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BOTOX® Cosmetic

What Is BOTOX Cosmetic?

BOTOX Cosmetic is a neurotoxin injectable composed of botulinum toxin A that helps rejuvenate the face by relaxing overworked facial muscles that lead to wrinkles. This non-surgical treatment is one of the most popular injectables that Dermlounge offers. Many patients like this treatment, as well as similar injectables options like Dysport® and Jeuveau®, because it typically does not require any downtime and rarely has side effects. BOTOX® injections can effectively treat signs of natural facial aging for both men and women in a wide age range. To achieve even more youthful-looking results, many patients opt to combine BOTOX® Cosmetic with dermal fillers.

What Are the Benefits of BOTOX Cosmetic?

There are two main types of facial wrinkles: static and dynamic. Static wrinkles are typically caused by sun damage, smoking, poor nutrition, and genetics. These wrinkles can result from a loss of facial volume, but this volume can be restored with a dermal filler like JUVÉDERM®. Dynamic wrinkles are what BOTOX Cosmetic can help remedy as they are caused by years of repetitive muscle contraction. Every time a muscle contracts, like the facial expression of raising the eyebrows, the skin bunches together in a concentrated area. BOTOX injections can help weaken these overworked muscles that are causing wrinkles in areas like the forehead and around the eyes. When these muscles are specifically targeted with BOTOX injections, they should begin to relax, helping smooth the wrinkles.

When performed by an experienced, qualified professional, a facial treatment with BOTOX Cosmetic can look natural and create a more youthful appearance. To ensure your doctor can create the aesthetic outcome you desire, it can be helpful to review BOTOX Cosmetic before and after photos as well as their credentials.

Am I a Candidate for BOTOX Injections?

Individuals interested in receiving BOTOX Cosmetic are typically looking to lessen signs of facial aging. The areas most susceptible to wrinkles caused by overactive muscles are between the eyebrows (known as 11s or frown lines), on the forehead, and “crow’s feet” around the eyes. However, most lines caused by facial expressions can be smoothed with BOTOX injections.

While the typical demographic we see for this procedure are women 40 years and older, it has become very common for men and younger women to also request the popular injectable.

What Are Preventative BOTOX Injections?

More and more patients in their mid to late 20s and early 30s are opting to receive BOTOX Cosmetic as a method of preventing wrinkles. Known as “preventative BOTOX,” this treatment can be an effective way of preserving smooth, youthful skin, while subtly diminishing any fine lines or wrinkles. Preventative BOTOX injections work by relaxing the overactive muscles that gradually cause creases over time, even when an expression is not being made. Since the muscles can no longer contract in the same way, the formation of these deep lines can be avoided or slowed. In fact, preventative BOTOX injections help train the muscles to move differently. The treatment can provide a lasting rejuvenation and works well in conjunction with a tailored skin care regimen and other non-surgical skin solutions.

Is BOTOX Cosmetic Safe?

BOTOX Cosmetic is an FDA-approved treatment that is considered safe for diminishing moderate to severe frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet in adults 18 years or older. When performed by a qualified professional, risks of the procedure are low, and serious complications are very rare. To ensure your safety during treatment, our aesthetic professionals will evaluate your needs and medical history to determine if you are a good candidate. If BOTOX injections are not recommended, your provider can go over alternative options to help you achieve your goals. In general, BOTOX Cosmetic is a great option for many men and women looking to temporarily improve dynamic facial wrinkles for a more youthful appearance.

What Does the BOTOX Cosmetic Procedure Involve?


When you arrive for your BOTOX Cosmetic appointment, our staff will complete a facial examination and discuss the realistic aesthetic goals you can expect. An ice pack will be placed over the injection site to help with numbing, and our staff will begin carefully administering the BOTOX injections into the targeted treatment area. This is done using a very small needle which helps minimize discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Depending on your goals and how much surface area requires treatment, a number of small injections will be provided. Although the most common treatment area is between the eyebrows, the depth and number of facial wrinkles can be decreased in multiple areas. The entire injection process typically takes less than 10 minutes.

What Can I Expect in my BOTOX Cosmetic Recovery?

After BOTOX injections are placed into the targeted muscles, the formula gradually takes effect over the course of 2 to 5 days, smoothing unwanted wrinkles and lines. Since it can take anywhere from a few days to a week before your results begin to be seen, it can be helpful to schedule your appointment with this in mind if you have any social events in the near future.

How Long Do BOTOX Injections Last?

The results from BOTOX Cosmetic typically last anywhere from 3 to 4 months. However, everyone responds differently to treatment, so your results may slightly vary from this estimated time period. If you would like to prolong the effects of your BOTOX injections, you can come in for a follow-up appointment. Your aesthetic professional will typically recommend you schedule your next injectable treatment before your original results have worn off, allowing you to maintain your rejuvenated look for longer.

Are There Any Side Effects to BOTOX Injections?

Redness and tenderness around the injection site are common, but these typically begin to lessen as soon as 20 minutes to a few hours following the procedure. If bruising occurs, it should fade within a few days or up to one week after the injections are administered. Although very rare, more serious side effects may include drooping eyelids, common symptoms of the flu, an allergic reaction to the injections, or blurred vision. Please contact us if any of these symptoms become noticeable so we may further assist you.

How Much Does BOTOX Cosmetic Cost?

The average cost of BOTOX Cosmetic in the greater Richmond area varies greatly, often between $250 – $1000 per treatment session. At our medical spa, BOTOX injections typically cost $14 per unit (or less if you are one of our VIP members). Since every treatment plan is different, the cost of BOTOX injections will vary from patient to patient. During your consultation, our team will provide you with a cost estimate to help you plan for your treatment. If you would like to pay for your injections through a payment plan, our team would be happy to discuss financing options with you.

What Alternatives Are There to BOTOX Cosmetic?

The closest alternatives to BOTOX Cosmetic include Dysport®, XEOMIN®, and Jeuveau®. All of these neurotoxins contain a different version of botulinum toxin A, working in a similar way to relax dynamic facial wrinkles to create a smoother appearance. Depending on your unique concerns, another type of treatment may be available, as well. Dermal fillers’ mechanism of action is to add subtle volume to areas to smooth wrinkles, which may help you achieve the younger look you desire. Laser treatments are another solution that can help improve skin appearance by reducing common signs of aging. The most beneficial treatment option(s) for your needs will be discussed with you after a skin evaluation has been performed.

Other BOTOX Cosmetic Uses

Although BOTOX injections are commonly used for restoring the appearance of youthfulness to the face, there are some medical concerns for which it can also be effective. One of these concerns is excessive sweating under the armpits.

For individuals suffering from hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, BOTOX injections are known to help reduce this often embarrassing medical condition. Read more about the procedure on our BOTOX for hyperhidrosis webpage. Or contact our practice today to schedule a personal consultation.