BOTOX
What is Botox?
Botox is an FDA approved aesthetic injectable treatment that is used to temporarily reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Botox works by stopping the communication of the muscle transmission which stops the muscle movement that is forming the wrinkle.
It can be used aesthetically and therapeutically, this includes between the eyebrows, forehead, and around the eyes. Botox can also be used in other areas such as the neck, as well as for excessive underarm sweating, for tension headaches or migraines, and facial slimming.
What areas can be treated with Botox?
Botox can treat wrinkles in between the eyebrows, forehead lines, and lines around the eyes. (known as crows feet). Botox can also treat lines around the nose (bunny lines) and lines around the mouth. It can produce an eyebrow lift and can help pick up the corners of a downturned mouth. Lip flips with Botox can be used to give slight volume to the lips without the use of filler.
Botox also can tighten the neck and jawline and reduce the orange peel look of the chin. It has worked successfully for facial slimming and help with TMJ symptoms. Botox is also used for excessive underarm sweating and headaches.
How long does Botox last?
Botox varies from person to person but typically lasts 3-4 months. The dosage plays a huge part in the duration, as does lifestyle including exercise habits and metabolism function. When receiving treatment you will typically see your injector 3 to 4 times per year if you would like to maintain your results.
When using Botox for masseter reduction which slims the face or using it for excessive underarm sweating the results should last 6-12 months depending on the dosage used, as the dosage is greater in these areas.
How much does Botox cost?
Botox can range from $200 dollars to over $1000 dollars per treatment depending on what areas are desired. Typically price ranges are $12-$18 dollars per unit depending on the experience of your injector and geographical area.
*Please read the next question in regard to “what to look for in a Botox Injector/Provider?” It will help you understand more about cost and most importantly safety.
What should I look for in a botox injector/provider?
Credentials and experience matter when receiving Botox treatments. Botox is a medical prescription and should be administered by a qualified medical professional. When it is in the right hands it can yield amazing and safe results.
Be very careful of Botox parties carried out in homes or when you see prices that are lower than we have listed. There are many bad things that happen in the aesthetic world that many patients as well as the general public do not know about, such as illegal Botox. This can be purchased illegally from unapproved sources because the price is very cheap. This can be extremely dangerous because you cannot be certain what is in these vials and you could potentially be injected with something hazardous or even deadly.
Another large issue we face in the industry is over diluting and watering down the product. I have heard from many providers that when they offer a special or a discounted price they dilute the product to save money. It is wrong and unethical but it still takes place. What this means is you may think you are paying for 20 units, but you might only be getting half of the amount or many times the procedure won’t work at all or it will wear off very quickly.
Always remember, if the price is too good to be true then it is, period.
Is Botox safe?
Botox has been used in medicine for over 50 years. It’s one of the worlds most studied drugs. It has been used not only in aesthetics but also for medical therapeutic reasons such as bladder dysfunction, severe migraines and for cervical dystonia. When it is used for the reasons mentioned above, doses are much higher than aesthetic dosages. As I mentioned, when administered by a medical professional it is very safe.
Can anyone have Botox and when should I not?
Botox can be used by anyone who is not breast feeding or pregnant. It should not be used with uncontrolled autoimmune diseases or neuromuscular diseases such as Lou Gehrig’s disease or myasthenia gravis. If you have had a recent viral or bacterial infection or currently taking a course of antibiotics, you should wait two weeks after treatment prior to having your Botox injections.
What will happen when I stop getting Botox?
Because the procedure only stops muscle movement, once you stop receiving Botox over time your muscle movement just goes back to its normal position. There are no harmful effects from stopping Botox although your wrinkles will come back.
Does Botox really help with headaches?
Botox actually has a therapeutic indication for migraine headaches, but when used aesthetically, for most people it can help with regular tension headaches even when used in small aesthetic dosages.