Do you live in London and are thinking about having Botox for the first time, but not quite sure what to expect at your first appointment? It’s very common to want smoother, younger looking skin, but also to be hesitant about the whole process and after-effects. This guide by Dr Selina will take you through everything you need to know, from consultation to aftercare, so you’re fully prepared before arranging your first Botox appointment.
If you would like to have an initial consultation about Botox, Dr Selina Clinics is based in South Woodford, just a 20 minute tube ride from central London!
What is Botox and How Does it Work?
Before we get started, let’s cover the basics. Botox is short for Botulinum toxin. It is used to temporarily relax muscles. When injected in very small, controlled doses, it can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by reducing muscle contractions. I have more details on Botox in my Botox treatments page here.
Areas Commonly Treated with Botox
- Forehead lines
- Frown lines (11 lines between eyebrows)
- Crow’s feet
- Bunny lines (on the nose)
- Lip lines
- Chin dimpling
- Neck bands
- Jawline slimming (masseter botox)
Your First Time at a Botox Appointment
Choosing a Provider
After carrying out your research and deciding Botox is something you’re interested in, the very first step is choosing a qualified medical professional. These are the things to look out for:
- Trained medical professionals
- Years of experience with Botox injections
- Before and after photos of previous clients
- Strong reviews and testimonials
Consultation
When booking your first appointment, I strongly advise that you book in with a qualified medical professional who should provide you with a no-obligation consultation first. This appointment is a really good time to do the following:
- Look at your face together and discuss your aesthetic goals
- Review your medical history
- Ask any questions, or raise concerns
- Find out whether Botox is right for you, or perhaps another treatment (or combination) is more suitable
Pre-Treatment Do’s and Don’ts
To get the best results, it’s really important to follow these guidelines before your appointment:
Do:
Drink plenty of water
Inform your provider of any medications you’re taking
Come in with a clean face, and ideally no makeup on your skin
Don’t:
Drink alcohol for 24 hours before treatment
Take blood thinning medications or supplements (like aspirin or fish oil) for a week leading up to your appointment, unless medically necessary
Book your appointment before a big event. There’s a small chance of bruising and the ideal time is to have botox about 6 weeks prior to any big event. This will also allow time to make any adjustments after 2 weeks.
What to Expect at Your First Botox Treatment
Botox Administration
Cleansing: Your treatment provider will clean the areas to be injected
Marking: They may mark the injection sites
Numbing (optional): Topical numbing cream can be applied if you’re concerned about any pain
Injecting: Using a very fine needle, your provider will inject small amounts of Botox into the muscles
Post-injecting: The area is cleaned again and post care advice is provided
Pain
Most people describe Botox injections as pretty much painless. You may feel a slight pinch or sting during the injection but it’s generally well tolerated, and over very quickly. Depending on the areas you’re having treated, the whole process can take under 30 minutes.
Immediate After-Effects
Slight redness at injection sites (usually subsides within an hour)
Tiny bumps (these should disappear within 30 minutes)
No visible changes in wrinkles straight away (Botox takes about 10 days to work)
Post-Treatment Care and What to Expect
Aftercare
To get the best results, and reduce side effects follow this guidance:
Don’t touch or rub the treated areas for 24 hours
Stay upright for 4 hours after treatment
Avoid intense exercise for 24 hours
Don’t lie down for 4 hours post-treatment
No facials, saunas or hot tubs for 24 hours
Results Timeline
3-4 days: You’ll start to see some minor changes as the Botox starts working
7-14 days: Full effects will be visible
12 weeks: Results should last up to approximately 12 weeks
Side Effects
While Botox is generally considered very safe, it’s important to be aware of these side effects:
Bruising at injection sites
Headache (mild and temporary)
Eyelid drooping (this is very rare and resolves on its own, however eye drops can be provided if required)
Botox Follow-Up and Maintenance
Next Appointment
Most good providers will schedule a follow-up 2 weeks after your first treatment, if you would like to book this in. This is a time to:
- Check the results
- Make any necessary tweaks
- Address any questions you may have
Treatment Plan
Based on your results and goals, your provider will recommend the best maintenance schedule for you. I generally repeat Botox treatments every 3-4 months at my clinic in London for best results.
First Time Botox FAQs
Is Botox safe for first timers?
Yes, Botox is safe and approved for most adults (aged 18+) when carried out by a trained medical professional.
How much is first time Botox?
Prices can vary depending on who you choose to carry out your Botox, and the number of areas you’re having treated. Pricing for Botox at my clinic in South Woodford, London starts at £200 for one area.
Can I go back to work after Botox?
Yes absolutely, most people can go back to normal activities immediately after treatment. There is a chance you’ll have some minor redness or swelling, so if you have anything important coming up, you may want to schedule this for the day following your treatment.
Will I look “frozen” after Botox?
When done correctly, Botox should not leave you looking frozen. A good Botox practitioner aims for a natural look where you look younger and fresher, but definitely not expressionless.
Conclusion: Getting Botox in London For The First Time
By knowing what to expect at your first consultation- right through to aftercare- you’re setting yourself up very well for your first Botox consultation. Remember – it’s so important to choose a trained and experienced medical professional for your Botox. They’ll understand and be able to articulate the process to you clearly, help you achieve your aesthetic goals, and give you the best post-treatment advice.
For many of my patients, Botox isn’t just about reducing wrinkles – it’s about feeling more confident, and being the best version of themselves. Whether you want to soften frown lines, smooth crow’s feet or generally look more refreshed, it’s worth discussing Botox as an option.
With the right approach and clear expectations, your first Botox experience should be straight-forward, and leave you looking and feeling refreshed.
Interested to find out more? Book a consultation to discuss Botox with me in my brand new clinic in South Woodford, London.
Clients travel from all over London to visit to me for Botox, including Wanstead, Chigwell, Chingford, Loughton, Buckhurst Hill, Epping, Theydon Bois, Walthamstow, Highams Park.