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First-Time Patient Guide

What to Expect: Your First Wrinkle Relaxer

Whether you are considering Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau, or Daxxify, the experience follows a similar path: a conversation with your provider, a quick treatment, and gradual results over the following days. This guide walks through each step so you know what to expect.

Every patient is different, and your provider will tailor the entire process to your anatomy and goals. You do not need to know which brand you want before booking.

Educational Information Only

This page is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Every patient is different. Outcomes described are based on typical reported ranges and may not reflect your individual experience. Always consult with a licensed provider before making treatment decisions. See our full terms.

The Basics

What Is a Wrinkle Relaxer?

Wrinkle relaxers are injectable treatments that temporarily relax targeted facial muscles. When those muscles contract less, the overlying skin smooths and expression lines soften. All four FDA-approved brands — Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau, and Daxxify — use a purified protein to achieve this effect. They differ in formulation, onset, duration, and cost, but the core mechanism is the same.

RELUXE carries all four brands. Your provider will recommend the right one for your goals and anatomy. For a detailed comparison of each brand, see our Wrinkle Relaxer Guide.

Step 1

The Consultation

Your first visit starts with a conversation, not a needle. Your provider reviews your goals, examines your facial anatomy and expression patterns, discusses which brand and dosing approach may work best, and gives you a clear price before anything happens. Consultations at RELUXE are complimentary and carry no obligation to proceed same-day.

1

Consultation

15–20 min

Your provider reviews your goals, maps your facial expressions, discusses brand options, and gives you an exact price quote. No obligation to proceed same-day.

2

Preparation

5 min

The treatment area is cleansed. Your provider may offer ice or a topical numbing cream, though most patients find it unnecessary.

3

Treatment

10–20 min

Your provider uses a very fine needle to place small doses into targeted muscles. Most patients describe a mild pinch. The number of injection sites depends on your treatment plan.

4

Aftercare Review

5 min

Your provider reviews aftercare instructions, answers any remaining questions, and schedules your complimentary 2-week follow-up.

Your provider customizes every treatment plan. Timelines above are typical but may vary.

Before You Arrive

How to Prepare

Wrinkle relaxer appointments require minimal preparation. A few general guidelines many providers suggest:

  • Consider avoiding blood-thinning supplements (such as fish oil or vitamin E) and alcohol for 24–48 hours beforehand, as they may increase bruising risk
  • Arrive with a clean face, free of heavy makeup on the treatment area
  • Plan for about 30–45 minutes total for your first visit
  • No special fasting, lab work, or advance preparation is typically needed

Important: Do not stop any prescribed medications without consulting your prescribing physician. If you take blood thinners or have a medical condition, let your provider know — they will advise you on how to prepare safely.

During Your Visit

What the Treatment Feels Like

The injection process itself is typically quick — most treatments take 10 to 20 minutes depending on how many areas are being treated. Your provider uses a very fine needle, and most patients describe each injection as a mild pinch or slight pressure. Anesthesia is usually not required, though ice or a topical numbing cream is available if you prefer.

You can drive yourself to and from your appointment. Most patients return to work, errands, or normal activities right away. There is typically no visible downtime — small bumps at the injection sites usually flatten within 15 to 30 minutes.

Many first-time patients are surprised by how quick and manageable the process is. The most common feedback we hear is that it was easier than expected. Pain tolerance varies — your provider can discuss comfort options before starting.

After Treatment

Aftercare Guidelines

Aftercare is straightforward. These are general guidelines — always follow the specific instructions your provider gives you, as they may differ based on your treatment plan.

Do

  • Stay upright for at least 4 hours
  • Gently move your facial muscles as normal
  • Return to most daily activities immediately
  • Attend your 2-week follow-up appointment
  • Contact your provider if you have questions

Avoid

  • Rub or massage the treated area (4–6 hours)
  • Strenuous exercise (rest of the day)
  • Lie face-down for extended periods (4 hours)
  • Excessive heat exposure on the day of treatment
  • Excessive alcohol consumption on the day of treatment

Your provider will give you personalized aftercare instructions. Follow their guidance over any general information.

Your Results

When Will I See Results?

Results are not immediate. All four brands take several days to begin working and reach full effect at roughly the 2-week mark. Select a brand below to see typical timelines.

Day 06 months

Initial onset

3–7 days

First visible softening

Full results

10–14 days

Peak effect reached

Typical duration

3–4 months

Results gradually fade

RELUXE recommends

~100 days

Next appointment window

Timelines reflect typical ranges reported in clinical settings and real-world use. Individual results vary based on metabolism, muscle strength, area treated, and dose. Your provider will personalize your timeline.

Duration & Maintenance

How Long Does Tox Last?

Botox, Dysport, and Jeuveau typically last 3 to 4 months for most patients. Daxxify may last 4 to 6 months or longer. Individual duration varies based on metabolism, muscle strength, treatment area, dose, and whether you maintain a consistent treatment schedule.

Results don’t switch off suddenly. The effect gradually fades as the muscle regains activity. Most patients notice their first hint of movement returning well before the full duration window closes — which is why timing your next appointment matters.

The 100-Day Tox Cycle

Rather than waiting until results have fully worn off, RELUXE recommends scheduling your next appointment around the 100-day mark. This keeps muscles consistently relaxed, may reduce the units needed over time as targeted muscles gradually weaken from reduced use, and helps prevent expression lines from deepening between treatments.

100 days is a starting point. Your provider tracks your personal response and adjusts the interval based on how your muscles recover. Some patients do well at 80 days; others hold results to 120.

Read the full 100-Day Tox Cycle guide →

Duration varies by individual. Your provider will help you find the maintenance interval that works best for your face and goals.

Safety

Potential Side Effects

Like all medical treatments, wrinkle relaxers carry potential side effects. Most are mild and temporary. Your provider will review risks specific to your health history during your consultation.

Common

  • Mild redness at injection sites
  • Small bumps that resolve within minutes to hours
  • Minor tenderness at the injection site

Less Common

  • Mild bruising (may last several days)
  • Temporary headache
  • Slight asymmetry (adjustable at follow-up)

Rare

  • Temporary eyelid drooping (ptosis)
  • Temporary brow heaviness
  • Allergic reaction

This is not a complete list of side effects. Your provider will review risks specific to your anatomy and health history during your consultation. Report any unusual symptoms to your provider promptly.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

RELUXE Med Spa — Westfield & Carmel, IN

Ready to Book Your First Treatment?

Book a free consultation at RELUXE. Your provider will walk you through your options, recommend the right brand for your goals, and give you an exact price — no pressure, no obligation.

Consultations are complimentary. Results vary by individual. Your provider will customize your treatment plan. This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Having trouble booking?

Our classic booking is always available as a backup.

Having trouble booking?

Our classic booking is always available as a backup.