Botox® in Bellevue, Washington

Botox® is one of the most popular anti-aging treatments on the market. It’s safe, effective, minimally-invasive and requires little to no downtime.

With the popularity of Botox® on the rise due to the positive effects of treatment, it has become one of the most sought after non-surgical cosmetic treatments on the market. 

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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.

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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. 


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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®.

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  • 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 WA.

  • 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.

  • 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.
  • 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. 

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

Patient Testimonials

Read real reviews from the Anzolo community

5.0
Jun 30, 2025

So I get the pleasure of being the 100th review! :) After visiting Dr. Stern for about 5 years, I’m finally writing a review that’s long overdue.

I initially came to visit for a tattoo removal service, they had a promotion that was $2k for unlimited treatments, until it was gone. Every time I visited, the staff is incredibly attentive and friendly, even after five years.

Eventually their laser machine had malfunctioned and they decided to discontinue the service. Upon the breaking the news to me, they offered to make me whole by refunding me a substantial amount of what I paid anyway, and referred to me another practitioner with a same quality of laser to get the job done.

That was definitely a great demonstration of the practice’s integrity, so I deeply appreciated that.

During this time I also had a defect in on of the muscles of my eyelid. My right eye was noticeably droopier than my left, and it was really affecting my confidence.

I looked like O__o

From one of the staff, I learned that Dr. Stern actually has a specialty in ophthalmologic surgeries, so I was in luck. Long story short, my procedure was incredibly efficient, and the result is nothing short of amazing. I have a much more evenness to my eyes than I did even before the muscle failed.

On top of that, in my post surgery aftercare kit that I was sent home with, Dr. Stern cared to give me a copy of his book the Endorphin Conspiracy since we had mentioned it briefly during our consultation. It was extremely thoughtful and I appreciate the gesture.

Since then, I’ve been back many times to laser my eyelid scar and inquire regarding other procedures. During these times, my level of self confidence ebbed and flowed, as I’m sure it does with many people.

There have been a few times when I asked Dr. Stern, “Should I do a facelift in the future?I’m concerned about ___” etcetera, but in hindsight, I noticed that Dr. Stern never capitalized on my insecurities. Instead, he would offer the most conservative solution.

For example, my marionette lines had bothered me when I was first coming to his practice. Instead of endless filler that other wellness clinics have pushed on me, Dr. Stern advised that I used the minimum necessary dose of botox if it really did bother me.

And even when I came in for the consultation of my eye, instead of assuming, he would ask me “Tell me what you are seeing" to determine what I felt like I needed done.

Since time has passed, I’ve felt the need for less and am grateful that he never pushed anything on me.

With all that said, the level of expertise, quality of work, and attention to care in comparison to the cost is a phenomenal value. I’m a shy person, but definitely appreciate that all of the staff take the time to exchange pleasantries and know their clientele personally. This practice is an absolute gem and will be my first choice every time.

Avian N. on Fredric Stern, Dr 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®.

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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. 

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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.

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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.