Botox 101: What to Expect Before, During, and After Your Treatment
If you’ve been thinking about trying Botox, you probably have a few questions—What does it do? Does it hurt? How long does it last? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
At Medlife Aesthetics in North Vancouver, we specialize in safe, natural-looking Botox treatments to help smooth fine lines and wrinkles while maintaining your natural expressions. Whether you're new to Botox or just need a refresher, here’s what to expect before, during, and after your treatment!
What is Botox and How Does It Work?
Botox is an injectable treatment that temporarily relaxes facial muscles to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and prevent new ones from forming. It works by blocking nerve signals to targeted muscles, softening fine lines and creating a smoother, more youthful look.
Common areas treated with Botox include:
Forehead lines (horizontal lines across the forehead)
Frown lines (between the eyebrows, also called “11” lines)
Crow’s feet (fine lines around the eyes)
Bunny lines (wrinkles on the nose)
Lip flip (for a fuller-looking upper lip)
Chin dimpling
Jawline slimming & TMJ relief
In addition to its beauty benefits, Botox is also used for medical concerns like migraines, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), and jaw tension.
Before Your Botox Treatment: How to Prepare
Your Botox journey starts with a consultation at Medlife Aesthetics, where our expert team will assess your concerns and create a treatment plan that suits your goals.
Here’s how to prepare for your appointment:
Avoid alcohol and blood thinners (like aspirin or ibuprofen) for 24-48 hours before treatment to reduce bruising.
Come with a clean face (avoid heavy makeup on the day of your appointment).
Let us know about any medications or medical conditions so we can tailor your treatment safely.
Have realistic expectations—Botox softens wrinkles but doesn’t completely erase deep-set lines in one session.
During Your Botox Treatment: What to Expect
The actual Botox procedure is quick and virtually painless—most treatments take just 10-15
minutes!
Here’s what happens during your session:
Your provider will assess your facial muscles and determine the precise points for Botox injections.
A tiny needle is used to inject Botox into targeted areas. Most patients describe it as a quick pinch or a slight pressure.
No downtime required—you can return to your daily activities right after your appointment!
If you’re worried about discomfort, a numbing cream can be applied beforehand, but most clients find Botox to be very tolerable.
After Your Botox Treatment: Recovery & Results
Botox has minimal downtime, but there are a few aftercare tips to follow to ensure the best results:
What to Avoid After Botox:
Don’t rub or massage the treated area for at least 24 hours.
Avoid lying down for 4-6 hours after treatment.
Skip intense exercise, saunas, and alcohol for 24 hours.
Stay upright and avoid excessive facial movements for the first few hours.
When Will I See Results?
Botox isn’t instant—it takes about 3-5 days for initial results to appear, with full results visible in 10-14 days.
How Long Does Botox Last?
On average, Botox lasts 3-4 months, depending on your metabolism, lifestyle, and treatment area. Regular treatments can help maintain your results and even prevent deeper wrinkles from forming over time.
Botox Myths vs. Facts
Myth: Botox will make my face look frozen.
Fact: When done by a skilled injector, Botox looks natural! You’ll still be able to express yourself—just with fewer wrinkles.
Myth: Botox is only for older people.
Fact: Many people in their 20s and 30s get preventative Botox to stop wrinkles before they start.
Myth: Botox is permanent.
Fact: Botox is temporary and naturally wears off over time. If you don’t like the results, your muscles will return to normal after a few months.
Myth: Botox is only for women.
Fact: Botox is popular among both men and women looking to refresh their appearance!
Ready to Try Botox? Come See Us in North Vancouver!
At Medlife Aesthetics, we’re here to help you look and feel your best with expert Botox treatments that enhance your natural beauty. Whether you're new to Botox or a returning client, we’ll make sure your experience is smooth, safe, and satisfying.