What is Botox?

Botox is a neuromodulator injectable that is used to temporarily eliminate facial lines and wrinkles. Common treatment areas include lines across the forehead, lines between the eyebrows, and crow’s feet. Made up of Botulinum Toxin Type A, Botox works by blocking the nerve signals that cause facial muscles to contract and create wrinkles. By temporarily relaxing these muscles, wrinkles and lines are smoothed over. Botox can also be used as a wrinkle prevention treatment to slow the aging process.

What are the Benefits of Cosmetic Botox

Botox Cosmetic is a prescription medicine that offers a wide range of benefits for individuals looking to smooth moderate to severe wrinkles and restore a more youthful appearance. This FDA-approved treatment works by targeting the associated muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles, such as frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines. Patients often choose cosmetic Botox because:

  • It visibly reduces the appearance of severe frown lines, moderate to severe forehead lines, crow’s feet, and other lines within days.
  • It offers quick, minimally invasive treatment with no required downtime.
  • It can be used to help prevent deeper wrinkles by limiting repetitive muscle movement.
  • Results appear natural and refreshed, not frozen or overdone.
  • It is a versatile option used in both cosmetic treatments and medical conditions like chronic migraine, neck pain, or urge urinary incontinence.

As a botulinum toxin product, Botox is both safe and effective when administered by a qualified provider. However, cosmetic Botox may cause serious side effects, including trouble swallowing, drooping eyelids, blurred vision, or allergic reactions. Hence, it’s important to tell your doctor all your medical conditions and all the medicines you take before undergoing treatment.

Where Can Cosmetic Botox Injections Be Done

Botox Cosmetic is most commonly injected into facial areas affected by expression lines and wrinkles. Popular planned injection sites include:

  • Forehead lines: Horizontal lines that form when raising the eyebrows.
  • Frown lines: Also known as glabellar lines; vertical lines that form between the eyebrows.
  • Crow’s feet: Fine lines that appear at the outer corners of the eyes.
  • Platysma bands in adults: Vertical bands on the neck caused by muscle tension.

Who is a Candidate for Botox

Botox Cosmetic is ideal for adults in generally good health who want to reduce moderate to severe lines such as frown lines, crow’s feet, or forehead lines. It’s also used as a preventative option for those noticing early signs of aging. During your consultation, your provider will review your full medical history to ensure Botox is right for you. Be sure to tell our team about all your medical conditions and all the medicines you take, including prescription treatments, over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, or vitamins.

Botox may not be recommended if you have muscle or nerve conditions like Lou Gehrig’s disease or cervical dystonia, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a skin infection at the planned injection site. Let us know if you experience difficulty swallowing, breathing issues, vision problems, or have had allergic reactions to other botulinum toxin products. People taking muscle relaxants, blood thinners, or sleep medicine may need to take additional precautions.

If you’re unsure, our expert team can help you determine whether Botox Cosmetic is the right FDA-approved treatment for your needs.

How is Botox Treatment Done?

During treatment, one of our expert injectors will apply a topical anesthetic to help ensure treatment is as comfortable as possible. Then, a very thin needle will be used to inject Botox into the treatment area(s). Treatment is quick, typically lasting 15-20 minutes to complete. The number of injections needed will depend on your unique facial features and the severity of your wrinkles.

Results

You may notice results from Botox within a few days following treatment, though it can take up to a week to see full results. Patients may experience mild redness, bruising, and swelling in the treatment area(s), which should resolve rather quickly. There is no downtime associated with Botox injections, so you can feel free to return to your everyday routine directly after treatment. Botox treatments start at just $12 per unit.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are interested in smoothing your lines and wrinkles with Botox, contact Dominion Med Spa today at (804) 447-2303 to schedule your initial consultation. We serve patients in the Richmond, Short Pump, Glen Allen, Fredericksburg, and Midlothian areas.

Botox FAQs

Can Botox lift eyebrows?

A Botox brow lift is not a technique for physically lifting the eyebrows, but a way to create the appearance of a more foxy eyebrow contour, with the inside parts of the brow injected with Botox to help the outer brow look more lifted.

How long does Botox last?

Most patients notice their Botox treatments wear off after about three or four months.

Is Botox good for under eye wrinkles?

Botox may not be the best solution for wrinkling under the eyes, as these wrinkles can be due to volume loss rather than over-active muscles. Your doctor will be able to tell you whether Botox is right for your specific concerns during a consultation.

What age should I start Botox?

There's no wrong time to get your first Botox treatment, and some studies suggest that regular Botox treatments early in life can help delay the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles due to reduced muscle movement in key areas of the face.

What do I need to know before getting botox?

The results of your Botox injections aren't permanent, and will need to be re-done after three to four months. Botox is safe and results in minimal side effects, although the injection site may be sensitive or swollen for a few days following treatment.

What is Botox used for?

Botox is FDA approved for injection into the skin for treating moderate to severe wrinkles that form throughout the face when moving certain muscles. It is commonly used around the eyes and mouth and can also be used to correct excessive sweating and to correct smiles that are overly gummy.

Is getting Botox painful?

No, Botox injections are done using very fine needles that do not result in much pain. For people concerned about the procedure, we can provide topical anesthetics and other preparation steps to help you feel comfortable and relaxed.

At what age should you start getting Botox?

People as young as their late 20s and early 30s seek Botox treatment when they start to notice the first lines and wrinkles becoming etched into their skin, commonly around the eyes or forehead.

Does your face feel weird after Botox?

If a numbing agent is used to help relax your face during treatment, it will take several hours to wear off. Otherwise, your face may be a little sensitive and swollen for up to 24 hours.

Can I wear makeup to my Botox appointment?

No, your face will be cleansed and the injection sites sterilized prior to Botox injections.

Should I move my face after Botox?

Yes, it can help to gently move your facial muscles (like smiling or frowning) in the treated area for the first hour or so after your injections. However, avoid vigorous activity, rubbing the area, or lying down for at least 4 hours after treatment to prevent the product from migrating.

Can you drink coffee after Botox?

While there’s no strict rule against drinking coffee after Botox, it's best to avoid it for a few hours post-treatment. Caffeine can increase blood pressure and may contribute to bruising or swelling in some individuals.

Does Botox make you shiny?

Botox itself doesn't cause shine, but some patients notice a smoother, more reflective appearance of the skin after treatment due to reduced muscle movement and fewer wrinkles.

Who should not get Botox?

Botox isn’t recommended for individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have certain neurological disorders, or are allergic to any of the ingredients in the injection. Always disclose your full medical history and medications to your provider before getting Botox to ensure it’s safe for you.

Can Botox age you?

When done properly by a skilled provider, Botox does not age you. In fact, it can help prevent deeper wrinkles from forming. However, overuse or improper placement over time can cause muscles to weaken or atrophy slightly, which might alter facial balance.

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