Botox, the commercial brand name for botulinum toxin (BTX), is an injectable cosmetic dermatology treatment that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face.

Unlike injectable wrinkle fillers, which work by filling a crease in your skin with another substance, Botox actually relaxes targeted muscles to reduce the look of lines in the face. This results in smoother skin with a more youthful appearance.

Botox is a quick procedure that is done in just minutes in your doctor’s office. Each Botox injection relaxes key facial areas by temporarily paralyzing specific muscles. This temporarily removes wrinkles and improves the look of laugh and frown lines, skin bands on the neck, crow’s feet, forehead creases and more.

Although it was originally developed to treat eye muscle disorders, Botox has become popular cosmetically and this is now its primary use. In fact, Botox injections are now the most common cosmetic treatment in the U.S., with 6.3 million procedures done in 2013. Because Botox inhibits the release of certain neurotransmitters, it is also sometimes used to treat chronic migraines.

Questions about Botox injections that may interest you.

1. Who is a good candidate for Botox?

Botox is very popular and has been used by millions of women and men around the world. Unlike other more invasive cosmetic treatments, Botox requires no surgery and recovery is immediate.

Anyone in good physical health, and without a history of neuromuscular diseases (such as multiple sclerosis), is generally a good candidate for Botox treatments. It is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing, or for anyone under the age of 18.

2. How are Botox injections performed?

Botox relaxes targeted muscles to reduce the look of lines and give patients a more youthful appearance.

Botox is a quick procedure that is done in just minutes in your doctor’s office. Using a fine needle to minimize swelling or bruising, your practitioner will look at the pattern of lines on your face and inject tiny amounts into the corresponding muscles. This causes the muscles to become “frozen” or immobile and prevents the appearance of wrinkles on your skin.

3. Are there side effects to Botox injections?

Some side effects of Botox can occur, such as swelling or redness at the injection site. In some cases, it can cause flu-like symptoms, including a sore throat, runny nose, tiredness, and respiratory infections. Other short-term side effects may include anxiety, ringing in the ears, and dizziness or drowsiness. There are also risks, such as toxin effect, associated with dermal fillers being injected improperly or by people without the necessary training and qualifications. However, there has not been a confirmed case of such side effects when Botox is used correctly to treat frown lines, crow’s feet, or both.

4. How long will Botox injections last?

The results of each Botox session last for several months. Most patients schedule three sessions each year to maintain the desired smooth, youthful appearance. Different metabolisms may absorb Botox more quickly than others, which means you’ll need more frequent treatments to maintain the same look.

What is the average cost of Botox?

When navigating the cost of Botox injections, there are a number of other factors involved in your final price, beyond the units needed for your recommended dosage. To help you save for your Botox work, here’s what you need to know.

1. Treatment Area

A large contributing factor to Botox prices in your desired Botox treatment area. Depending on where your injection site is and your desired results, there are varying costs and units required to achieve a subtle softening effect or more dramatic smoothing effect.

Some varying unit needs by area include:

2. The Number of Units You Get

The price of Botox also depends heavily on the number of units needed for your treatment.

The units needed depend largely on the area you choose. For instance, while frown lines and horizontal lines on the forehead may require around 20 units each, glabellar lines can use as many as 40 units in one sitting.

So, how much is a unit of Botox? This price can vary from $10 to $18, depending on what formula you’re using and who your provider is.

The therapeutic effects of Botox cosmetics

Botox Cosmetic is a safe and effective treatment for the following cosmetic concerns:

• Dynamic wrinkles
• Crow’s feet
• Forehead lines
• Frown lines (also known as the 11s)
• Lip lines
• A wide jawline
• Gummy smile
• Horizontal banding around the neck

Botox Cosmetic is an effective solution to treat signs of aging and reduce lines and other concerns caused by overactive muscles. Botox Cosmetic is most impactful in treating dynamic lines and wrinkles that form due to repeated facial expressions like laughing, smiling, and frowning. The injectable targets muscles to reduce movement and diminish the formation of lines and wrinkles.

Book Your Appointment Today to Find the Best BOTOX Treatment for You and Your Skin!