Botox 101: Everything You Need to Know

Hey beauty,

As I’m sure you have heard, Botox has become a popular cosmetic treatment for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles however despite its popularity, there is still a lot of confusion and misinformation about it. In this blog post, we'll answer some commonly asked questions about Botox to give you a better understanding of this treatment and if it is right for you.

What is Botox?

Botox is an injectable medication made up of Botulinum toxin type A, a bacteria that temporarily inhibits nerve signals to the muscles. When injected into targeted muscle groups such as those responsible for frown lines and crows feet, it causes temporary paralysis of the muscles, which smooths out wrinkles and fine lines in the treated area. While the name Botox itself is actually a brand of medication, the word is now used to generally describe this procedure. Other brands of Health Canada Approved Neuromodulators include Dysport, Xeomin, Nucevia and Letybo.

What Area’s Can Botox Treat?

Botox is most commonly used to treat fine line and wrinkles on the face such as forehead lines, frown lines or neck lines. It can also be used for a variety of medical problems such as muscle spasms, chronic migraines, excessive sweating and temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ).

How Long Does it Last?

For most individuals, Botox typically lasts 3-4 months on average. That being said, some individuals may get closer to 6 months depending on the treatment area and dose. After this time, the muscles will regain movement and wrinkles will start to re-appear. In order to maintain your results, we recommend a follow-up treatment any time after the 3 month mark.

What are the Side Effects?

When administered by a qualified medical professional, Botox is generally safe with minimal side effects. However, as with any medical treatment, there are potential risks and side effects. Common side effects include bruising, swelling, and redness at the injection site. Rarely, more serious side effects like drooping eyelids or rare adverse events can occur. These should always be reviewed with your health care provider prior to treatment.

How Much Does Botox Cost?

Cost is dependent on dose and provider. While some individuals may need 20 units of Botox, another individual may need 40 units. In general however, Botox treatments typically cost somewhere around a few hundred dollars.

When Should I Start Getting Botox?

If you’re looking for a hard and fast rule about when to start Botox, we’re going to disappoint you, because there isn’t one! Although many people start getting preventive treatments in their 20s and 30s, there’s no one “magic” age when you should start getting it. We typically suggest starting Botox whenever you start to notice fine lines and wrinkles starting.

We hope this post has brought valuable insight into cosmetic Botox. Learn more by booking a complimentary consultation with us today!