What to Expect During Your First Botox Appointment at FacesFirst

If you’re considering Botox for the first time, it’s completely natural to have questions about what to expect. At FacesFirst Cosmetic Surgery in Denver and Lone Tree, CO, we pride ourselves on offering a professional, welcoming environment for both first-time and returning patients. Dr. Nicolette Picerno, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, takes a personalized and thorough approach to every Botox consultation. Here’s a breakdown of what your first Botox appointment will look like, from consultation to results, and everything in between.

Step 1: A Thoughtful Consultation

Your Botox journey begins with a comprehensive consultation. First, you will fill out new patient paperwork and have clinical photos taken. These photos help Dr. Picerno assess your facial anatomy and highlight areas of concern.

She’ll then spend time listening to what bothers you, whether it’s crow’s feet, frown lines, platysmal bands, forehead creases, or other signs of aging. She will explain how Botox works in specific areas and develop a custom treatment plan tailored to your goals. This detailed evaluation includes analyzing facial symmetry, muscle movement, and the depth of dynamic wrinkles.

Step 2: Quick and Comfortable Botox Treatment

Once your treatment plan is in place, Dr. Picerno and her team will begin your injections. For those who are nervous or sensitive to pain, topical numbing cream and ice are available. If you’d like to use numbing cream, we recommend arriving about 20–30 minutes before the injection so it has time to take effect.

Before injecting, the treatment area is thoroughly cleaned, and Dr. Picerno will describe exactly how many injections you’ll receive and where. This helps ease anxiety and gives you a clear understanding of what’s happening. Her assistant will be by your side the entire time, applying pressure as needed to minimize bruising.

The actual injections take just a few minutes, and most patients find them very tolerable, even those with a low pain threshold.

Step 3: Aftercare and When to Expect Results

Before you leave, you’ll receive a detailed aftercare handout and instructions. The three key rules to follow post-Botox are:

• Don’t manipulate the treated areas for at least 4 hours.
• Avoid strenuous exercise or lying down during that period.
• Continue using your facial muscles normally to help the Botox settle into place.

You’ll likely start to notice results within 3–7 days, with full effects visible after about two weeks. The refreshed appearance typically lasts 3–4 months, though it can vary. People with faster metabolisms or those who work out frequently might notice a slightly shorter duration.

How Botox Is Tailored to You

Our team at FacesFirst takes great care in determining the right amount of Botox units and precise injection points for each individual. While there are general guidelines for areas like the glabellar lines (the “11s”), other regions, such as the forehead, can vary greatly between patients.

Every face is unique, and Botox should reflect that. Dr. Picerno assesses factors like muscle strength, skin elasticity, facial asymmetry, and natural expression patterns to ensure your results look natural, balanced, and never “frozen.”

Enhancing Results with Combination Treatments

At FacesFirst Cosmetic Surgery, Botox is often used in combination with other aesthetic treatments for enhanced, longer-lasting results:

• Lasers: If you have sun damage or pigmentation concerns, combining Botox with laser treatments can yield smoother, more youthful skin. Botox before a resurfacing treatment may improve your skin’s response and longevity of the results.
• Fillers: Botox around the crow’s feet paired with cheek or lip fillers can dramatically brighten the eyes and restore volume.

And don’t forget: Botox is now FDA-approved to treat platysmal bands in the neck, making it a great option for patients wanting a smoother, more youthful neck contour.

Is Botox Right for You?

During your consultation, Dr. Picerno will evaluate whether you’re a good candidate for Botox. In general, it’s ideal for healthy adults who want to reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles. To minimize bruising, she may recommend stopping NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) about a week before your appointment.

If you’re worried about looking overdone, rest assured, Dr. Picerno’s approach is conservative and elegant. She’ll help you set realistic expectations and discuss exactly what Botox can and cannot do for your unique face and goals.

Why Choose FacesFirst Cosmetic Surgery?

Choosing where you receive Botox matters. Unlike medspas or chain clinics, FacesFirst Cosmetic Surgery offers care from experienced facial plastic surgeons like Dr. Picerno, who specialize in facial anatomy and aesthetics. You’ll benefit from a physician-led medical approach with an emphasis on safety, artistry, and lasting results.

Whether you live in Denver, Lone Tree, or the surrounding area, your first Botox appointment at FacesFirst will be comfortable, educational, and completely customized.

Schedule a Consultation

Ready to Book Your First Botox Appointment in Denver or Lone Tree? Schedule your consultation with Dr. Picerno at FacesFirst Cosmetic Surgery and take the first step toward a refreshed, confident you.