A Complete Guide to Botox Cosmetic

Botox is a muscle relaxer. Initial results are often noticed in 2-5 days while the full result settles in two-week after initial injection. Results last for 3-5 months. Side effects are rare, but most commonly include headaches, flu-like symptoms and nausea. All injections come with the risk of bruising. Bruising may be pinpoint to dime-sized and typically fades in 1-5 days. See our blog post regarding bruising tips.

Muscles in the face/FDA approvals

There are 43 muscles in the face. Only 5 areas can be fully relaxed with Botox without affecting other muscles. The 5 areas are the forehead, brow furrow, crow’s feet, jaw, and chin. We can adjust several other areas of the face with small amounts of Botox. Continue reading to learn more about treating each of these areas with Botox Cosmetic.

1. Forehead

The forehead muscle lifts the eyebrows up. It is a natural elevator. When Botox is added to relax the forehead muscle, the lifting action is taken away. For this reason, it is important to choose a conservative dose. At Simply Injectables we want to give clients Botox treatments that feel light, natural, and refreshed. If a client is coming in with naturally hooded or droopy eyelids, we are careful not to exacerbate this issue by adding Botox to the forehead. We often begin light in this area and go up as needed. We always treat the furrow lines along with the forehead to keep the eyebrows balanced and the overall look as smooth and lifted rather than dropped and frozen.

FDA approval:

Dose: 20 units Duration: 3-5 months

Simply Injectables:

Dose: 4-20 units Duration: 3-5 months

2. Furrow lines

Arguably, the most important area to be treated with Botox cosmetic is the furrow. Wrinkles here form by muscles pulling down and in. Lines become permanent quickly and deeply. These lines are associated with emotions such as worry, anger, frustration, and concentration. Fortunately, when treated with Botox, the result is profound; no more furrow lines. And a bonus result, we see a lift in the brows, brightening around the eyes and a tightness in the eyelid area.

FDA approval:

Dose: 20 units Duration: 3-5 months

Simply Injectables:

Dose: 16-30 units Duration: 3-5 months

3. Crow’s feet

Crow’s feet are the squint lines that show up on the lateral sides of the eyes when smiling and squinting. The muscle we target with Botox cosmetic is circular enclosing the eye. With Botox we target the lateral portion that is pulling down and in diagonally. The result is an absence of squint lines. The bonus result is a lifting of the eyebrow tail and a well-rested, bright eye.

FDA approval:

Dose: 24 units Duration: 3-5 months

Simply Injectables:

Dose: 8-24 units Duration: 3-5 months

4. Jaw muscle

Jaw muscles are activated by the clamping down of the teeth. They are the strongest muscles in the mammalian body. Botox releases the muscle tension associated with teeth grinding and jaw tension which can lead to fewer headaches. As Botox stops this muscle from engaging, the muscle begins to shrink. As the jaw muscle shrinks, the face shape changes from square to almond or oval. This creates a thinner, more feminine appearance. It also emphasizes the natural ‘S’ shape of the cheek bone. Aesthetically, you will notice a difference within 8-12 weeks; however, TMJ symptoms, such as tension, headaches and teeth grinding, will be alleviated at the 2 week mark with a duration of 3-5 months.

FDA approval:

Awaiting FDA approval

Simply Injectables:

Dose: 20-40 units Duration: 3-5 months

5. Chin

Why put Botox in the chin? Some clients tend to engage the chin muscle while they talk. This can be distracting to the listener. Eventually the pucker or cobblestone wrinkles become permanent. Botox here keeps the chin’s skin surface smooth and prevents dimple marks from ever forming. Just two injections, a total of 4 units of Botox to stop the adult quiver and prevent cobble stoning wrinkles from ever settling in.

Simply Injectables:

Dose: 4-6 units Duration: 3-5 months

Other areas to ask about:

Bunny lines, Jelly roll, Gummy smile, Lip flip, Elevation of the corners of the mouth, Nefertiti lift, Neck bands.

How long do the injections take?

After your consultation, injections usually take less than 10 to 15 minutes.

When will I start to see results?

Most patients see the first results within 3 days. The full results are seen within 2 weeks.

We ask all patients to wait the full 2 weeks before deciding if they need more or would like a touchup. It takes the full 2 weeks for Botox to settle into place and reveal the overall result.

How long does Botox last?

The lifetime of your Botox is dose-dependent. The higher the dosage, the longer the Botox will last.

Botox Cosmetic has a duration indication of 3-4 months with patients doing 20 units in the glabellaice.(11 lines) and 24 units around crow’s feet.

We can achieve fantastic results without the indicated dosages as long as the patient understands that his or her treatment will wear off more quickly.

How many units will I need?

Everyone is different. The number of botox units required will vary based on the area you’re looking to treat, the results you hope for, and the length of time you want your Botox to last.

The average dose of Botox Cosmetic in the United States is around 37 units. The average at Simply Injectables is 28 units.

Who makes Botox?

Botox Cosmetic is manufactured and produced by Allergan, Inc. We purchase all of our Botox, Juvederm, and Voluma in Denver directly through Allergan.

What are the side effects of Botox?

Like any drug, Botox does have side effects. The good news is that most side effects are minor and short lived.

Directly after receiving your injections, you may have some minor redness and swelling at the insertion point. This is typical and usually resolves within 30 minutes, but sometimes can last slightly longer.

Another, less common, side effect is bruising. Bruising as a result of Botox injections usually resolves like any other bruise. A rare few may experience flu-like symptoms and/or a headache.

Some rare side effects are listed on Allergan’s website . Feel free to ask any questions you have during your consultation. We are here to inform you and to make you feel comfortable.

Do the Botox injections hurt?

There is always a certain anxiety for first-time patients as well as patients changing providers. If injections are uncomfortable, it is usually the result of this anxiety more than the needle itself.

Most new patients respond, “That was all?” or, “I can’t believe how easy that was.”

The majority of patients fare well without the use of numbing creams or ice. Some patients actually grow to enjoy the injections as a sort of therapy because they know the results are so great.

If you are one of the few patients who are highly sensitive to needles and injections, we have the appropriate measures in the office to make your experience more pleasurable.