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What is Botox and how much does it cost?

Botox is an FDA-approved injectable for the cosmetic treatment of fine lines and wrinkles. It is the brand name for an injectable substance made up of Botulinum toxin Type A, a neurotoxin derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

When injected into specific facial muscles, this neurotoxin blocks nerve signals, preventing muscle movement. This helps to minimise the appearance of dynamic wrinkles, which are caused by repetitive facial movements. Botox can help you to achieve the youthful complexion you have been dreaming of!

So, on to the important question: how much will Botox cost you? It is very difficult to give a definitive answer to this question as Botox cost can vary greatly. Your choice of doctor, the area of your face you wish to have treated and the units of Botox needed to achieve your goals will all have an affect on how much you will pay. To get an accurate idea of price, it is best to book an initial consultation with your doctor.

How much is Botox and how many units of Botox will be needed for your treatment? Doctors from Boston’s best Medical Spa answer these common questions and more.

 What areas can be treated with Botox?

Botox can be injected into various different areas of the face to smooth out lines and rejuvenate the complexion. The most popular sites for Botox injection include:

  • Forehead wrinkles
  • Crow’s feet
  • Frown lines, also known as glabellar lines
  • Under eye lines
  • Marionette lines (these are the wrinkles that form at the sides of your mouth and run downwards towards your jawline)

As well as its cosmetic uses, Botox may also be used to treat various medical conditions. These include: hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), cervical dystonia (neck spasms), chronic migraines, a lazy eye or an overactive bladder.

 How many units of botox are needed in the forehead and other areas?

A common question that patients have when discussing their treatment is ‘how many units of Botox will I need?’ This is of particular interest because Botox treatment is usually charged per unit. As everybody is different and will react differently to their treatment, it is impossible to answer this question accurately. The amount of Botox that you need will be decided by your treatment provider, who will use their vast medical knowledge and experience. To give you a rough estimate, these are the average units of Botox needed for each area of the face:

  • Crow’s feet: 5-15 units
  • Forehead lines: 8-20 units
  • Frown lines (present between the eyes): 10-25 units
  • Lines around the nose area: 5-10 units
  • Corners of the mouth: 3-6 units
  • Chin: 2-6 units

These values give the total number of units that may be used for your treatment, but these will probably be divided between different injection sites. As an example, the manufacturers of Botox, Allergan, recommend that 4 units are injected into 5 different sites across the forehead, giving a total of 20 units.

 Preventative Botox: how many units?

Preventative Botox is administered to try and prevent the development of fine lines and wrinkles. It may also be used when wrinkles are still very faint, to prevent them from getting any worse. Preventative Botox may be offered to patients in their 20s or early 30s, usually before any lines have started to appear, to try and delay signs of aging. Slowing down muscle movement at an early age may help to prevent any deep-set wrinkles from forming.

The amount of units that you need for preventative treatment is also very individual and depends on the area that you wish to get treated, as well as your age and the general condition of your skin. It is best to discuss your options in detail with your doctor when you attend your initial consultation appointment.

 How long does it take for Botox to work?

Botox does not start working immediately as it takes some time for the neurotoxin to bind to the target nerves and inhibit their activity. The amount of time that it takes for your treatment to work will depend on a number of factors, including your individual metabolism and the size and location of the treated area. It will typically take between 24 and 72 hours for you to begin to see any results and the maximum effects of your treatment will not be apparent for at least 5 days. After having Botox treatment, it really is important to be patient as your results will definitely be worth the wait!

 How long does Botox last?

Unfortunately, the results of Botox treatment are only temporary and over time your fine lines and wrinkles will gradually return. This is because muscle contractions are slowly restored as the effects of the neurotoxin on nerve signals wear off. The length of time that your results will last will vary depending upon the condition of your skin, your age and muscle mass and the dosage of Botox that is used for your treatment.

Typically you can expect your Botox results to last for between 3 and 6 months. This is why experts usually recommend that you repeat your treatment every 4 months in order to maintain your excellent results.

 Is Botox safe?

When learning more about Botox, discovering that it is made up of a neurotoxin may understandably leave you feeling a bit scared. But really there is absolutely nothing to worry about, Botox is a very safe, FDA-approved cosmetic treatment and the doses of Botulinum toxin used in Botox injections are very small.

As with any cosmetic procedures, there is a risk of developing some adverse effects, including:

  • localised pain, bruising, redness and swelling
  • Dry mouth
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Droopy eyelids
  • Temporary numbness
  • Muscle spasms
  • Migration of the injected Botox

Very rarely patients have an allergic reaction to the Botox, signs to look out for are wheezing, red welts, a rash and dizziness or faintness. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop any of these symptoms.

Having an experienced, board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon perform your Botox will help to cut down your risk of developing side effects.

 Forehead Botox gone wrong

An experienced doctor will know the precise location to administer your Botox to achieve your desired results. If Botox is injected even a millimetre or so off the target site, you may end up with undesirable results.

As the forehead is the most expressive part of your face, Botox mistakes can be most obvious in this area. Injecting too much Botox can leave you unable to move your forehead at all. Another common issue with forehead Botox is ‘spocking’ (so called due to Star Trek’s Mr Spock!) This happens when only the outer half of your eyebrows lift up, leaving you looking like you are  constantly sneering,

 Finding a reputable Botox doctor near me

Clearly, choosing a reputable, well respected doctor is the first step in your Botox journey. At Evolution MedSpa Boston, Dr Eric Cappiello and Dr Mariam Cappiello are both Harvard trained, board certified doctors with lots of experience at administering Botox. They will be more than happy to show you their portfolio of Botox before and after pictures from their previous clients which demonstrate their exceptional work. Give them a call today to book an initial consultation, or alternatively book online, and find out how Botox treatment can enhance your appearance.