Botulinum toxin for the first time. What can you expect?
Delen
If you are considering botox for the first time, it is normal to have questions: does it hurt? When will I see results? How long does it take? And does it look truly natural? At BLOY Institute in Eindhoven, our KNMG-registered doctors guide you through every step, from the initial consultation to the follow-up appointment. This article tells you exactly what to expect during your first botox treatment.
"For most people, the first time they get botox is an anti-climax in the best sense. The injections take minutes, the pain is manageable, and the result is more subtle than feared. That is exactly how it should be."
Step by step: your first botox treatment
STEP 01
The medical consultation
ALWAYS FIRSTYour first botox treatment begins with a medical consultation with one of our doctors. The doctor assesses your facial muscles, asks about your medical history, and discusses what you want to achieve. Based on this, a treatment plan is created: which areas, how many units, and how the injections will be placed to achieve a natural result. Treatment is never performed without this consultation.
- Assessment of facial muscles and dynamics
- Discussion of wishes and expectations
- Honest advice — even if botox is not the best choice
STEP 02
The treatment itself
5–15 MINUTESThe botox injections themselves take only 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the number of areas. The doctor uses a fine needle and places several small injections in the treatment muscles. Most people describe the sensation as a slight prick, comparable to plucking an eyebrow hair.
- Treatment takes 5–15 minutes
- Slight prick per injection, no numbing required
- Return to daily life immediately afterwards
STEP 03
Immediately after the treatment
FIRST 24 HOURSImmediately after the injections, small red dots may be visible at the injection sites. These usually disappear within an hour. Sometimes there is slight swelling or a small bump that goes away after a few minutes. Bruising is possible but rare. You can go home immediately and resume normal activities. Avoid the following during the first 24 hours: intense exercise, visiting a sauna, alcohol, and massaging the treated area.
- Small red dots disappear within an hour
- Return to daily activities immediately
- Avoid exercise, sauna, and alcohol for 24 hours
STEP 04
When will you see results?
DAY 3–14Botox does not work immediately. The first effects are visible after 3 to 5 days. The full result — the maximum relaxation of the treated muscle — is achieved after 10 to 14 days. Do not expect to look different in the mirror the morning after the treatment. Patience is part of the initial botox experience. Take a follow-up photo after 2 weeks with the doctor as a reference.
- First effect visible after 3–5 days
- Full result after 10–14 days
- Follow-up after 2–3 weeks if necessary
How long does botox last after a first treatment?
For a first botox treatment, the duration of effect is usually slightly shorter than for repeat treatments: on average 2.5 to 4 months. This is normal — the muscle is not yet accustomed to the effect of the toxin. With regular maintenance (2–3 times a year), many clients find that the result lasts longer, sometimes up to 5 to 6 months. This is because the muscle gradually becomes less active with repetition and rebounds more slowly.
| Timeline | What can you expect? |
|---|---|
| Day 0 (treatment) | Small pricks, slight redness, immediate recovery possible |
| Day 1–3 | No visible difference — botox is just starting to work |
| Day 3–5 | First relaxation of the treated muscle visible |
| Day 10–14 | Full result achieved — follow-up recommended |
| Week 2–3 | Top-up appointment if desired or medically indicated |
| Month 3–4 | Effect diminishes; repeat treatment may be considered |
| Month 4–6 | Muscle fully returns to normal activity |
What to avoid after botox
- First 4 hours: do not bend over, do not lie down — keep your head upright to prevent spreading
- First 24 hours: no intense exercise or exertion that significantly increases your heart rate
- First 24 hours: no sauna, steam bath, or hot shower — heat accelerates the breakdown of botox
- First 24 hours: no alcohol — this increases the risk of bruising
- Always avoid: squeezing, massaging, or vigorously rubbing the treated area during the first week
- Always avoid: direct facial massage or facial treatment during the first 2 weeks after botox
Frequently asked questions about botox for the first time
Does botox hurt?
The injections feel like slight pricks — comparable to the prick of a small needle when having blood drawn. Most people describe it as "manageable". In sensitive areas (such as around the eyes), it may feel slightly sharper. Numbing cream is available but is not necessary in most cases.
How long does a botox treatment take?
The consultation for the first botox treatment takes 15 to 30 minutes. The injections themselves take 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the number of areas. Including the consultation, you will usually spend 30 to 45 minutes at the clinic for a first treatment.
Does it look natural immediately?
During the first 2 weeks, the result is still developing. The muscle relaxes gradually, not suddenly. With the correct dosage, a subtle and natural result develops after about 2 weeks: wrinkles are softened without losing the natural facial expression.
At Bloy Institute, we always look at the overall picture of the face. We carefully tailor the treatment to the facial contours, proportions, and facial expressions, so that the result looks natural and suits you.
Can I just go to work the day after botox?
Yes. Botox has no recovery time. You can resume your normal day immediately after the treatment, including work. Just avoid intense exercise and visiting a sauna for the first 24 hours.
What if I don't like the result?
If the result is not satisfactory after 2 weeks (asymmetry, too little or too much effect), a top-up injection is possible. At BLOY Institute, a follow-up and a possible top-up appointment are standard parts of the treatment. Botox is temporary; in cases of over-treatment, the muscle fully recovers within 2–4 months.
Will I be "addicted" to botox after one treatment?
Botox does not cause physical dependence. What does happen is that you get used to the smooth result, and when the botox wears off, you see the wrinkles again, which were always there. Some people experience this as a contrast. But it is always possible to stop using botox: the muscles return to their normal activity and wrinkles become visible again, exactly as they were before the first treatment.
Ready for your first botox?
Our BIG-registered KNMG cosmetic doctors are ready to help you during a free consultation. We listen to your wishes and provide you with comprehensive advice.