What is Botox®?
Botox® is an injectable neuromodulator that works to treat certain types of lines and wrinkles known as “dynamic wrinkles.” These signs of aging are caused by the contractions of facial muscles. Botox® is also used to delay the onset of dynamic wrinkles, leading to an increase in preventative Botox® (sometimes called Baby Botox®), and people are now starting Botox® treatments in their mid-twenties and early thirties.
Botox® injections are an FDA-approved treatment for frown lines, lines on the forehead and crow’s feet. It’s also effective for other areas of the face, such as the nose, lower face, lips, and neck. Botox® softens the appearance of lines and wrinkles by blocking signals from the nerves to the muscles to disrupt the contractions.
Botox® is effective for people of all ages, from mid-twenties and older. It minimizes the appearance of existing lines, as well as weaken the muscles to prevent wrinkles from worsening as you age. Keep in mind that Botox® isn’t a miracle fix for all signs of aging. It won’t work on lines that are caused by other factors, such as sun damage.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Botox®
More and more people are relying on Botox® as their preferred anti-aging treatment for a number of reasons. However, in some cases, it might not be the ideal choice. Here are the pros and cons of Botox® to consider before opting for the injections.
Pros
- Botox® is the premier treatment for fine lines and wrinkles. It is considered more effective than almost any other option for reducing lines and wrinkles that are caused by muscle movement in the face.
- Botox® is a temporary treatment, and injections last about four to six months. You can try it out, and decide if it’s right for you. If you decide against further injections, your skin returns to the same appearance as prior to the injections, with only signs of the natural aging process.
- Botox® is safe. There are very few health risks associated with using the product.
- There is little to no downtime with Botox®. You can resume your normal activities immediately after the injections.
- You see immediate results. Some people see results right after the injections, but most people see results within a few days.
- Botox® injections require very little time. The first treatment takes 30 to 60 minutes, and follow-treatments take about 15 minutes.
- Repeated treatments offer longer-term benefits. Results last four to six months, and you’ll need follow-up injections about every four months. In addition to being an effective treatment for wrinkles, Botox® helps to reduce, sometimes even remove, lines caused by repetitive facial muscle movements.
Cons
- The costs of Botox® injections can add up. Depending on where you live, Botox® injections in a single treatment area may cost between $400 and $500, but it may be as high as $2000. Depending on the number of treatment areas and the frequency of your treatments, the costs can add up quite quickly.
- Botox® must be done by a professional. It can be tempting to try to find a lower cost option. In order to ensure that the treatment is safe and effective, choose a medical practitioner, trained aesthetician, or nurse injector for your Botox® treatments.
- Botox® may limit range of motion in your face. The treatment temporarily paralyzes facial muscles to soften wrinkles. This may prevent you from making certain facial expressions. You can reduce the risk of this effect by ensuring that the individual administering the injections is experienced and properly trained.
- The temporary nature of Botox® can be a disadvantage. You’ll need maintenance injections about every four months to maintain the anti-aging benefits.
- Although rare, side effects have been reported with Botox® injections. The most common are allergic reactions that may cause pain or discomfort.
- Botox® is not recommended for women who are trying to get pregnant, currently pregnant, or breastfeeding. There is no research as to the safety of Botox® injections in these situations.
- There is a chance of bruising at the site of the injection, and this can last for up to a week.
Botox® FAQs
Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about Botox®.
Ask a question-
Is Botox® safe?
While Botox® remains one of the most popular minimally-invasive treatments, there are many people who have concerns. It is true that the active ingredient in Botox® is a toxin that temporarily paralyzes muscles. Complications from Botox® are rare, but it is possible that the Botox® can spread into other areas. This may result in drooping eyelids or an uneven smile. The results are not permanent and will wear off within 3 – 4 months.
The toxin, botulinum type A, has very little risk and few to no side effects when administered by a qualified professional. This makes choosing the right provider important. Choose someone who is qualified and has proven experience in successfully and effectively offering Botox® injections. Every provider that is listed on Anzolo Medical has been carefully checked to ensure that they meet the medical requirements as set by MD.
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What is Botox® used for?
Botox® works by temporarily paralyzing the underlying facial muscles. It is most often used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Botox® is also used for the treatment of migraines, muscular disorders, and excessive sweating. In some cases, it is also effective for certain bladder and bowel disorders, temporomandibular joint disorder, bruxism, vaginismus, and for reducing a gummy smile.
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What can I expect from my Botox® appointment?
If you have concerns about your Botox® appointment, this should help you to understand what you can expect at each stage of the process:
- The first step is a consultation with your provider. After a thorough examination and discussion about your concerns, the provider makes treatment recommendations to help you achieve your goals. This is an ideal time to ask any questions that you might have.
- The second step is the Botox® appointment. You will complete a consent form. Expect your first appointment to take about 30 minutes. Follow-up treatments may take slightly less time. Your provider explains the procedure and what to expect. Botox® is injected in the targeted muscles with a fine needle.
- Immediately after the treatment, you can expect to have a small amount of swelling and redness which will disappear after ten minutes. It is possible that you may have a slight headache afterwards, although most people experience very little in the way of pain or side effects.
- One day after Botox® treatment, you probably won’t have any symptoms, but there is a chance that you may have some minor bruising or a mild headache. You may not yet see the effects of the treatment.
- A week after your treatment, you’re likely to see the results of the injections. The skin appears smoother and plumper.
- Three months after your treatment, muscle movement starts to gradually return to normal. This is the time to schedule your follow-up appointment for additional Botox injections.
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How long will it take to see results?
The full effects of Botox® are not immediate. Botulinum type A takes some time to relax the muscles. You should start to see results around two to three days after treatment, but the full effects will take up to one week. Look for full results after about two weeks.
Keep in mind that you may still see some fine lines. The appearance of these lines will decrease as the facial muscles remain relaxed and immobile over three months. This is what makes long-term Botox® use so effective. The longer the muscles remain immobile, the fewer lines you may have.
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Do Botox® injections hurt?
The pain from Botox® is minimal. The needles are very small. After the treatment, you may have small red bumps on your face that will last for 15 to 20 minutes. There is a small risk of bruising around each injection site that may last up to one week. You can minimize the risk of bruising by avoiding anything that thins your blood, unless it’s medically necessary. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen (and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories), fish oil, vitamin E supplements, and alcohol.
If you are worried about the discomfort of Botox injections, you can request a topical anesthetic cream to numb the area before the injections.
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How long does Botox® last?
Botox® lasts for 4 and 6 months. As the muscle movement gradually returns, you will notice the lines and wrinkles starting to reappear. At this point, you will need a follow-up treatment. With continued Botox injections, the lines and wrinkles are less severe. If you stop Botox® treatments, the effects will wear off completely, and muscles will go back to their normal movements.
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How much should I expect to pay?
The total cost of treatment with Botox® varies from person to person. It depends on how many units are needed to treat the area. Additional considerations are the size of the area and strength of the muscles that need to be relaxed. In [STATE], the cost ranges from $10 and $25 per unit. Frown lines between the eyebrows are often treated with Botox® injections. Most people require about 25 units of Botox® to soften these lines, but it may 10 to 30 units.
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When should you start getting Botox®?
Many patients start using Botox® around the age of 30 when lines and wrinkles start to become more noticeable. Others start Botox® injections around age 25 as a preventive treatment.
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Patient Testimonials
Read real reviews from the Anzolo community
For a long time, I have avoided asking my mirror... “mirror, mirror who is prettier than I?”. I was afraid of the answer. I absolutely had no self-confidence that my mirror was going to be able to identify any beauty on me. By age 46 I had the privilege to become a mother. Motherhood was a such blessing for my soul and a huge sacrifice for my body. My high risk pregnancy and a C-session made my belly look ugly and VERY undesirable. My face was full of wrinkles and looked 10 years older!
My stomach after pregnancy never looked flat and even after 2 years post pregnancy my belly had a similar size to what it was while I was pregnant. It affected my self esteem and made me depressed.
After 2 years of much struggle I had an appointment with DR James Edward Chapell. Then, he explained to me that I had Diastasis Recti which is the muscle separation of my abs. For this reason it had a hard time coming back together, it caused me a pooch in my stomach and it looked similar to a hernia. I absolutely hated my body! After Dr Chappell’s diagnosis I felt motivated to do the tummy tuck surgery and I also decided to see Dr Bryan Ambro to explore the possibility to have facelift surgery. I just felt confident and willing for the first time to treat myself as priority.
Now, one year later I see myself writing this evaluation because I want the world to know how happy I am with my decision. There is no regret. Dr Chapell and Dr Ambro have changed my life and they gave me back my self confidence and self esteem!
I am no longer afraid to have a conversation with my mirror! And, the best of it my mirror would never lie! I am 51 years old. Honestly, I look much younger now. I can confidently say that I am an attractive lady. And, I could not achieve this results without this great clinical team.
I want to motivate ALL ladies reading my testimony to invest in themselves. It was the best decision I had done in my whole life! Words can’t describe my gratitude to this great team: Dr Chapell, Dr. Ambro, Kim (permanent make-up specialist). All the staff at Annapolis Plastic Surgery are absolutely wonderful people there are amazing professionals. You will feel cared for all the way. When you make the choice to have them as your caring professional team, there is no way you can be disappointed. They have changed my life and gave back to my face a confident smile. I have been blessed and I wish you would also experience my blessings!
Worship Songs Johnson on Bryan Ambro, MD via Google Reviews
As a first time plastic surgery recipient, i could not be happier with my results. I am a mother of 2 beautiful children who was in desperate need of a breast reduction. I made the initial consult with Dr. Chappell and i couldn't have been more pleased with my experience. His front desk staff were very courteous and professional, while accommodating to my schedule. The office was very welcoming and extremely clean! Dr. Chappell was in no rush to answer any questions or concerns to my big decision. His bedside manner was always professional and reassuring. Surgery went very well, the nurse staff were friendly and made me feel at ease. I never thought i would need plastic surgery but these results have drastically helped my overall physical health (and a nice boost of confidence). Lastly, I am so grateful for Dr. Chappell recognizing my military service and offering a discount for my procedure. I would recommend his service to anyone looking for help in this field.
allison k on Bryan Ambro, MD via Google Reviews
Talk about getting a load off my chest, it is now gone thanks to Dr. Chappell and his wonderful team. Being 4' 10" with a DDD to E cup as well the bras I needed to support my large breasts exasperated my back, shoulder and reflux issues. I was desperate for relief, and after consulting with 4 different plastic surgeons, I made a well informed and researched decision to go with Dr. Chappell. He understood from the start, that this was not about cosmetic appearances but about pain relief which I am already enjoying but he also gave me the most lovely, perky size B/C breasts I could of ever had hoped for. Because I am only 8 days out of surgery, there is still some expected swelling so we won't know the final results for probably 2 more weeks to a month but they feel and look just fine to me now. The pressure on my shoulders from the bra straps is gone even though I've been in a bra 24/7 since surgery. I went into surgery with horrible back pain which raised my blood pressure ,which lnturn, gave me a terrible headache all because I had to go off my prescription anti-inflammatory back meds a week before surgery. When I arrived for surgery, I was in such sorry shape that the concerned receptionist, wonderful pre-op/post-op nurse and vigilant anesthesiologist asked me if I wanted to reschedule. All I could think of was put that IV in me and put me out of my misery... and it worked. When I woke up, I was pain free and felt wonderful. I can honestly say I have not experienced anything close to pain since the surgery anywhere in my body, including of course my chest. At no time during the past week did I even come close to needing pain meds. Be advised I do have a high pain threshhold. I received a call from Dr. Chappell later that afternoon to ask how I was doing and if I had any questions. During the first 4 days after surgery, when a question would arise, I would call the office and speak to one of the warm and caring front desk staff who would quickly check with the doctor and come back with a clear and concise response. I called numerous times with questions/concerns and did a number of pop-ins leading up to the surgery
but no one in that office ever made me feel like I was a bother. Communication is so important and Dr. Chappell and his team get an A+ for this, interpersonal skills, professionalsim but above all, surgical knowledge, experience and expertise. I've got the breasts to prove it.
Marla Weisenberg on Bryan Ambro, MD via Google Reviews
I have had a few procedures with Dr. Chappell over the years and have always been happy. Dr. Ambro repaired my son’s broken nose with 100% success. I also had a terriffic counciltation wiith Ambro for something I’d like to do down the road a bit. Both Doctors are intuitive and thorough professionals with a great demeanor. I wouldnt go anywhere else when in need of a plastic surgeon. They are the best in town.
Amy Rich on Bryan Ambro, MD via Google Reviews
Botox® Additional Treatments
Although Botox® is widely known for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, there are a number of other cosmetic and medical conditions that are treated with Botox®.
Migraines
Botox® is used for treating chronic migraines that are caused in part by muscle tension. If you struggle with headaches at least 15 days per month, Botox® is an FDA-approved treatment that relaxes the trigger muscles, effectively reducing the severity and duration of the headaches.
To receive treatment for your migraines, you will first need a diagnosis from a neurologist who may perform the Botox® injections. The injections can also be administered by a facial plastic surgeon or any specialist with knowledge of craniofacial anatomy.
Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that causes excessive sweating. This condition can be treated by injecting Botox® into overactive sweat glands. Botox® works by disrupting the nerve signals that activate sweat glands. Its most effective in the armpit area. Treatment typically requires 20 to 25 injections for up to 50 units of Botox®.
Individual injections are quite comfortable. You may only feel a slight prick in your skin. Because 20 to 25 injections are needed, though, it is common to numb the area before the treatment. The effects of Botox® for hyperhidrosis last 3 to 6 months. Some men and women find that Botox® helps with their excessive sweating for longer.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
Injecting Botox® directly into the muscles of the jaw may help relieve symptoms of TMJ, teeth grinding, and a clenched jaw (bruxism). The treatment helps to prevent damage to the teeth. Botox® is often effective in reducing headaches that are caused by clenching.
The effects of the Botox® for TMJ and other jaw disorders last 3 and 6 months. During this time, the muscles learn to relax. This may mean that follow-up treatments may not be needed, or that fewer units of Botox® are needed for subsequent treatments.