Botox FAQs

What is Botox? 

• Botox cosmetic is a prescription medicine that is injected into the skin as a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure approved by the FDA for the temporary treatment of moderate to severe frown lines and crow’s feet in adults aged 18-65. 

• Botox is a sterile natural purified protein botulinum toxin type A, which temporarily reduces muscle contractions and smooths skin wrinkles in the treatment areas.

How does Botox work? 

• BOTOX Cosmetic targets one of the underlying causes of frown lines and crow’s feet— the repeated muscle contractions from frowning and squinting over the years. BOTOX temporarily reduces this muscle activity so you’ll begin to notice a visible smoothing of these lines.

Where is Botox used? 

• Areas of very dynamic muscles in the upper third of the face (frown lines (between the eyebrows), crow’s feet (surrounding the eyes), and horizontal forehead lines yield the most predictable results with the greatest efficacy and fewest reported side effects. 

What is the cost of Botox?

• Botox pricing $13/unit 

How many units will I need? 

• This varies depending on the muscle activity, amount of wrinkles or lines, skin type, gender, age, previous treatments, etc. Following a complimentary consultation, the nurse practitioner will provide her recommendation on how many Botox units you will need to get the desired result.

• On average, the units generally required per treatment area: 

  • Forehead (Frontalis muscle)  = 10-30

  • Between the eyebrows (Glabella muscle) = 20-30

  • Around the eyes (Obicularis Oculi muscle) = 12-24

*Men generally require more units than women

What will the consultation entail? 

• The nurse practitioner will sit down with you and review your past medical history, medication use, surgical history, family history, allergies, and perform a focused skin exam to determine the most appropriate treatment for you and if you are an eligible candidate for Botox.

How long will the visit take?

• The complimentary consultation will take approximately 15 minutes, and if you decide to have “same-day treatment” the procedure may add up to an additional 30 minutes to your appointment. The procedure itself generally takes 10 minutes and is referred to by some as a “lunch-time” procedure.

Does the treatment hurt?

• The Botox is administered with a tiny needle which patients have reported can feel like a pinch or sting when administered. There are typically numerous injection sites per treatment area. The nurse practitioner can pretreat the area with ice (and, if necessary topical numbing cream) so that you experience minimal discomfort.

Will I look overdone or “plastic”, “frozen”, “fake”?

• BOTOX is a technique- sensitive treatment. You should not lose the ability to show expression when you are treated by someone who is licensed, trained, and a medical expert in facial anatomy. It is important to talk to your provider about the results you want from treatment.

What are absolute contraindications to Botox use (who is not a candidate)? 

• < 18 years old

• > 65 years old

• Pregnancy

• Nursing/breastfeeding

• Scarring in the treatment area

• Active infection (acne, herpes simplex, cellulitis)

• Psoriasis or eczema in the treatment area

• Bell’s palsy

• Bleeding abnormality

• Use of blood thinners such as Coumadin, Warfarin, Lovenox, Plavix

• Chemotherapy

• Immunosuppressive disorders

• Neuromuscular disorders

• Eye surgery in the last 6 months

• Unrealistic expectations (some patients may just need surgical correction)

Please note this is not an all-inclusive list, your provider will determine if you are an eligible candidate following a detailed complimentary consultation

What are the potential risks and complications from Botox treatment?

• Paralysis of a nearby muscle that could interfere with opening of eye(s)

• Local numbness

• Headache, nausea, or flu-like symptoms

• Swallowing, speech or respiratory disorders

• Swelling, bruising, or redness at the injection site

• Disorientation and double vision

• Temporary asymmetrical appearance

• Abnormal or lack of facial expression

• Inability to smile when injected in the lower face

• Facial pain

• Product ineffectiveness

This is not an all-inclusive list of risks, please review Important Safety Information on BOTOX at the bottom of this page

Will I need to follow special instructions after treatment?

• Bumps and redness may be visible at the injection sites. These are normal and may last up to a few hours.

• Botox will start to work in 24-48 hours and peak in about 2 weeks. If additional product is needed, it will not be injected until 14 days after your initial injection.

• Do not lie down for 4 hours post injection

• Do not massage the treatment area

• Do not get a facial, microdermabrasion, peel, massages or any other treatments that may elevate your core body temperature or cause pressure over the treatment area for 48 hours.

• If your forehead was treated, do not wear a hat or headband for 48 hours.

• You may cleanse your face normally the evening of treatment but do not use a Clarisonic brush or abrasive exfoliants/scrubs.

• Bruising may be seen. This happens in a small percentage of treatments but will not affect your treatment results. Bruising should resolve within one week. The use of Arnica Montana may help with bruising. It is available both topically or orally at health food stores.

• Cosmetics, moisturizers, lotions may be used the next day, but do not apply extreme pressure or do anything that may cause discomfort.

• Exercising the muscles in the treated area may help the product get into the muscle faster, but has no effect on the overall efficacy of the treatment (you can make faces up to 10 times per hour for the first few hours after treatment)

• Headaches may be a possible side effect.

• Flu-like symptoms are rare, but may last 2-3 days. Fluids, rest and Tylenol may be helpful.

• Any symptoms or problems other than those listed above should be reported to Embrace Medical Aesthetics @ 219-663-7317

• No strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours

How long will Botox last? 

3-4 months on average. It is recommended that you return 3 months following your treatment date to maintain the desired effect.

Will I need a follow up appointment?

The provider will schedule a follow up appointment with you approximately 2-3 weeks after your treatment.