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 LA.
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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
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I wish there were more than 5 stars so I could give more! :) I got a mommy makeover with Dr. G... I was very anxious about the actual having surgery part because I haven't had a surgery in so long and he held my hand every step of the way and kept the most infectious positive attitude as well... he was available to answer every(and I had probably one too many haha) question I had. Everyone in the office was so kind, welcoming, quick to respond, and made me feel so comfortable. The kind man who did the anesthesia was absolutely amazing as well and I couldn't have felt like I was in better hands with him and Dr. G both. Now lets talk RESULTS! I have been so giddy after seeing what a major transformation this has been...I had a tummy tuck with LIPO 360 and a breast augmentation. The results are SO natural with the breast augmentation and that's EXACTLY what I wanted and for someone who has always had a stubborn mid section to see a flat stomach on me has just been mind-blowing. I'm only two weeks out and can already see how fine and thin the scar will be, he really couldn't have done a more beautiful job and you can see the true attention to detail he has with his work. I also want to shout out Dr. Owens who I saw once for a post op visit, she literally made me feel like her own daughter. I can't imagine a better experience than what I've had with Acadia Women's Health. :) I can't wait to see the results progress even more!
Adelaide Strnge on Donald Balder, Dr via Google Reviews
I had my appointment there on a Friday for my Pre-Op and had to end up bringing 3 of the kids i babysit and they still welcomed me and even watched the the 2 boys while I went to the back with the baby. They made sure we were all comfortable and treated us all like family! The whole building was immaculately clean and everyone had smiling faces. Sure eased my mind on the procedure I am having done soon!
I had my Tummy Tuck and Lipo 360 on October 13, 2025 and today I had my 3 week follow up. Dr Balder did an awesome job and is such a caring doctor. He greets you with a smile on his face and just makes you feel so comfortable. I still have healing to complete and I can post before and after pics then. Dr Balder and his staff are amazing and I recommend them to anyone who is thinking of having anything done. I give them 100 out of 10!!!
Patsy Courville on Donald Balder, Dr via Google Reviews
Absolutely ZERO STARS if I could
The absolute WORST place to ever get any type of plastic surgery. I had a breast aug done in 2021 and have been VERY...
meagan d. on Donald Balder, Dr via Yelp
I had been contemplating on getting my 11 year old, saline implants either taken out completely or replacing them with a smaller implant. But, I wanted to speak with professionals of course! I received a quote from a well-renowned doctor in Lafayette, but the cost seemed a little inflated being that I would’ve had to pay additional surgery center fees, so I held off for about a year. Then one of my friends mentioned that she had her old implants completely removed and a lift done with Dr. Balder in Crowley at Acadia Women’s Health and said she had an amazing experience! I immediately booked the consultation! I was still on the fence about removing them completely or just replacing, so they analyzed my breast tissue and advised me that going with smaller, silicone gel implants with a lift would give me the exact look and satisfaction I was seeking. I went from a 390 cc and 360 cc to a 375 cc and 345 cc with the lift and I couldn’t be happier! I look so much more conservative with still an amazing amount of volume without looking like a porn star! I was so insecure before with my old implants that overtime started to sag from the weight and heaviness of my old implants, I constantly felt my boobs resting on my stomach. Now I’m so lifted and my features are perfectly proportionate! I feel like I lost 10 lbs at the same time. My old implants were causing so much neck stress and upper back tension. My family (3 sisters and mom) are my harshest critics and even they couldn’t get over my results and how better these suit my figure. My mom was like WOW. It made such a huge difference! Just do it! Onto the staff, from the consultation, pre-op, procedure and follow-up appointments, I couldn’t rave enough about this staff! They are so pleasant and answered all of my questions! I want to give a shout-out to Dr. Bushnell as well. He is the anesthesiologist. His knowledge and professionalism made me feel so comfortable and cared for going under anesthesia, as it can always be a little scary. And Taylor, the nurse or surgical assistant (I can’t remember) was a total sweetheart! It’s so nice that there is an operating room and full operation staff that actually saves on the cost of your procedure, avoiding additional 3rd party fees. Everything is done at their office! So convenient! I could literally go on and on about how impressive this team and this place is! It is worth the short drive from Lafayette! I cannot wait to see how I continue to heal and improve. I was also concerned about scaring with getting a lift, but Dr. balder and his staff ensured that they will get me on a great scar care regimen and I had nothing to worry about. He showed me his before and afters and it took all my worries and concerns away! Long-winded post, but I wanted to tell my full story. I know most women appreciate the full details! Just go see them!!!!
Adriana Matte on Donald Balder, 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®.
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.