WHAT IS BOTOX? 

Botox temporarily erases or reduces horizontal forehead lines, vertical frown lines, and crow’s feet, but many don’t understand how it works. According to New York City board-certified plastic surgeon Michael Kane, author of The Botox Book, “Botox injections work by slowing the muscles that contract hundreds of times a day that eventually etch lines in the skin. 

Meaning, wherever we inject Botox, the underlying muscles are paralyzed underneath the skin, relaxing the muscle and diminishing the appearance of wrinkles. 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BOTOX? 

Unlike surgical procedures, Botox treatments are fast and easy. We recommend that patients avoid physical activities for a few hours after injection. Still, other than that, there is little to no downtime required so that you can get back to your day-to-day activities after treatment. 

Further, Botox is affordable, and full results are visible within weeks! 

WHICH WRINKLES CAN I  TREAT? 

You name it, and we can treat it! Some of our favorite problem areas for treatment are frown lines, crow’s feet, brow furrows, chin cobble-stoning, downturned corners of the mouth, and other wrinkles or signs of aging that are caused by chronic muscle contractions

We can also use Botox to decrease muscle spasticity, improve ocular problems, reduce sweating, and decrease migraines.

DOES BOTOX HURT? 

Like most injections, Botox can be slightly painful. Most people say that Botox is comparable to the feeling of being pinched or a quick bee sting. If you are concerned with pain, some doctors offer numbing creams before treatment. 

HOW MANY UNITS WILL I NEED? 

Every person is different, as are their trouble areas and skin concerns. However, generally, we see the following units per area *give or take: 

• Horizontal Lines: 12-20 units to smooth horizontal lines and raise the brow 
• Crows Feet: 12-20 units to smooth lines around eyes 
• Bunny Lines: 2-6 units to soften nose wrinkles when smiling 
• Jaw reduction: 20 units to slim face or relieve TMJ pain 
• Chin Crease: 4-8 units to smooth pores within the chin and improve fine lines 
•  Neck Lines: 8-20 units to reduce banding and necklines 
• Top Lip  Lines: 2-4 units to smooth upper lip lines 
• Eyebrow Lift: 2-6 units to raise the tail of the brow
• Frown Lines: 20 units to increase medial brow and reduce 11 lines 
• Gummy Smile: 3-6u
• Lip Flip: 2-4u
• Headaches due to jaw clenching: 40-60u
• Excessive sweating: 100u

HOW LONG DOES BOTOX LAST?

Botox results are noticeable after a week and, for most patients, will last between 3 and six months. But, again, every patient is different, and results will vary from person to person. 

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS? 

Botox side effects are rare and temporary. Potential side effects include mild drooping of the injection site (usually going away after a week or so), slight bruising, and headaches. However, only 1 to 5% of cases will experience any adverse side effects. 

HOW MUCH DOES BOTOX COST? 

Botox is much more budget-friendly than any surgical option and varies greatly depending on your region and your doctor’s experience level. Botox units generally range from $11-$25. However, Some doctors charge per total treatment area. 

Depending on where you need treatment, you may pay anywhere from $24 to treat bunny lines to $500 to treat horizontal lines. 

WILL PEOPLE NOTICE I GOT BOTOX?

Probably not, unless you point it out or your Botox treatment was poorly done. 

Botox should leave you looking fresh-faced and youthful. As you will still have all of your usual facial expressions, no one should be able to notice you have had anything done. 

WILL I LOOK FROZEN? 

No! You definitely should not look frozen after your Botox treatments as Botox is designed to smooth lines, not freeze your face. However, make sure you discuss your concerns and aesthetic goals with your practitioner so that they know precisely how to achieve your desired look. For example, if you are concerned with looking “frozen,” your practitioner can always use a lighter amount of units. 

If you are interested in Botox, reach out to our team to schedule a consultation! You must undergo treatment from people that you trust. At MiraBelle, we have an entire team of Plastic Surgeons and board-certified Physician Assistants with decades of experience.