Everything you need to know about Preventative Botox!

Around age 25 I started noticing very faint lines in between my eyebrows and FREAKED OUT. I’m not just talking about the lines everyone has when they squint or roll their eyes– these were lines I could see even when my face was completely relaxed.

At the time I was too nervous to start Botox so for over two years I buckled down on my skincare routine hoping that would solve my problem, and to some extent it did! I 100% believe using great anti-aging products has prevented any additional lines from forming and helped stop (and even slightly fade) the ones I do have. That said though, my lines weren’t going anywhere. There’s only so much expensive products can do and despite being something really only I could notice, it still bothered me and I was constantly worried about the lines etching deeper into my skin.

Where on your face do you get the injections?
My forehead and in between my eyebrows as those are the areas where I’ve noticed faint fine lines.

How many units of Botox do you get?
At my last appointment I got 30 units.

How long does it last? How often do you get it done?
Results can vary for everyone, but for me I’ve been fine going 6 months in between appointments. So essentially that’s twice a year.

Does it hurt?
As long as you get numbed it feels no worse than getting your eyebrows threaded. It’s like a small pin prick. Lots of people don’t even need to be numbed before the injections, but I’m a big baby so I’m probably always going to request it 

What does botox actually do?
Botox works by using botulinum toxin in safe, diluted doses to temporarily weaken the facial muscles that cause wrinkles from repetetive motion. The outcome is smooth wrinkle free skin.

How much does botox typically cost? Is it ever covered by insurance?
Botox can range from $200-$700 depending on how many areas are treated, what geographic location you are located in and who you receive treatment from. Botox is only covered by insurance for patients with chronic migraine headaches and other serious medical conditions, never for cosmetic purposes.

How do you know you need botox? What are the signs you need it?
No one “needs” botox, but when you start to see those fine lines stay after you stop expressing it’s usually an indicator that it is time to start. Prevention of those lines from etching into your skin permanently is key. 

Are there any side effects to botox? 
In experienced hands, Botox is safe and predictable with outstanding results. But if placed incorrectly it can lead to an unnatural appearance, droopy eyebrows, and droopy eyelids. Make sure to find an experienced injector! 

Is botox painful? 
Not really, just mild discomfort of little pin pricks. You can always request numbing before the treatment. 

How long does botox last?
Immediately after getting the treatment, Botox will take anywhere from 3 to 10 days to kick in. Botox typically lasts for 3-4 months, but can gradually last even longer after receiving regular treatments for about 1 year. This is because the muscles that cause the wrinkles will gradually weaken if Botox is applied regularly. 

What areas of the face can you get botox injections?
The most common wrinkles to treat with Botox are the crows feet wrinkles around the eyes, the horizontal forehead wrinkles, and the vertical wrinkles between the eyebrows, know as the “elevens”. Botox is also injected into the jaw line to atrophy the muscles and slim the face. It can be used to decrease a gummy smile, to subtly raise the tip of the nose, and for fine lines around the mouth such as smokers lines.

Is there an age range you recommend for when to begin looking into botox?
I suggest that the time to really start preventative Botox is when you see faint lines starting to form when your face is at rest. Most people start with “baby botox” in their late 20’s and early 30’s. 

Does botox lift your eyebrows? I’ve heard forehead botox can create an undesired eyebrow lift.
If a patient gets an undesired brow lift effect, that can easily be corrected with a few units of Botox. It can alternatively give a lateral brow lift which is a desired effect that many patients want to open up their eyes. Pick your injector wisely and you will be fine. 

How long does botox take to start working?
Immediately after getting the treatment, Botox will take anywhere from 3 to 10 days to kick in. Occasionally one area can look slightly asymmetric until the final effect is reached within 10 days. Any minor “touch ups” are best done 2 weeks after treatment. 

Once botox wears off are the wrinkles the same or worse than before starting? 
Your face goes back to the way it was before you had Botox injections. Just like when you stop working out at the gym, those results disappear. 

If I’m sensitive to creams/toners/etc. do I need to be worried about reacting to botox? 
Botox is fine for sensitive skin, the only concern may be transient bruising in the area. 

Can you get botox to help with under eye wrinkles? 
Botox is not indicated to treat under eye wrinkles, only the lines in the corners of the eye, often referred to as crows feet. 

So those were the most common questions I received, however if there are any others I missed or something else you’re curious about feel free to sound off in the comments!

I will take care of itself. It always does.