Thinking about trying BOTOX for the first time? You’re not alone! BOTOX is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the world, and it only becomes more of a favorite among adults of all ages year after year. But while there are hundreds of thousands of BOTOX fans out there, it’s completely normal to feel a bit nervous before your very first appointment.
That’s why we’ve put together this blog post, your ultimate guide to BOTOX for beginners. Here, you’ll find all the info you need about cost, what it feels like, recovery, and more. Read on to get all the details!
It All Starts With a Consultation
Before your injector ever reaches for the syringe, the two of you will have an in-depth conversation about your unique concerns and goals. You’ll have a chance to talk about the lines and wrinkles you’d like to smooth away, what kind of look you’re going for, and even other options for achieving your goals you might not have considered.
Your injector may ask you to form different facial expressions to get a better idea of what your lines look like. This will help them map out the placement of each injection to give you the best and most natural-looking results.
BOTOX Is Priced by the Unit
While some practices charge by treatment area, you’ll most often see BOTOX priced per unit. Actual patients on RealSelf.com report paying between $10 and $25 per unit, depending on where they live and the expertise of their injector.
How Many Units of BOTOX Will I Need?
While your individual treatment plan may vary, here’s a quick look at how many units it typically takes to treat each area:
- Frown lines (“glabellar lines” or “11s” between the eyebrows): 10 to 25 units
- Forehead lines: 10 to 30 units
- Crow’s feet: 5 to 15 units per side
Injections Are Faster & Hurt Less Than You May Think
The overall injection process only takes a few minutes. It’s truly a lunchtime procedure—you can be in and out in less than 30 minutes and return to work without your coworkers suspecting a thing.
If you’re one of the many people who are squeamish about needles, fear not: The needle we use for BOTOX is tiny, and most people say each injection only feels like a small pinch or bug bite.
BOTOX Recovery Is Quick & Easy
As mentioned, you can go back to work and resume most of your usual activities right away after BOTOX. However, there are a couple of side effects to keep an eye out for.
It’s normal to notice a bit of redness, swelling, and minor bruising around your injection sites for a few days. You can typically easily cover this up with makeup and take acetaminophen (Tylenol®) to help with any lingering soreness.
3 BOTOX Prep Steps
What should you do before your BOTOX appointment for the best experience? Follow these steps:
- Avoid alcohol, NSAIDs, and other blood-thinning supplements for 48 hours before and after.
- Arrive with a clean face or be ready for us to remove your makeup.
- Pick up some arnica, a homeopathic substance available topically and orally, which helps speed the healing process.
You Won’t See Results Right Away
It takes 3 to 5 days for BOTOX to start to take effect. You likely won’t notice any difference for the first couple of days. After that, you may see fewer lines when raising your eyebrows, squinting, or furrowing your brows in the mirror. It may take 7 to 10 days to see the full results.
Results Last 3 to 4 Months
Most people stop in for BOTOX touch-ups 3 to 4 times a year. This is because the product naturally wears off over time, allowing your lines and wrinkles to reappear gradually.
The more you use BOTOX regularly, however, the longer you can go between appointments. Long-term use eventually trains your muscles to relax, leaving you with less severe lines for longer. One twin study found long-term BOTOX use keeps you looking younger even after you stop using the product. It’s all the more reason to make sure your next appointment is always on the books!
BOTOX Isn’t Your Only Option—Dysport® Might Be Worth Trying, Too
While BOTOX has the most name recognition, it’s not the only neuromodulator on the market. Dysport is another neurotoxin derived from the same source as BOTOX: botulinum toxin A. It works in much the same way as BOTOX, interrupting the signals from your brain telling certain muscles to contract.
What Are the Biggest Differences Between BOTOX and Dysport?
While BOTOX and Dysport have a lot in common, there are a few key differences:
- Dysport spreads more: We use this to our benefit by carefully selecting the areas where we inject this product.
- Dysport works faster: Dysport results typically develop in 2 to 3 days instead of 3 to 5 days.
- Dysport costs less per unit: However, you might need more units to see the same results.
Ask your injector about which option is right for you.
Fillers Can Add the Finishing Touch
BOTOX (or Dysport) may be more than enough to bring your ideal results to life. However, many people opt to combine their treatment with dermal filler injections. These gels add volume just below the skin to fill in deep folds, add structure and definition, and restore fullness to flattened areas.
Often, a combination of BOTOX and fillers—sometimes called a “liquid facelift”—is the key to creating truly stunning and natural-looking results. Ask your injector whether this option is right for you. It adds little to no treatment or recovery time, and it may be just what you need to take your results from great to wow.
Have Questions?
Want to learn more about what to expect before your first BOTOX appointment? Request a consultation online or call (480) 214-9955 to get in touch with our experienced BOTOX injectors here in Scottsdale. We look forward to hearing from you!
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