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BOTOX® Cosmetic

Regardless of the steps taken to preserve youthful-looking skin, wrinkles and lines inevitably develop as we age. One of the easiest and most popular options for minimizing these lines is an injectable treatment called BOTOX® Cosmetic. Patients who undergo BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment can improve frown lines between the eyes and on the forehead, as well as crow’s feet around the eyes and wrinkles at the base of the nose. BOTOX® Cosmetic has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration since 2002 and is considered safe and effective for reduction of facial wrinkles.

What is BOTOX® Cosmetic?

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a widely used anti-aging treatment derived from botulinum toxin and used for cosmetic purposes. As a neuromodulator, BOTOX® Cosmetic is designed to temporarily prevent motion in facial muscles that are prone to repetitive contraction and dynamic wrinkling. As we form facial expressions, deep creases and fine lines can develop on the surface of the skin, creating premature signs of age. This wrinkling and line formation typically occurs around the eyes as well as the brow, commonly referred to as frown lines and crow’s feet. By relaxing these muscles, BOTOX® Cosmetic can smooth horizontal forehead creases, frown lines between the brows, and other creases caused by facial movement.

How Does BOTOX® Cosmetic Work?

Every time we frown, smile, or squint, facial muscles contract and move the skin. Over time, these repetitive movements cause permanent wrinkles in the skin. To reduce these fine lines and creases, our Kansas City facial plastic surgeons, Dr. David Kriet and Dr. Clinton Humphrey, use a very small needle to inject BOTOX® Cosmetic into the muscles. BOTOX®Cosmetic causes these muscles to relax, thereby softening or eliminating fine lines and creases in the areas treated. The result can be a smoother and more youthful facial appearance that is typically noticeable within a few days after treatment.

Benefits of BOTOX® Cosmetic

BOTOX® Cosmetic is an effective, non-surgical technique for facial rejuvenation. A short treatment with BOTOX®Cosmetic can help you reduce and potentially eliminate fine lines, wrinkles, and creases that create the appearance of an aging face. BOTOX® Cosmetic injections can provide the following benefits:

  • A more youthful, rejuvenated facial appearance
  • Results that last between three to five months
  • A reduction in fine lines, creases, and wrinkles caused by overactive facial muscles
  • Virtually no downtime after treatment
  • Quick treatment sessions lasting between 10 and 15 minutes
  • Minimal discomfort during treatment

BOTOX® Cosmetic Treatment

After a consultation with one of our facial plastic surgeons, during which you can discuss your concerns and goals for treatment, your session can begin. Your doctor will first apply a topical anesthetic or ice to the skin to minimize any potential discomfort during injection. Next, BOTOX® Cosmetic is strategically injected into the treatment area(s) with a slender needle. Treatment sessions last approximately ten to fifteen minutes, but can vary depending on the number of areas being treated.

How Long Does BOTOX® Cosmetic Last?

After BOTOX® injections, patients often return to their normal activities immediately. The amazing effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic typically become visible within a few days of treatment. Results continue to last for three to five months before further treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic may be necessary. BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment is often combined with injections of volumizing fillers, like JUVÉDERM®, to achieve more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

Is BOTOX® Cosmetic Safe?

Considered a relatively predictable anti-aging treatment, BOTOX® Cosmetic has been performed safely for decades. This minimally invasive technique to reduce expression lines generally requires no recovery period and most patients return to regular activities soon after treatment. If you have any concerns about BOTOX® Cosmetic, Drs. Kriet or Humphrey would be happy to answer all of your questions during a consultation.

Does BOTOX® Cosmetic Hurt?

Most people who undergo BOTOX® Cosmetic injections report very minimal discomfort during the process, but a topical anesthetic—or numbing agent—can be applied to the targeted facial areas before treatment in order to further enhance patient comfort.

Are There Any Side Effects From BOTOX® Cosmetic?

Temporary redness, swelling, or bruising may be experienced at the injection sites after BOTOX® Cosmetic. These reactions are normal and should subside within a few hours following treatment. Until then, oral pain medications and ice packs can usually manage any discomfort. If side effects persist one week after treatment, please reach out to our practice.

How Much Does BOTOX® Cosmetic Cost?

Depending on the extent of your concerns, the average cost of treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic nationwide is $420 according to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). However, your exact cost estimate will depend on the number of units required to achieve your goals, as well as the number of treatment sessions you choose to undergo. Our office can provide you with a personalized quote after Dr. Kriet or Dr. Humphrey examines your needs in a consultation. To make your expenses from BOTOX® Cosmetic more manageable, our practice also accepts payment through CommerceCare™. Once approved through the fast application process, this widely used healthcare lending company offers qualified applicants a number of flexible payment plans with low monthly installments to help accommodate your unique budget. For more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our practice.

Are There Any Alternatives to BOTOX® Cosmetic?

If BOTOX® Cosmetic is not the most ideal treatment to fulfill your aesthetic goals, Drs. Kriet and Humphrey offer the entire spectrum of minimally invasive injectables to more effectively address your concerns. When a loss of facial volume is more prominent than the development of expression lines, hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers—such as the range of JUVÉDERM® and Restylane® products available at our practice—can lift the skin to smooth nasolabial folds and marionette lines. These treatments can also add fullness to the temples, under-eye hollows, and around the cheeks to restore the youthful contours of the face. Furthermore, diminished collagen levels in the body can be addressed with Sculptra® Aesthetic, another minimally invasive treatment that is designed to revitalize collagen production for skin that appears firmer, smoother, and fuller. Our plastic surgeons will help you determine which type of non-surgical enhancement can produce your desired results.

Additional BOTOX® Cosmetic FAQs

How old do you have to be to get BOTOX® injections?

BOTOX® Cosmetic is intended for use in adults aged 18 and older. While most men and women receive BOTOX® Cosmetic injections in their thirties—when wrinkles around the eyes and brow start to become more pronounced—it is not uncommon for patients around the age of 25 to address expression lines with this non-surgical injectable. The biggest factor with regard to candidacy is whether a patient exhibits the necessary concerns, such as crow’s feet, frown lines between the brows, or horizontal forehead creases.  

How many units of BOTOX® Cosmetic will I need?

The amount of BOTOX® Cosmetic necessary to smooth your expression lines will vary depending on the severity of your concerns and the area(s) of treatment. In the forehead and frown lines, patients generally require an average of 8 to 20 units of product to achieve the desired result. Diminishing crow’s feet around the eyes often requires approximately 10 to 15 units of BOTOX® Cosmetic.

Is there a way to make BOTOX® Cosmetic last longer?

The length of time that results from BOTOX® Cosmetic will last differs from patient to patient, but you can help minimize the formation of new wrinkles by limiting sun exposure, wearing sunscreen, avoiding smoking, staying hydrated, and maintaining a good skincare regimen.

How often should I get BOTOX® injections?

Most patients receive injections every three to four months, although the frequency with which you should undergo treatment will depend on the rate of your unique aging process. Dr. Kriet and Dr. Humphrey can advise you on the best treatment plan for your goals according to the depth of your wrinkles. In general, patients need fewer treatments the longer they maintain a regular BOTOX® Cosmetic regimen.

If you would like to learn more about treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic, we encourage you to contact our practice to schedule a consultation with either Dr. Kriet or Dr. Humphrey.