BOTOX Fast Facts

  • Used to soften wrinkles and fine lines by relaxing facial muscles.
  • NO downtime.
Botox before and afterBotox before and afterBotox before and after

Treatments > BOTOX

What is BOTOX?

BOTOX is a purified form of Botulinum toxin type A, isolated in the 1920's. It has been approved in the United States for more than 17 years to treat a variety of medical conditions. The same formulation was approved in 2002 as BOTOX Cosmetic for the treatment of "frown lines". It was the most popular physician-administered cosmetic procedure in the United States for the fifth year in a row with nearly 3.2 million treatments in 2006 alone.

How does BOTOX work?

Many of the lines that appear on our faces with time result from the movement of muscles under the skin. As the muscles contract they cause the skin to fold or furrow. Since our skin becomes less elastic with age, the folds become stubborn lines. During treatment, very small doses of BOTOX are administered via a few tiny injections directly into the muscles responsible for the lines. By blocking the release of a chemical that causes the muscles to contract, BOTOX enables them to relax. The effects are very localized and do not affect your ability to smile, laugh, or show expression.

What are the common side effects?

Although the needle used is very small, there can be bruising, redness, tenderness, or mild swelling, as with any injection. Some patients may experience mild nausea, headache, or a temporary eyelid droop following BOTOX administration. Very rarely, serious side effects such as heart problems, allergic reactions, or infection could result.

What is a treatment like?

BOTOX administration is a quick and minimally invasive procedure consisting of a few tiny injections. Dr. Worth will determine exactly where to administer these injections to achieve the best results for you. No anesthesia is required although numbing creams and ice packs can be used. The procedure takes approximately 10 minutes and there is no downtime afterward. Discomfort is minimal and brief.

How soon will I see the results?

You can expect to see results within a few days of BOTOX administration. The softening of lines and wrinkles may continue to improve over the course of a week and will last for up to 4 months.

Will I look natural?

Although you will see a marked improvement in facial wrinkles and frown lines, a BOTOX treatment does not make you look unnatural. The muscle activity that caused the lines is simply reduced, so you can still have facial expression without the deep wrinkles and creases.

Who cannot have BOTOX injections?

BOTOX is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing, or for people with certain neuromuscular disorders such as ALS, myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome.

How much does BOTOX cost?

BOTOX costs $14 per unit, making the average treatment range from $250 to $600, depending on the number of areas treated. Since BOTOX can last up to four months, that amounts to between $2 and $5 a day. Don't forget to ask about our regular $11/unit BOTOX specials!