Do Botox Injections Hurt?

If you’ve never gotten Botox before, you might wonder “is Botox painful?” In reality, this procedure is highly tolerable for the majority of women and men who get it. There are some patients who put off the procedure as they’re worried that the needles used in Botox will hurt, but there is nothing to be afraid of.

The needle used for Botox is incredibly small and will likely only result in a minor pinching or poking feeling that doesn’t last longer than a few seconds. Metropolitan Skin Clinic can walk you through every step if you’re looking for Botox injections in the Minneapolis area.

How Does Botox Work?

Understanding how Botox works can give you peace of mind about the pain of Botox injections before going into the procedure. Botox contains botulinum toxin which helps to relax the underlying muscles and smooth the skin. It blocks the signals that come from the nerves and extend into the muscles to help soften them rather than force them to contract.

Many patients choose Botox to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles on the forehead, around the eyes, and lines around the lips and mouth. It is also used preventatively to help stop wrinkles from getting larger and deeper.

How Big Are the Needles?

If you’re wondering how much does Botox hurt, know that the needles that the injectors use are very small. This is one of the main reasons that the discomfort is so minimal during the procedure as it’s difficult to find smaller needles than those used in Botox. It’s possible that there is a little bump where the needle was inserted into your skin, but by the time you leave the office, this has likely subsided.

How Does Botox Feel as It’s Being Injected?

Another question we often get is whether Botox is painful when injecting the substance. At the time of the injection, you’ll likely feel a slight stinging sensation, but most people don’t report feeling Botox pain. Any discomfort is often reduced by using an ice pack or a topical numbing cream if needed. While the injections are happening, don’t think that you will automatically leave the office without any wrinkles.

Immediately after the procedure and when you are leaving the office, the bumps will likely have flattened and your appearance will look the same as you did coming into the office although you might have some minor redness or bruising at the injection site.

It takes time for Botox to begin to impact the nerves in the targeted area. In the days and weeks following the procedure, Botox will begin to impact your nerves and cause fewer movements. What does Botox feel like when it starts to work? You will have a difficult time moving your muscles and feel the restrictions. It’s important to be patient and the amount of time it takes to start working varies.

How Does Botox Feel Afterwards?

Once the injections are finished, the adjustment to what does Botox feel like after can be a foreign sensation for those who haven’t experienced it. There is no downtime following the procedure and you might feel a slight amount of discomfort once the topical anesthetic has worn off. Rest assured that Botox injections are commonly gotten over lunch breaks or before meetings without any negative side effects, and the procedure itself doesn’t take longer than 10-15 minutes once you’ve discussed your aesthetic goals with your provider. No one will be able to tell that you’ve gotten the injections.

Over the following days and weeks, you will begin to feel your muscle movement shift and expressions that you were once able to make are no longer possible. Of course, the level of movement that you have after the procedure depends on the volume of units that were used.

Dos and Don’ts After Botox

Now that we know Botox injections aren’t painful, it’s important to keep in mind the dos and don’ts following the procedure. You want to maximize the effect of your injections, so keep these best practices in mind.

Do:

• Avoid physical activity for at least the first 6 hours following your appointment as physical activity could increase how much you bruise at the injection site.
• Remain upright for the first 6 hours so the Botox doesn’t travel into other areas of your face.
• Modify your skincare routine according to your doctor’s recommendations. For example, you’ll want to avoid exfoliating products.
• Sleep on a clean pillowcase and do your best to sleep on your back.

Don’t:

• Come into direct contact with the sun sooner than 4 hours after your appointment. If needed, you can wear a wide-brimmed hat.
• Wear any makeup for at least 24 hours following the procedure to reduce the risk of infection at the injection site.
• Consume alcohol for the first 24 hours as it could increase your risk of bruising.

Are There Any Side Effects?

In addition to asking does it hurt to get Botox, many patients wonder if there are any side effects that they can expect after their appointment. As with any type of procedure, there is the potential for side effects. Make sure to seek treatment from a seasoned professional to reduce the risk of developing side effects.

Allergic Reaction

In the case that you are experiencing bleeding, redness, or inflammation at your injection site, it’s important to contact your doctor as soon as possible. Some patients who get Botox more frequently might develop an allergy over time. It’s always advisable to follow your doctor’s guidance regarding your appointment frequency.

Droopy Eyelids

Practitioners who don’t have a lot of experience could potentially execute the injections incorrectly, resulting in droopy eyelids. This side effect can take time to wear off as Botox is designed to last for a few months.

Discomfort at the Injection Site

How bad does Botox hurt? Some patients experience pain, bruising, swelling, or redness at the injection site, but most of these symptoms subside within a few hours.

Can Botox® Help with Pain?

Botox isn’t only used to help minimize and prevent wrinkles. The FDA has approved Botox to help reduce pain such as TMJ disorder, migraines, and headaches. Patients seek Botox injections for pain as it helps to relax the tense muscles in the face or jaw that result in tension headaches or migraines. This is particularly helpful for TMJ sufferers as it keeps the muscles relaxed while you sleep.

Restore Your Youth with Metropolitan Skin Clinic

Don’t let the fear of Botox pain keep you from getting a procedure that can alter your confidence. If you’re considering Botox for the first time, our team at Metropolitan Skin Clinic in the Minneapolis area is here to help you through every step of the process and answer your questions along the way! We have an experienced team of cosmetologists that can help you achieve natural-looking results. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for your Botox appointment and we’ll be happy to talk about your aesthetic goals.