BOTOX®Cosmetic for Wrinkles

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What Is BOTOX® Cosmetic?

BOTOX Cosmetic is one of the most effective, widely used, and successful treatments for temporarily removing unwanted wrinkles from the forehead, crow’s feet, between the eyebrows and the lines surrounding the mouth. It is our preferred treatment at KMP Aesthetics to remove fine lines and wrinkles. BOTOX has been FDA-approved since 2002 for cosmetic purposes, and in that time, over 11 million women and men have received treatment with the cosmetic injectable. Our team, led by Kevan Petterson, DNP, ARNP, has the necessary skill and experience to deliver exceptional anti-aging results.

What Is BOTOX Cosmetic Used For?

When facial muscles become overactive and contract involuntarily, fine lines and wrinkles can often appear and make us look older than our actual age. BOTOX Cosmetic works to reverse this process without the need for surgery, allowing you to achieve a more youthful appearance and address common cosmetic concerns such as:

Highly experienced in anti-aging treatments, our aesthetic professionals utilize BOTOX Cosmetic to help remove unwanted lines and wrinkles for a more youthful, refreshed, and rejuvenated appearance.

In addition to its anti-aging effects, BOTOX has been used for a variety of therapeutic instances, as well, like muscle dysplasia, chronic migraines, lockjaw, and cervical dystonia since the 1980s. The procedure is also used to treat excessive sweating of the underarms, hands, and feet (referred to medically as hyperhidrosis). Our injectors have successfully treated many of our patients at KMP Aesthetics for excessive sweating.

How Does BOTOX Cosmetic Work?

The BOTOX Cosmetic procedure is often misunderstood, and there are a myriad of myths surrounding the treatment. BOTOX Cosmetic, although derived from a purified form of the botulinum toxin, is not a poison. This neurotoxin works to temporarily stop overactive facial muscles from contracting, thereby minimizing the appearance of fine lines and dynamic wrinkles. During the consultation process, your aesthetic professional will examine the lines and wrinkles you wish to address and help you decide if BOTOX Cosmetic is the best available treatment to achieve your goals.

Can BOTOX Cosmetic Provide a Non-surgical Brow Lift?

BOTOX Cosmetic can be used as a non-surgical alternative to brow lift surgery. Although the results are not as dramatic as with surgery, BOTOX injections can provide a similar lifting effect. This is possible when a small amount of the formula is carefully placed into the brow muscle. A non-surgical brow lift with BOTOX Cosmetic primarily treats the vertical lines between the eyebrows, creating a more youthful appearance.

How Much Time Do BOTOX Injections Take?

Each BOTOX Cosmetic treatment session takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. The total time may differ from patient to patient depending on the number of units required and the areas being treated. Since most patients require little to no downtime after the procedure, many people choose to schedule their BOTOX Cosmetic appointments during their lunch hour.

How Long Does BOTOX Cosmetic Last?

After a BOTOX Cosmetic treatment session, patients typically see results within 48 hours; however, the final outcome of the procedure may take 7-14 days to take effect. The duration of the results will vary from patient to patient, though results last for three to four months on average. To maintain smoother, more youthful skin, follow-up treatment sessions can easily be performed.

Are BOTOX Injections Painful?

BOTOX Cosmetic injections are performed using a very fine needle, and most patients report having little to no discomfort. You may feel a sensation like a pinch, but this is typically well-tolerated. If you are concerned about the potential discomfort, your skin care professional may use ice or a topical cream to help numb the area.

Are There Any BOTOX Cosmetic Side Effects?

Most people are concerned about the possible side effects of BOTOX injections. After treatment there can be some localized pain and slight redness that should dissipate quickly. There may also be unlikely side effects including uneven smile and eyelid droop. A small percentage of the population (less than 1%) will not respond to the benefits of BOTOX Cosmetic.

Is BOTOX Cosmetic Safe?

Although BOTOX Cosmetic is derived from a substance known as botulinum toxin, the small amount of formula used in anti-wrinkle injections are considered safe. The risk of BOTOX injections is minimal when administered by a qualified professional. However, as discussed above, there are possible side effects and risks that should be understood prior to treatment. These will be explained to you in detail before your injections.

Are There Any BOTOX Cosmetic Alternatives?

While BOTOX Cosmetic is the most popular neurotoxin available, there are alternative options on the market that work in a similar way, including the injectables Dysport, Xeomin®, Jeuveau®, and Daxxify™. Each formula has unique pros and cons.

In addition to these injectables, dermal fillers can be administered to rejuvenate the face in a different way. Unlike BOTOX Cosmetic, which relaxes facial muscles to diminish lines, fillers address signs of aging by adding volume to target areas. This process enhances facial contours to provide a smoothing effect. Depending on your specific concerns, fillers may be more appropriate for helping you achieve a younger-looking appearance.

For those not interested in cosmetic injectables or who would prefer a less invasive alternative, our team offers a wide range of other facial treatment options. From SkinTyte™ and IPL to skin care services like HydraFacial MD®, our aesthetic professionals will work with you during the consultation to determine the best solution for your needs and preference.

Dysport vs. BOTOX Cosmetic

Dysport and BOTOX Cosmetic are both neuromodulators composed of botulinum toxin type A. They provide similar results by temporarily blocking the treated muscles from contracting, therefore smoothing dynamic wrinkles. BOTOX Cosmetic is generally more popular, but Dysport has also become well-known since its FDA approval in 2009. While the two injectables are very similar, they have small differences.

Dysport is more diluted and can be absorbed quicker, often providing faster results. Since it is a thinner material, aesthetic professionals require more units of Dysport compared to BOTOX Cosmetic, though at a lower cost. Dysport also tends to spread farther where it is injected, as opposed to the thicker formula of BOTOX Cosmetic. As a result, if not injected properly, Dysport can increase the risk of side effects in certain areas. Both Dysport and BOTOX Cosmetic offer anti-aging results for about three to four months.

How Much Does BOTOX Cosmetic Cost?

BOTOX Cosmetic costs approximately $10-15 per unit. However, the cost will vary from patient to patient depending upon the location, number, and severity of the fine lines and wrinkles. Since BOTOX Cosmetic is sold by the syringe, the price is determined by the degree of correction desired. Our team always aims to achieve natural-looking results and avoid an “overdone” appearance. Consequently, they use the smallest doses possible while still meeting their patients’ needs and expectations.

The amount of BOTOX Cosmetic you will need to achieve your desired results will depend upon the size of the area being treated and the severity of your concern. In general, patients typically receive the number of units corresponding to their target area detailed in our menu below.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions

How Old Do You Need to Be to Get BOTOX Injections?

BOTOX Cosmetic is approved for patients aged 18 or older. While the treatment is more common in patients who are in their 30s or 40s, BOTOX injections are often used for those in their 20s when they begin to see the formation of expression lines. The best age to receive BOTOX Cosmetic will vary according to each individual’s signs of aging and aesthetic goals.

What Is BOTOX Made Of?

BOTOX injections are made from a protein of botulinum toxin and is medically known as onabotulinumtoxin A. While BOTOX Cosmetic is a neurotoxin, it is considered safe and effective when used in small amounts for signs of facial aging. In addition to its aesthetic uses, BOTOX injections have also been used for a variety of medical purposes, such as with treating excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), managing migraines, reducing symptoms of TMJ disorder, controlling eyelid spasms, and more. BOTOX is a revolutionary product in both the cosmetic and medical world, and our team is thrilled to utilize this advanced option for helping patients achieve beautiful, smooth skin.

Do BOTOX Cosmetic Results Look Natural?

Achieving a natural-looking rejuvenation with BOTOX Cosmetic will ultimately depend upon the expertise of the aesthetic professional and the technique they employ. This is why it is important to find a qualified professional like our injectors, who are experienced with helping patients provide subtle improvement to their facial concerns. In the hands of a skilled professional, BOTOX injections can diminish noticeable facial lines, creating results that look naturally younger and never overdone.

Can I Get BOTOX Injections While Pregnant?

Although BOTOX Cosmetic is considered a safe cosmetic treatment, our team does not advise the procedure be performed on those who are pregnant. While you may be used to getting BOTOX injections periodically to keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay, you should wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding to resume your appointments. This is because research on the injection of botulinum toxin is limited for pregnant women. At this point there have been no clinical trials to assess the effects of BOTOX Cosmetic during pregnancy.

If you are currently pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon, our team at KMP Aesthetics would be happy to discuss other aesthetic treatments that are safe to undergo during pregnancy, ensuring your and your baby’s health.

Who Can Inject BOTOX Cosmetic?

To be qualified to administer BOTOX Cosmetic injections, a professional must be a licensed healthcare practitioner — such as a physician, physician assistant, or registered nurse — and have passed the BOTOX certification course. In addition to these requirements, it is important to find a professional who is experienced with performing BOTOX Cosmetic, as they can typically provide more natural-looking results and better navigate any rare complications, should they occur.

How Often Should I Get BOTOX Injections?

Since BOTOX Cosmetic typically lasts about three to four months, our team recommends those wanting to prolong their results to return for touch-up sessions approximately every three months. They will adjust the number of units to administer after evaluating the target area. By doing so, they can help you avoid an overdone look and ultimately maintain the natural-looking rejuvenation you desire.

Is There a Way to Make BOTOX Injections Last Longer?

Although BOTOX Cosmetic usually wears off after several months, the injectable may last longer in some individuals compared to others. To help slow down how fast your body metabolizes the formula, it can help to minimize your sun exposure and wear sunscreen, maintain a good skin care regimen, stay hydrated, and avoid smoking and tobacco use. While these lifestyle habits may not dramatically prolong your results, they can often help slow the return of fine lines and wrinkles.

What Happens if I Stop Getting BOTOX Injections?

Some patients try BOTOX Cosmetic once to see if they like it, while others maintain a strict BOTOX injection schedule to prolong their anti-aging results. If you have been getting BOTOX Cosmetic for several years, you may start to worry how you will look if you were to stop. While BOTOX injections do not stop the aging process, getting routine treatments can actually help train your facial muscles to relax, resulting in smoother skin long-term. If you decide to stop getting BOTOX injections, you should regain facial mobility and may notice certain lines reappearing, though they may be less noticeable than before.

What Are Preventative BOTOX Injections?

More and more patients in their 20s and 30s are starting to get BOTOX Cosmetic to diminish mild signs of aging. While the treatment has traditionally been used to treat more substantial lines and wrinkles, getting BOTOX injections at a younger age can help prevent more severe signs of aging later. Known as preventative BOTOX, this involves small amounts of the injectable being administered into trouble areas, such as frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines, to make the muscles relax. As a result of this, the formation of deep wrinkles and creases can often be slowed or avoided in the future.

How Can I Save Money on My BOTOX Cosmetic Treatment?

Allergan, the manufacturer of BOTOX, JUVÉDERM®, and LATISSE®, has created a fantastic rebate program for our patients. The program entitles you to cash savings each time you see us for treatment. If you would appreciate an additional method of savings for your future BOTOX, JUVÉDERM, and LATISSE purchases, this is a great opportunity!

To review the benefits of the program, please visit the Allē website.

By following your normal treatment routine, you will earn points redeemable for discounts on future visits. Here is an example of what you can expect. For your convenience, 200 points translates to $20 in savings:

What Is a Private BOTOX Cosmetic Party?

A private BOTOX party is a great way to celebrate with a small group of friends. Ideal for bachelorette parties, girls night out celebrations, as well as birthday events. Your event will include private use of our facility, injectable services by our team and depending on the number of guests we can provide appetizers, refreshments, and goodie bags for the attendees. For more information about booking a private BOTOX injections party, please contact us.

What Kind of Feedback Is Available on BOTOX Cosmetic?

Don’t just take our word for it. Our patients at KMP Aesthetics have been happy to share their experiences with BOTOX Cosmetic for your benefit. Please read our patient testimonials for first hand accounts of BOTOX Cosmetic treatments with Kevan Petterson, DNP, ARNP and our team.

Contact Us

For more information about the benefits of BOTOX Cosmetic, or to schedule a free consultation, please contact our office today.