Is Botox Safe? (And Other First-Time Questions)
By Kaitlyn Hunter, MedSpa Nurse Practitioner
Botox is the name of the beauty and skin care game, but if you’ve never tried it, the treatment can be daunting. To help break the ice, I’ve created a short Q&A with the most common questions I get from first-timers.
What is Botox?
Put simply, Botox is a purified toxin that is used to relax your muscles and prevent wrinkles from developing or worsening. It’s great for men and women who are concerned about the prevention and treatment of forehead lines, crow’s feet, and smile lines around the mouth.
Does it hurt? Is it safe?
Botox can sting a little, but because the needle is very small, the pain is usually minimal. Ice is applied to the area prior to injections.
Botox is a relatively safe treatment, and has been FDA-approved to treat:
- Muscle spasms
- Crossed eyes
- Eye twitching
- Excessive underarm sweat
- Frown lines between eyebrows (aka the glabella)
Even so, you should always choose a provider that is trained and qualified in injections and facial structure. As a certified Nurse Practitioner specializing in aesthetics, I’ve had experience in Botox for over 5 years. I’ve done hundreds of treatments, and continue to train consistently throughout the year. It’s important that your injector stays at the forefront of new research and techniques!
How frozen or stiff will my face look?
It won’t look frozen or stiff at all! Many people hear rumors or see overdone celebrities and worry about turning out like them, but the fact is this: celebrities pay lots of money to look this way, often overstepping recommendations by their providers. It’s too expensive to look overdone!
As a MedSpa Nurse Practitioner, I believe in always starting new Botox patients on a low dose. This will give you a good feel for what Botox can do for you without overdoing it.
During our follow-up appointment 2 weeks later, we’ll review your results. We can always add more then!
How much does it cost?
At our practice, Botox (and Dysport, another brand) costs $11/unit. Although it varies by person, here’s a rough breakdown of what you can expect to spend:
- Gummy smile – $25-$50
- Lip lines – $25-$50
- Forehead wrinkles – $50-$100
- Glabella – $99-$230
- Crow’s feet – $130-$350
As always, we offer free consultations on your facial structure, Botox, and what we can do to help you regain body confidence.
How long until I see results? How long does it last?
You’ll start seeing results in 5-7 days, but you’ll see the peak effect in 7-14 days. Botox is not a permanent solution (in fact, it naturally breaks down in the body), so results last between 3-6 months.
Is Botox worth it?
In my opinion, absolutely! Our faces are so important in our lives, from how we present ourselves in job interviews and among friends, to how we deal with self-care and self-confidence. If you ever feel self-conscious about your wrinkles or are looking for a solution in your 20s and 30s to prevent wrinkles, Botox is a great option. People won’t even know you’ve had it done!
If you’ve never had Botox before, I highly encourage you to read this post about what you can expect during your first Botox injection. Or click here to see real before and after pictures of our clients.
If you’re ready to take the next step and book a free consultation, please call us at 513-791-9474 to schedule!
Related Research
Can HRT Improve the Appearance of Aging Skin?
September 18, 2023It’s no secret that as we age, our skin changes. With that said, can you slow aging and improve skin appearance with hormone replacement therapy...... Read More
What Does it Mean to Have High Testosterone for Women?
September 4, 2023Testosterone is a hormone typically associated with men, but women have and need a small amount of testosterone. Let’s learn why women need...... Read More
How to Get Started With Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
August 17, 2023What is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and how it can help? It’s quite possible that a hormone imbalance could be why you don’t feel...... Read More