FAQ: Botox Cosmetic
Q. What does Botox Cosmetic do?
A. Botox is used cosmetically to soften wrinkles of the face. It does so by temporarily immobilizing the muscles underneath lines/wrinkles of expression via small, relatively painless injections.
Q. How much Botox Cosmetic do I need?
A. The amount of muscle immobility and wrinkle softening depends on the location being treated and strength of the underlying muscles.
Q. Will Botox Cosmetic make my face look “frozen”?
A. An experienced injector can give you the refreshed, more youthful appearance that still allows some natural movement without causing complete immobilization of your forehead, or a “frozen” look. Sherri Nassar, FNP, prides herself in being able to deliver the perfect amount of Botox so that your co-workers or even your best friend will not be able to tell that you’ve tried Botox. But yes, too much Botox injected into the forehead can eliminate most natural expressions and lead to a “frozen forehead.”
Q. What is the difference between Botox and Botox Cosmetic?
A. Botox and Botox Cosmetic are essentially the same product, with Botox Cosmetic marketed toward strictly cosmetic use, and Botox used medically for conditions ranging from migraine headaches, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) and many more medical uses. Some people confuse Botox (also known by its chemical name “onabotulinumtoxinA”) with Clostridium botulinum, which is known to cause food poisoning or “botulism.” However, both Botox Cosmetic and Botox do not contain the actual bacteria or harmful protein that leads to botulism. Botox Cosmetic and Botox are a purified version of the protein which is not harmful when injected.
Q. How much does Botox cost?
A. The cost of Botox is $13/unit. The total number of units needed will vary from patient to patient.
Average number of units needed and total cost per treatment area are listed below:
Frown Lines: 20-40 units - $260-$520
Upper Forehead Lines: 4-20 units - $52-$260
Crow’s Feet: 6-15 units per eye - $156-$390 for both eyes
Lip Lines: 2-8 units - $26-$104
Q. Will the injections hurt, and what are the side effects?
A. No anesthesia is needed for Botox injections, as they cause very little discomfort. The most common side effects after Botox injections are bleeding and bruising, but side effects do very depending on the location being treated. For example, mild headache is also a potential side effect when Botox is injected in the forehead. If you regularly take aspirin, ibuprofen, or other anti-inflammatory medications, your risk for bruising may be slightly elevated. Other side effects will be discussed during your appointment time and will be specific to the area being treated.
Q. What happens if I get a bruise following Botox injections?
A. A bruise will not alter the effects of Botox at all. If you get a bruise, ice packs can be applied to the area and you may conceal it with make-up until it resolves, which will take 3-14 days depending on your health and the medications that you take regularly.
Q. How soon will I notice the effects of Botox?
A.The effects of Botox are NOT immediate. On average, it will take 3-7 days for you to notice the effects, and sometimes it can take 10-14 days for 100% of the Botox to take its full effect. Therefore, it is best to wait 14 days if you feel like you need a “touch-up” to ensure that all of the original Botox has had a chance to do its job.
Q. How long will Botox last?
A. Once the right dose is determined, Botox should last about 3-4 months in the upper face and about 6-8 weeks around the mouth. Results may vary from patient to patient and also from one treatment to the next.
Q. What do I need to do prior to my Botox treatment?
A. Nothing is required. If it is possible to avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, and other anti-inflammatory drugs, please do so for 10 days prior to your appointment to decrease your chance of bruising. Also, it is best to schedule your appointment at least 2 weeks before major events (weddings, graduation, etc.) to allow time for the effects of Botox to set in and for any possible bruising to resolve.
Q. What do I need to do after my Botox treatment?
A. Following Botox injections, and for 1-2 hours after, exaggerate your expression in the area treated (i.e. squint, frown, purse lips, etc.) to really saturate the muscle fibers. It is also recommended that you do not lie down for 3-4 hours after injection. Applying make-up and exercising immediately after the procedure is fine.