Botox Top 10 Questions

Posted on: May 2nd, 2022

These are the top 10 most commonly asked questions about Botox®

By: Taylor Anglin

#1) What is Botox?

Botox is a toxin called onabotulinumtoxin A. What Botox specifically does is it temporarily prevents a muscle from moving. When the Botox kicks in (usually 1-2 weeks post-injection), it temporarily weakens that muscle from moving. When this muscle is weakened and cannot make the movements it normally does, your wrinkles and fine lines reduce in appearance or go away altogether. This is because the movement of these muscles is what is causing these wrinkles and fine lines to appear due to consistent active movement creasing the skin resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. In conclusion: Botox is an injectable substance that inhibits muscle movement.

#2) How long does Botox last?

Typically Botox on average lasts between 3-6 months. Botox’s longevity can vary from person to person. Some people metabolize Botox faster than others. Other things that can shorten Botox’s longevity are things that cause your body to metabolize substances sooner; for example, working out. Someone who works out daily is most likely going to metabolize their Botox quicker than an individual who works out little to never.

#3) Does getting Botox hurt?

The pain of receiving botox fillers is very minimal. The procedure is not pain-free, but even those with a very low pain tolerance can receive Botox injections. There is no numbing agent used with Botox injections because the little amount of pain is very bearable. 

#4) At what age should you start receiving Botox injections?

A botox treatment is approved for anyone over the age of 18 years old. 

Most medical providers recommend starting to receive Botox injections anywhere between your mid-20s to early 30s. Starting Botox injections before this age range is usually what is called preventative Botox, meaning though the patient does not have wrinkles or fine lines yet because he or she is still so young, Botox will inhibit those muscles from moving early on making it near impossible for wrinkles to form. 

#5) Am I too old to get Botox?

The answer is no! Nobody is too old to get Botox. Even if you already have wrinkles or fine lines, Botox injections can help make those lines not so apparent and prevent them from progressing. With the combination of Botox, facials, and a good home skincare regimen, even individuals up into their 60s and 70s saw a huge improvement in youthfulness when investing in Botox.

#6) Who should not get Botox?

Those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a neurological disease, have a neuromuscular disorder, or are allergic to Botox should not use Botox. As well as those with bleeding problems, recent eye surgery, certain eye problems (glaucoma), heart disease, diabetes, history of signs of infection near the injection site, urinary tract infection, or the inability to urinate.

#7) What are other uses for Botox?

Aside from its most common use of lessening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, Botox® is also approved by the Food and Drug Administration for conditions such as eyelid spasms, eye twitching, muscle contractures, cervical dystonia, and excessive sweating (also known as hyperhidrosis). Studies have also found that it can be used to treat chronic migraines and bladder dysfunctions. 

#8) What happens if I stop using Botox?

If you were to stop receiving botox injections, the only effect will be that your wrinkles and fine lines will return. When Botox wears off (when your body metabolizes it), it allows your facial muscles to return to their natural strong state, meaning your muscles will have their full range of motion again; which in turn will lead to more fine lines and wrinkles. But you will still look younger than if you had never been injected with Botox.

#9) How much does Botox cost?

Botox prices can change depending on location and practice. Most commonly the price ranges from $12/Unit to $22/Unit. Here at Stellar Aesthetics, we don’t believe in marking up our prices on Botox. The price we charge per unit for Botox here is $11. 

#10) What does Botox aftercare look like?

• Avoid any pressure or manipulation of the affected area to prevent migration.
• Remain upright for 4 hours post-injection.
• Maintain clean injection sites.
• Avoid sleeping on areas injected.
• Gentle facial exercises like smiling, frowning, raising brows, etc. may be beneficial for aiding the activation of Botox.
• Maintain a normal heart rate for 24-48 hours.
• Bruising and swelling are common and you may apply arnica or gently ice over areas to aid in healing.

Before trying out Botox, make sure it’s the right treatment for you. Call (480) 758-5332 or contact us to book a free consultation with us at Stellar Aesthetics. Our board-certified Cosmetic Nurse Injector provides personalized aesthetic treatments for all our clients, and our state-of-the-art services ensure long-lasting and beautiful results.