Hello everybody, Nicole here! Whether you’re a Botox virgin or a Botox veteran, I am here to answer all of your questions! There are many misconceptions when it comes to neurotoxins, and we are committed to keeping you informed to ensure you are as comfortable as possible during future treatments with us at BE medi spa / Beacon Skin & Surgeries. While I can provide more in depth explanations during a complimentary Botox consultation, I have compiled a list of our most frequently asked Botox questions – let’s get started!
Q: How does Botox work?
A: Botox inhibits the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, preventing muscle contraction and causing temporary muscle paralysis in the treated area.
Q: What areas can you treat with Botox?
A: While we most commonly inject the area between the brows, the forehead, and around the eyes, there are many other areas that can be injected! We inject just above the upper lip to help with “smoker’s lines.” This injection can also be used to correct a gummy smile or give the patient a more prominent upper lip (commonly called the Botox lip flip)! We also inject the masseters to help with teeth grinding. We even inject the underarms to help with excessive sweating!
Q: How many units do you typically use?
A: We get this question ALL the time! No two people are the same; no two people will therefore receive the same amount of units in each area. Each patient requires a different amount of units depending on their muscle strength, anatomy, and aesthetic goals.
For example, some patients prefer no movement after Botox injections, which would require a greater amount of units compared to someone who requests some movement.
Q: When does Botox start to kick in after treatment?
A: You will start seeing results about 5 days after injections with a full effect in 2 weeks!
Q: How long does Botox last?
A: 3-4 months with optimal dosing! “DOSE EQUALS DURATION” is something you might hear us commonly say in our office, meaning a smaller Botox dose will not last long, while a larger Botox dose will last longer.
Q: What affects the longevity of Botox?
A: Patients that exercise regularly and patients that smoke metabolize the product much faster. In addition, below optimal dosing will result in a shorter longevity of Botox– patients that request movement must be given a smaller dose so we always inform these patients that the Botox will not last as long! Lastly, patients with built up immunity from long-term use will not experience the optimal effects of Botox.
Q: Is there any downtime after treatment?
A: VERY MINIMAL DOWNTIME Most of my patients go right back to their regular routine or work after Botox injections. The only restrictions include: no lying down for 4-6 hours after treatment, no exercising for 24 hours after treatment, and no activities that will aggressively manipulate the treated area for 2 weeks after treatment (ex. facials, massages, ice rollers, etc).
Q: How soon before a special event should I come in to get Botox?
A: At least 3-4 weeks! Why? Botox takes 2 weeks to fully kick in/settle. If any additional units were needed due to any asymmetries or desire for a more “frozen” look at that 2 week mark, we would want to inject at that time and still give time for that touch-up to fully settle.
Q: Who cannot get Botox?
A: Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, patients with any previous allergy to Botox, and patients with certain neurological conditions, such as Myasthenia Gravis.
Q: Do you carry any other neurotoxins besides Botox?
A: YES! We carry Jeuveau. While both Botox & Jeuveau take 2 weeks to completely settle, Jeuveau will kick in much quicker (at 2-3 days). It is therefore a great product if you have an event coming up soon and need the product to kick in quicker!
Q: Will I look like myself after Botox?
A: ABSOLUTELY! Most patients get embarrassed to ask this question so I always bring it up myself. You will undoubtedly look like yourself after Botox – just with less noticeable lines & wrinkles.
I hope this helps answer all of your Botox questions! Please don’t hesitate to reach out at 248-852-1900, where we can set you up with a complimentary Botox consultation. At this visit, I can answer any additional questions and give you a more accurate quote on how many units you would need.