03
Mar
BOTOX® 101: ANSWERS TO YOUR MOST-ASKED QUESTIONS
Just about everyone has heard of BOTOX, which has been the most popular cosmetic treatment performed in the U.S. for several consecutive years. Despite its familiarity, though, people considering getting BOTOX injections at our Natick practice still have plenty of questions about the product.
With that in mind, we’re devoting this blog post to answering the questions we hear most often about BOTOX. This information should help you feel confident if you choose to get BOTOX at our practice.
Is BOTOX better than fillers?
BOTOX and dermal fillers such as the JUVÉDERM® product line target different types of wrinkles, so one is not better than the other. In fact, we often combine injections of BOTOX and fillers during the same appointment. BOTOX is a neuromodulator, a type of drug that temporarily relaxes facial muscles used when we squint, smile, frown, appear surprised, or change our expressions in other ways. A lifetime of these movements causes lines and wrinkles to form, such as crow’s feet or worry lines.
Fillers, on the other hand, replenish the loss of volume that occurs as we age. Injecting fillers into the cheeks, nasolabial folds, or other areas smooths the skin.
How much does BOTOX cost?
The cost of a BOTOX treatment depends on each patient’s specific needs and the amount of BOTOX required to produce the desired results. A patient’s aesthetic goals, the severity of their wrinkles or lines, and whether this is a first-time BOTOX injection all influence the amount needed and the total price.
Can BOTOX prevent wrinkles?
“Preventative BOTOX” is a phrase that you may have read or heard about recently. Because BOTOX works by limiting muscle movements, patients in their late 20s are getting injections to delay, if not completely prevent, lines and wrinkles from forming around the eyes and on the forehead.
Can you develop a resistance to BOTOX?
Some patients worry that getting BOTOX injections too often results in becoming resistant to the drug’s desired effects. BOTOX resistance does occur in some patients, but it’s extremely rare—about 1% to 3% of patients injected with BOTOX develop antibodies that block it from working.
How long do the results last?
It typically takes about 7 to 10 days to see the results of BOTOX injections, and the effects generally last 3 to 4 months. Getting touch-up treatments with fewer units can maintain the results seamlessly over a longer period of time.
Will my face look frozen?
Women and men considering BOTOX are often worried that they won’t be able to communicate their feelings non-verbally after treatment. The “frozen” appearance that patients dread only occurs when they choose an unqualified or inexperienced injector who may use too much of the product or isn’t precise with the injections. Choosing a board-certified dermatologist such as Dr. Michael Krathen will give you the peace of mind you want.
You can learn more about what to expect at your first BOTOX appointment in one of our previous blog posts. You can also use the online form to request a consultation with Dr. Krathen to discuss BOTOX injections or other cosmetic treatments or call us at (508) 545-9713 to schedule an appointment.
