Botox for the first time: before and after — a complete guide

What should you know before and after botox? Dosage, zones, pain, when the result shows — precise answers for patients aged 25-35.

Having botox (botulinum toxin) injections for the first time is an anxious step for many people. With the right information, however, this is a procedure that is over in 15 minutes, carries minimal risk and is reversible.

What does botox do?

Botulinum toxin temporarily weakens the muscle — because the muscle does not contract, the dynamic wrinkles on the face (from smiling, from raising the eyebrows) are smoothed out.

Why botox for the first time?

The ideal age: 25-35 (preventive) Target zones (for beginners): - Forehead lines (the frontalis muscle) - Frown lines between the brows (the glabella — the "11 sign") - Lines around the eyes (crow's feet)

What should you ask at the consultation?

1. Which brand? Allergan Botox / Dysport / Xeomin — it must be certified 2. How many units is the dose? For a first time, 30-50 units is generally enough 3. Has an allergy test for the excipients been done? (rare, but it happens) 4. Are before-and-after photos shown? They should be the clinic's own patients

The steps of the procedure

1. Consultation (15 min): as you move your face, the surgeon assesses how each muscle works 2. Marking: the injection points are marked with a pencil 3. Cold compress (2 min): numbs the area slightly 4. Injection (5 min): a fine needle (30G), spread across 2-6 zones 5. Light massage: so the product spreads evenly

How painful is it?

1-3/10 — the sensation of "a needle prick". Most patients need no anaesthesia. A topical cream (lidocaine) can be applied 15 minutes beforehand.

What happens afterwards?

• **0-3 hours**: small red dots (usually covered with make-up)
• **24 hours**: no visible change
• **3-7 days**: the result gradually begins
• **14 days**: the full result is visible

What NOT to do within 24 hours

• Lying down — stay upright for 4 hours
• Pressing on or massaging your face
• Sauna, exercise, hot showers (blood circulation)
• Alcohol (risk of bruising)
• Flying straight away (pressure change)
• A hairdryer or hot tools close to your face

How long does the result last?

• The first time: 3-4 months
• With regular use (1 every 4 months): 4-5 months (the muscle "gets used to it")
• If you stop after the 18th month: the muscle fully regains its function

Side effects

Typical (in 5-10% of patients): - A headache for 24-48 hours - Small bruises (5-7 days) - A mild feeling of tightness

Rare (1-2%): - Ptosis (a drooping eyelid) — lasts 6-8 weeks, then passes - Asymmetry (corrected with a touch-up 2 weeks later)

Very rare (<0.1%): - An allergic reaction - Breathing problems (only at a very high dose)

Price (Baku, 2026)

• 1 zone (forehead or between the brows): 200-300 AZN
• 2 zones: 350-500 AZN
• 3 zones (the full upper face): 450-650 AZN

Our recommendation

For a first time, choose a conservative dose (so your face is not left too frozen). At a review consultation 2 weeks later you can add more if needed — taking it away is not possible.