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 IL.
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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
Got in a car accident when I was 22 and my face hit the windshield. OMG...it was scary. Dr Geroulis repaired my forehead and stitched my eyebrows so perfectly that when I healed six weeks later no one could tell.
Thirty years later when it came time to think about refreshing my looks- I knew I has to see Dr Geroulis. He is the best!!!! I look great!!! No one could tell that I had the work done ;)!!
Didn't take one pain pull after surgery! Healed like a champ!!! Best doctor ever!!!
Josie K on Anthony Geroulis, MD via Google Reviews
It is my pleasure to offer these remarks about Dr. Geroulis (lower facelift and upper eyelid surgery). As stated, his goal is to achieve a "natural" refreshed look, not tightened or windblown. The outcome was just as he described. I've been complimented that I look refreshed and youthful, perhaps had lost some weight, but no one suspects the nature of my procedure. I just turned 60 and I've recently been carded! As a physician, I have access to high quality referrals. I selected him- he's the best!
It can be confusing that an outlier can occur, even in the experience of a highly-trained, competent, experienced and compassionate physician. Dr. Geroulis has been sought after by high-profile, prominent individuals in many walks of life, including show business. His work speaks for itself. Reviews by the occasional disgruntled patient should be filtered with careful thought as there are often underlying experiences that taint the perception and expectations and do not reflect the ability and talent of this surgeon. It's regrettable that posting such negative and thoughtless remarks is possible without "due diligence"; this is the world in which we live.
I launched my search by seeking referrals from friends who were his former patients and colleagues who knew of his work, then investigated various surgeons myself. Once I decided on Dr. Geroulis, I had personal interviews with him and asked cogent questions- all of which were answered with honesty, integrity and to clarify expectations with my procedure. His staff was outstanding and I enjoy visiting for my follow-ups so I can catch up with them and Dr. Geroulis. He selected his staff carefully and they reflect well on him.
The best endorsement I can offer is that I will return to him with future needs and would recommend him to others, without hesitation.
Pamela Papas on Anthony Geroulis, MD via Google Reviews
I had a rhinoplasty procedure done last year with Dr. Geroulis, I absolutely loved the results. I’d highly recommend him to anyone looking to get a cosmetic procedure done.
Sayuri Gee on Anthony Geroulis, MD via Google Reviews
I came to Doctor geroulis not because I had a excuse of broken nose or making excuses that I had headaches or inventing that I had vertigo expecting someting to be cover by Insurance but because I had a self steam issue I was getting really sad and depressed every time I look at my self in the Mirror .
Doctor gerolis heard my case took the time of understanding what was that I was looking for after many interview with bord certified doctors I deside to go ahead and had Dr . Geroulis operated on me is really hard to come to a diction of whom you will trust after all this is the face that you would look at for the rest of your life I was so bless that such of eminence Agree to take my case . But more so that after hearing that I work for leaving and it took me many year of saving and I'm not a spoil person or scam artis he treat me wich so much reaspect and care he have maid the bigges difference in my life and it maid me so mad to see the in this day on eage any entitled person can going to Internet And dis honoree some one so profeciolnal and talented and DR gerolis I read this posting of this disrespeful person that give hen a bad review vace on the fact the the university wood give her a re fund I find so comic that this gril claim that student did her cergury wen I got my done there was a student present and I look amazing plus anyone know that they threre only to opserv and learn I saw him at his private practice and many of my friend and client had see hem and all are super please and they look amazing he's not only a great DR . But a extraordinary person I'm so happy to have known him .
The worst ting this day is social midea that have giving so many idiots a tool to bully and try to ruin some one reputation cariear expiring and busines .
Get a life gril I wish you had come to Dr G private practice and not the university were hi have no control of finace departmen if you cuden to aford it you shud not done a sergury expecting to get a refund . Many unethical doctors will tell you that is a bad job in order to operate again on you good luck to you because no matter what you do you still going to feel ugly because it comes from inside and the action you do . I'm a humble person that allways do good deed . And now I look outside as good as inside thank you Doctor Gerolis because you did change my life your skills and generosity will allways be in my hart .
I'm sad that I only cud give you 5 star and I will keep sending my friends and my clients your way.
Adriana Mihut on Anthony Geroulis, 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.