Patients get Botox because they are really excited about the results. And the results can be dramatic. You'll look younger, your skin will be smoother, and your fine lines and wrinkles become far less pronounced. These results are pretty consistent between patients, so you have a pretty good idea of what to expect in terms of results. What most people wonder about, when it comes to Botox, is the discomfort that comes with the injections.

This should be made clear from the beginning: all discomfort associated with Botox is relatively mild and is not a reason to avoid this treatment. However, it's totally understandable that you'd want to know what to expect. You'll learn about that below.

How do the shots themselves feel?

The Botox shots themselves tend to feel like a little pinch or sting. Most patients get several small Botox shots rather than one large one, but the exact number you get will depend on the size of your treatment area and how dramatic you'd like your results to be. After the first shot, you will know what to expect from the other ones. Some may pinch a little more than others because they're a little deeper. Your doctor determines the deepness of the injection based on where the specific muscles are located under the skin.

If you are squeamish about pain, your doctor can apply a numbing gel to your skin prior to your Botox shots. However, this is not usually necessary.

What discomfort may you feel afterward?

After your Botox shots, your face may feel a little bit sore and stiff. This tends to be at its worst about 12 to 24 hours after treatment, and then it will fade away slowly. The discomfort is mostly due to the inflammation, and once the inflammation fades, so will the soreness.

How can you safely manage post-Botox discomfort?

There is one thing you don't want to do: massage or rub the sore area. This may spread the Botox out and diminish your effects.

You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever if you feel that it's needed. You can also hold an ice pack or bag of frozen peas against your face, but you need to be careful to hold it there very gently.

The discomfort associated with Botox tends to be mild, but it's easier not to worry once you know what to expect. Turn to your doctor if you have any remaining questions about Botox.