BOTOX® Cosmetic 101: What You Need To Know
BOTOX® Cosmetic is the number one non-invasive cosmetic procedure in the US and is also the number one selling treatment of its kind? It’s a quick 15-20-minute treatment designed to deliver predictable and subtle results by reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles for frown lines (the area between the eyebrows), crow’s feet (the area around the eyes), and forehead lines.
Did you know? BOTOX® Cosmetic pioneered injectable aesthetic treatments in 2002, with having moderate to severe frown lines being the first treatment area to be FDA-approved. BOTOX® Cosmetic is the first and only treatment FDA-approved to temporarily make moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet AND forehead lines look better in adults, which means fewer fine lines and wrinkles and overall smoother skin.
What Exactly Does BOTOX® Cosmetic Do?
Repeatedly raising and furrowing your eyebrows, squinting your eyes, smiling, and laughing all cause fine lines and wrinkles on the forehead, between the brows, and around the eyes. BOTOX® Cosmetic works to temporarily reduce the activity of the underlying muscles in these areas by helping to make fine lines and wrinkles look smoother.
Here’s how it works: During a quick 20-30 minute treatment, the provider will inject these muscles with BOTOX® Cosmetic in the treatment area. Patients may begin to see noticeable results within 24 to 48 hours after treatment with final results at 2 weeks. For the next three to four months, patients will notice a visible smoothing of the frown lines between their brows, crow’s feet lines, and forehead lines because the muscle activity in these treated areas are being temporarily reduced. Patients will still look like themselves, but more refreshed with fewer facial lines.
BEFORE
AFTER
Crow’s Feet
Individual results may vary
Does BOTOX® Cosmetic Only Treat Fine Lines and Wrinkles?
BOTOX® Cosmetic can do more than just help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It can also help treat migraines and Hyperhidrosis, which is a treatment for underarm excessive sweating. BOTOX® Cosmetic can also be used as a preventative treatment, treating existing fine lines and wrinkles while helping to prevent new ones.
What Can I Expect During A BOTOX® Cosmetic Treatment?
First, you’ll have a consultation with your PUR Skin Clinic provider to determine if you’re a good candidate for the treatment. During this time, your provider will perform a facial analysis to determine the appropriate treatment areas for you, based on your treatment goals. Once you’re deemed a good candidate, your provider will inject BOTOX® Cosmetic into the approved treatment areas. Since there’s minimal to no downtime with BOTOX® Cosmetic, you will be able to return to your daily routine immediately after treatment.
How Long Does A BOTOX® Cosmetic Treatment Take?
A BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment can take anywhere from 20-30 minutes. After the initial consultation, the actual injection process takes about 10 minutes.
Are BOTOX® Cosmetic Treatments Painful?
Most of our patients report that there’s little to no discomfort when being treated. Some patients say the actual injection feels like a pinch. For those with a lower pain tolerance or who are concerned about being uncomfortable during treatment, talk to your provider prior to treatment. Your provider can either use ice to numb the treatment area or may apply a topical numbing cream before treatment.
When Will I See Results From A BOTOX® Cosmetic Treatment and How Long Do They Last?
Some patients report noticing visible smoothing of frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines within 24 to 48 hours after being treated, with results that can last up to four months after their initial treatment. Results will vary from patient to patient. It’s important to plan with your provider your next appointment for treatment based on your results and treatment goals. If BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment is discontinued, the moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines will gradually start to return.
BEFORE
AFTER
Botox® Forehead
Duration between photos: 2 weeks
- # of treatments: 1
*Before and after photos of real patients treated by Pur Skin Clinic medical providers
Individual results may vary
Will BOTOX® Cosmetic Make Me Look Older After It Wears Off?
It’s important to note here that BOTOX® Cosmetic is not a permanent treatment. If you discontinue treatment, your fine lines and wrinkles will gradually return to their pre-treated state. Whether you get BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments or not, your face will continue to age with time. BOTOX® Cosmetic won’t cause any new fine lines or wrinkles. The injections can actually help slow down the aging process a bit by helping the muscles in the treated area that caused the wrinkling initially to help relax. Regular injections of BOTOX® Cosmetic may lead to needing less BOTOX® Cosmetic over time because regular injections can help retrain the muscles to move less, which ultimately helps lead to smoother skin and fewer wrinkles.
At What Age Should I Start Getting BOTOX® Cosmetic Treatment?
Adults over the age of 18, of all genders, races, and ethnicities can get treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic. A person’s age, gender, race, or ethnicity doesn’t determine when BOTOX® Cosmetic is right for them. It’s the severity of their lines and wrinkles that will help determine when they’d be an appropriate candidate for a BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment. Everyone’s fine lines and wrinkles form differently. There’s a wide range of factors, from genetics to sun exposure, that can contribute to the development of a person’s fine lines and wrinkles. Whenever the time is right for you, book a consultation with one of our PUR Skin Clinic providers, who will then help determine if you would be a good candidate for BOTOX® Cosmetic.
Can Men Get BOTOX® Cosmetic Treatments Too?
Absolutely! Over the last three years, men have received over one million botulinum toxin treatments. Adults over the age of 18, of all genders, races, and ethnicities can get treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic. A person’s gender, age, race, or ethnicity doesn’t determine when BOTOX® Cosmetic is right for them. It’s the severity of their lines and wrinkles that will help determine when they’d be an appropriate candidate for a BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment.
Will BOTOX® Cosmetic Make Me Look Overdone or Unnatural?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a technique-sensitive treatment and is not permanent. Our providers here at PUR Skin Clinic are all licensed, trained, and medical experts in facial anatomy. During the initial consultation with your PUR Skin Clinic provider before treatment, they will perform a facial analysis to determine the appropriate treatment areas for you, based on your treatment goals. After treatment, you will still look like yourself – only with fewer facial lines.
Are There Common Side Effects to Getting A BOTOX® Cosmetic Treatment?
The most common side effects may include bruising, redness, and/or pain at the injection site, headache. Uncommon side effect includes eyelid and eyebrow dropping and eyelid swelling, cold or flu-like symptoms and allergic reactions.
Do not use BOTOX® Cosmetic if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, have had an allergic reaction in the past, or have a skin infection at the planned injection site. Prior to treatment, tell your provider about any and all medical conditions you may have or medications you take. BOTOX® Cosmetic is not recommended for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a neurological disease.
How Much Does A BOTOX® Cosmetic Treatment Cost?
Multiple factors affect the price of BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments, including where you live, the area(s) being treated, and your choice of provider. Your cost not only includes the price of the product but more importantly, the skill and expertise of the PUR Skin Care provider who is administering your treatment. During your consultation, be sure to ask your provider what you can expect regarding the price of your specific treatment.
Be wary of discount products or “cheap” BOTOX® Cosmetic because if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Want to save money on your next BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment? Enroll in Allē, the aesthetics loyalty program by the makers of BOTOX® Cosmetic. With Allē, you can earn points and rewards for savings on future treatment. It’s easy and free to join.
Why Should I Choose PUR Skin Clinic for BOTOX® Cosmetic?
Here at PUR Skin Clinic, our experienced professionally trained and licensed providers bring you over 40 years of combined experience, offering you the most advanced cosmetic dermatology treatments. PUR Skin Clinic has been recognized by Allergan, the makers of BOTOX® Cosmetic, as a Black Diamond Certified Partner and the number one BOTOX® Cosmetic provider in Edmonds, WA. We are proud to be in the top 2% Cosmetic Dermatology practices in the nation.
Looking for BOTOX® Cosmetic near you in the Edmonds or Seattle area? Book a consultation with one of our providers, who will help determine if you’re a good candidate for a BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment.
