goals during your consultation. In some cases, combining injectables, such as Botox and dermal fillers, is the best way to address all of your aesthetic concerns.
After your appointment, you can return to most normal activities right away. You’ll be advised to:
You won’t walk out of our office confused. Our team can answer all your aftercare questions and provide clear post-treatment instructions (for Botox and any other treatments you have) to help your results settle in beautifully.
Botox is ideal for adults who want to soften fine lines, prevent deeper dynamic wrinkles, or maintain a refreshed appearance with minimal downtime.
You should avoid Botox if you have any contraindications, such as being pregnant, having keloidal scarring, or breastfeeding.
The only way to know for sure if Botox is right for you is to schedule a consultation at Novell Primary Care and Weight Loss.
Your first Botox experience should feel comfortable and informed, and we’re more than happy to answer all of your Botox questions!
Schedule a consultation today here in our Tallahassee, Florida, office. Or, give us a call to get started.
