Botox, also called botulinum toxin Type A, is an FDA-approved injectable neurotoxin treatment that reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles. While “neurotoxin” might sound a little scary, it has been used by dermatologists and the cosmetic industry for decades, has very few side effects, and does not require any downtime or recovery after treatment.

Botox treatment works by temporarily immobilizing and relaxing tiny facial muscles and nerve signals that can cause fine lines and wrinkles in the face when tensed. Preventing these tiny facial muscle contractions causes the skin to look smoother and more youthful, allowing your natural beauty to shine.

When applied properly, Botox treatment should not interfere with normal facial expressions or muscle movement.

Common treatment areas for Botox include the forehead, between the brows, around the eyes, around the nose with bunny lines, in the corners of the mouth and smile lines, and in the dimples of the chin. Preventing tiny muscle contractions and muscle spasms in these areas of the face can do wonders for smoothing the skin and rejuvenating the face.

These are the most common sites for fine lines and wrinkles to appear because we tend to furrow our brow (also called glabella lines), squint our eyes, and wrinkle our mouth and nose often. Botox can eliminate these fine lines and wrinkles and rejuvenate the face with a brow lift.

The amount of Botox and the Botox cost varies per patient and per session, depending on what areas they’d like to work on and the number of units. A single Botox session might include up to 25 injections around these areas of the face.

In addition to being a great facial rejuvenation treatment for the skin, Botox can also be injected around the head to be used to treat those with chronic migraines, or around the armpits to reduce excessive sweating in the underarms (also called hyperhidrosis).

A routine Botox injection appointment is fast and only takes 15 minutes or so. It can be quickly performed by our dermatology doctors right here in NYC — even on your lunch hour!

Smoothing results can be seen within 3 to 5 days after Botox treatment, with maximum results appearing after 2 weeks. First-time Botox users might need to wait longer than regular users to see great results.

Botox results last for about four months, with most users reporting their results lasting 3 to 4 months. For the best results, you should receive regular Botox injections about 3 to 4 times per year to maintain the effects, but the frequency of treatment can vary from person to person depending on your age, skin type, nerve signals to your body, and desired appearance.

Our patients report that the procedure is nearly painless, but numbing cream can be applied to the injection sites in special cases.

Swelling and small red dots or bumps may be present from the injector immediately after treatment, but these should go away completely within a couple of hours of treatment. Try not to touch or rub the injection sites so that the Botox is not disturbed and does not spread to other areas of the face. To prevent spread, it is also recommended to avoid exercise for 24 hours after your treatment and to keep your head elevated at night for the first few days for best results.

There are very few side effects and there is essentially no recovery time for Botox injections, so you should be able to otherwise go about your regular routine right away.

Botox cosmetic treatment is approved for anyone over the age of 18 but is primarily recommended to those over the age of 21 to ensure that the face structure is fully developed before starting treatment.

Preventative Botox treatments are recommended for patients who are in their late 20s and 30s. Starting treatment while in your 20s and 30s, even before wrinkles and signs of aging begin to appear, can prevent fine lines and wrinkles from ever forming and maintain a youthful appearance in the long term. It is easier to prevent fine lines and wrinkles than it is to repair them.

However, after the age of 21, patients of any age can benefit from Botox treatments. There is no upper age limit on who can receive Botox injections, and great improvements in skin appearance can be achieved at any age. However, earlier prevention tends to be more effective at keeping skin smooth and youthful. Those with extreme lines and wrinkles may wish to also receive dermal fillers and collagen treatments to supplement the effects of Botox.

If you are interested in the cosmetic benefits of using Botox, you might also be interested in other cosmetic injections, such as Juvéderm, and more. Ask your doctor about these cosmetic injections today. We proudly serve the community in Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island.

So, what are you waiting for? Our board certified doctors are here to help you stay healthy and keep your skin looking great, too! Skip the expensive plastic surgeon or the questionable “budget” med spas! Schedule an appointment for a free consultation with our medical professionals to receive the best Botox NYC has to offer!