Dos and don’ts: Wedding Botox edition

Thinking of investing in a sprinkle of anti-wrinkle for your wedding day? With the stress and late nights of wedding planning, it’s no wonder more brides and grooms are turning to Botox, in their pursuit of a crease-free complexion.

Entering the world of cosmetic injectables can be intimidating. They’re sharp needles — near your face — we get it! If you’re thinking about trying Botox ahead of your wedding day look, we have all of the “dos” and “don’ts” to steer you in the right direction.

First, what is Botox? Botox is a brand of anti-wrinkle injectable. You might have heard of other brands like Dysport or the newer Letybo. Essentially, it’s a neurotoxin that is injected into the muscle. As the toxin takes effect, it inhibits the nerve signals that make the muscle contract.

Botox is very effective in the treatment of dynamic lines i.e. lines made from the movement of your facial muscles. Examples include frownlines, crows feet, and perioral lines (better known as smoker’s lines). Because it works in the muscle it’s not effective on lines caused by skin laxity.

Did you know Botox is also used to prevent excessive sweating, allergies, and even teeth grinding?

Do Plan Ahead

In the movies, when someone gets Botox, the effects are often instant. For example, a frozen forehead and expressionless stare — not exactly the ideal look for a bride or groom! In reality, Botox takes two weeks to kick in, and many patients find that they like the effects best at around the three-to-four-week mark. This is because the neurotoxin kicks in slowly over two weeks and then wears off gradually over approximately three months (depending on the individual). While your two-week result might be a little frozen for your liking, your four-week look might be just the refreshed effect you’re looking for.

Do Choose a Qualified Practitioner

We always recommend vetting wedding vendors thoroughly, but this is one situation where it’s absolutely essential. Cosmetic medicine is still medicine, and finding a provider you trust should be your first port of call. An inexperienced practitioner could give you uneven brows or a dropped eyelid before your wedding. The right practitioner will know how to achieve a natural result tailored to your unique facial anatomy and facial muscle strength.

Here are some things to look for:

• Doctor-led clinics. These clinics are run by doctors as opposed to just using a dial-in doctor to get around scripting requirements.
• Reviews. Thoroughly read reviews. You should look for a practitioner who exudes professionalism and trust.
• Experience. Review professional bios of practitioners. Check for education, ongoing training and years of experience specifically in cosmetic injecting.

Do Follow Post-Treatment Care Instructions

Your Botox aftercare is no joke! Your practitioner will instruct you not to exercise vigorously for the next 24 hours, not to drink alcohol for the next 24 hours, and not to lie down for the next four hours, amongst other guidelines. Following your aftercare instructions will ensure the Botox works effectively, reduce any bruising and swelling at the injection site, and prevent the toxin from migrating into other areas of the face.

Don’t Experiment with New Treatments

If you’ve never tried Botox before, your wedding is not the time for “firsts.” Ideally, you would have tried Botox two or more times before your wedding Botox. It’s difficult to know what you’ll like before you try injectables. For example, you might think you want your crows-feet smoothed… but then find that once the Botox has kicked in, you actually prefer the look of your crinkly-eyed smile.

It can also take your practitioner a few visits to know how you’ll react to the neurotoxin. For example, your metabolism and how expressive you are with your face day-to-day will impact how quickly the Botox will wear off.

It’s important to know that Botox can not be “dissolved” or undone in the way that dermal filler can. This is because it’s a neurotoxin that works by blocking chemical signals to prevent muscle contraction. If you get a Botox result you don’t like, there are limited options:

• The practitioner can use more of the toxin to “tweak” the result. For example, if the patient has “Spock eyebrows” (where the ends of the eyebrows shift unnaturally upwards when raised), the practitioner might use more toxin above the tail of the brow to anchor it down.
• The patient needs to wait for the toxin to wear off. This can take three months.
• The patient needs to do specific facial exercises to reinegage the muscles faster and try to remedy the problem.

Don’t Ignore Possible Side Effects

Bruising and swelling are common side effects of anti-wrinkle injections. However, rare and severe side effects can be cause for concern. This is another reason why it’s important not to fly away for, say, a destination wedding immediately after getting Botox.

Your first port of all when encountering side effects should be your treating clinic. They’ll have the records of exactly what has been injected and where. If you encounter more severe side effects like those akin to an allergic reaction, it’s important to seek medical care from a hospital.

Pre-wedding Botox can be a great way to achieve a smooth, youthful look for your wedding day. Who doesn’t want to look refreshed come aisle time? By following these “dos” and “don’ts” you’ll be set up for success in your anti-wrinkle experiences.

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a licensed medical professional before undergoing any cosmetic treatment. Individual results and experiences may vary, and it is important to discuss your specific needs and concerns with your practitioner. The author and publisher of this article are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information provided.