Home/Non-Surgical Procedures/BOTOX® Cosmetic

According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), BOTOX® Cosmetic is the most common, non-surgical procedure performed by plastic surgeons in the United States every year. In fact, the most recent statistics released by ASAPS reveal that botulinum toxin-based injectables—which includes BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, Xeomin®, and most recently Jeureau®—accounted for almost half of all non-surgical treatments administered last year. You can easily find medical providers that provide botulinum toxin-based injectables. The challenge lies in finding a provider with a wealth of experience, knowledge, and true artistry to create beautiful and natural-looking results without the “frozen” look.

To learn all about BOTOX® injections, we invite you to explore the comprehensive information provided throughout this page. If you have further questions, or if you would like to schedule a consultation to find out if this treatment may be right for you, please don’t hesitate to contact Pinsky Plastic Surgery today. As a top plastic surgeon in Florida, Dr. Mark Pinsky is highly skilled and experienced in BOTOX® Cosmetic and will be happy to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

What is BOTOX® Cosmetic?

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a temporary non-surgical treatment for frown lines, forehead furrows, “crow’s feet,” and lines and wrinkles of the lower face. The muscles that respond best to treatment are those that contract during facial expressions. Other, more sophisticated areas of the face that respond well to BOTOX® injections include those around the mouth, nose, cheeks, and neck. These areas require injectors with greater experience, such as Dr. Pinsky and our Physician Assistant Lori Oswald. Dr. Pinsky and Lori are in the top 1% of the nation as a BOTOX Cosmetic injectors and trainers.

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How Does BOTOX® Cosmetic Work?

Years of facial expressions and contraction of the facial muscles cause the lines in our faces to deepen and become more permanent. The dilute injections of highly purified botulinum toxin (BOTOX® Cosmetic) reduce the contraction of these muscles and soften the lines. A skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Pinsky can soften the lines of facial expression while leaving enough movement so patients still have some facial expression and avoid the “frozen look.”

What Specific Concerns Can BOTOX® Cosmetic Treat?

BOTOX® injections can be an excellent option if you are wishing to non-surgically:

  • Eliminate Crow’s Feet: The fine lines around your eyes are often referred to as “crow’s feet.” BOTOX® injections can help loosen the muscles associated with these fine line wrinkles and give you younger, fresher-looking eyes.
  • Remove Frown Lines: Everyone has them, but as we grow older the creases around your mouth become more prominent. BOTOX® Cosmetic can soften these lines and take years off of your face.
  • Remove Forehead Wrinkles: The forehead is one of the first places Mother Nature begins to show her influence. If you are looking to smooth the signs of aging from your forehead, BOTOX® Cosmetic may be for you!

Who is a Good Candidate for BOTOX® Cosmetic?

Patients in their twenties with the initial signs of facial aging, as well as patients with well established signs of facial aging, are good candidates for treatment. Not only does it help soften the signs of aging, but it can also help slow down the visible signs of facial aging. Paralyzing the muscles helps to prohibit repetitive contractions that result in the formation of lines on the face. Many patients are surprised to learn that BOTOX® Cosmetic has this preventative effect in addition to its therapeutic effect.

BOTOX® injections are also frequently used in conjunction with other aesthetic procedures. They may be used at the same time a patient receives dermal fillers such as Restylane® or JUVÉDERM®, or in combination with a surgical procedure such as an eyelid lift, to achieve complete eye rejuvenation. BOTOX® Cosmetic is often an integral part, not a substitute for, a host of complementary treatments to resist or minimize the effect of facial aging. Every patient concerned with real or potential lines of their face should be on a well-supervised skin care regime that is specifically tailored to each patient’s needs according to their age and skin type. Think of how strange an orchestra would sound without the violins or horn section.

At the time of your BOTOX® Cosmetic consultation, Dr. Pinsky will discuss your expectations with you and recommend a treatment plan that may include BOTOX® injections, dermal fillers, surgery, and/or a medically supervised skin care regime. All patients concerned with real or potential lines of aging on their face can benefit from a skin care program specifically tailored to their needs, age, and skin type.

Is BOTOX® Cosmetic Safe?

When administered by a qualified and experienced provider, BOTOX® Cosmetic is considered very safe, and there are no systemic effects from injections.

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Why Choose Pinsky Plastic Surgery for BOTOX® Injections?

Some of the most notable reasons patients choose Pinsky Plastic Surgery for BOTOX® Cosmetic include:

  • Leaders In The Field: Dr. Pinsky is never one to rest on his laurels. He is constantly striving to learn about new, cutting-edge techniques and the latest technology available to better serve his clients. Also, both Lori Oswald and Dr. Pinsky are nationally certified injection trainers for BOTOX® Cosmetic—This puts them in the top 1% in the nation!
  • Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon: In order for a doctor to become a board-certified plastic surgeon, he or she must be able to demonstrate excellence in the field on a consistent basis. There are rigorous requirements that must be met in order to become board-certified.
  • The Best Looking Natural Results*: Your injection should produce natural results that allow you to still move your facial muscles, but reduce wrinkles and fine lines. In addition to technical expertise, this requires a keen artistic eye. Visit our BOTOX® Cosmetic before-and-after photo gallery to see for yourself.
  • Hassle-Free Consultations: A consultation should be a stress-free process. It is a time to gather information about your upcoming treatment and the doctor you will be working with.

*Individual Results May Vary

How Are BOTOX® Injections Performed?

The BOTOX® Cosmetic procedure is relatively simple and easily performed in the office. A treatment typically takes about fifteen minutes. Topical anesthetic is applied to the areas that are to be injected so they are almost numb or completely numb prior to the injection. You will be asked to contract the muscles in the area being treated so the proper location of the muscles for the injection can be determined. A tiny needle is used to perform the series of injections directly into the muscle. Dr. Pinsky possesses expert knowledge of the surgical anatomy of the areas being treated and is considered an experienced injector.

Does BOTOX® Cosmetic Hurt?

Either an ice compress or topical anesthetic can be applied to the skin prior to injection of BOTOX® Cosmetic to minimize or eliminate any potential discomfort during treatment. You may feel a quick pinch when the thin needle is inserted, but most patients report limited sensitivity. Once the injections are complete, there are typically no lingering sensations. The vast majority of patients agree that BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment is very tolerable and would not describe the experience as painful.

Are There Any BOTOX® Cosmetic Side Effects?

Some patients may experience a small bruise or tenderness in the areas that have been injected with BOTOX® Cosmetic. That said, there is generally no downtime associated with treatment, so you can expect to resume most of your normal routine right away. Dr. Pinsky recommends keeping your head elevated for four hours after the treatment as well as avoiding strenuous activities the rest of the day in order to help limit side effects and ensure optimal results.

When Do BOTOX® Cosmetic Results Appear?*

The results from BOTOX® injections are not immediate, and it might take five to seven days for the desired effect to be achieved. Every individual is different, however, so this timeframe may be shorter or longer based on one’s unique anatomy and goals.

*Individual Results May Vary

How Long Does BOTOX® Cosmetic Last?*

On average, the results seen after BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment last up to three or four months. If you do not continue to have BOTOX® injections, you will notice the lines that were present prior to the injection will gradually return. Most patients schedule subsequent treatments before there is complete return of their lines of facial aging. Ninety-seven percent of patients are satisfied with their treatment. This high rate of satisfaction explains why BOTOX® Cosmetic has been the most popular non-surgical treatment for years, and continues to grow at a staggering pace.

*Individual Results May Vary

Are There Alternatives to BOTOX® Cosmetic?

In addition to offering BOTOX® Cosmetic injections, we offer other wrinkle relaxing products called Dysport®, Xeomin®, and more recently Jeureau®. Dysport®, Xeomin®, and Jeureau® work just like BOTOX® Cosmetic; however, they each have some unique traits that may make them more or less ideal for any given patient. These BOTOX® Cosmetic alternatives are also an appealing option for patients who develop resistance to BOTOX® injections and need an effective new solution. Dr. Pinsky can recommend whichever product will be best for accomplishing your wrinkle reduction goals.

Beyond injectable wrinkle relaxers, we also perform a wide range of other non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments that can reduce the prominence of wrinkles and create smoother, younger looking skin:

  • Dermal filler injections (our PA Lori Oswald is among the top injectors and trainers in the nation for both Allergan® and Galderma® filler products)
  • SilkPeel® microdermabrasion
  • INFINI radiofrequency microneedling
  • Laser skin resurfacing
  • Facial peels

Many patients enjoy combining these treatments with BOTOX® Cosmetic to achieve optimal skin rejuvenation.

How Much Does BOTOX® Cosmetic Cost?

The cost of BOTOX® Cosmetic is highly variable. Some of the most common factors that can impact pricing include the number of injection sites and/or units used, the experience and credentials of the provider, the location of the practice, and whether or not treatment is combined with other procedures.

For specific BOTOX® Cosmetic pricing information, you will need to schedule a consultation at Pinsky Plastic Surgery. During your appointment, Dr. Pinsky can evaluate your needs and goals, determine if BOTOX® Cosmetic is the most effective solution, and provide a customized cost quote based on your particular treatment plan. If interested, a member of our team can also introduce you to various plastic surgery financing options at this time. Our practice teams with CareCredit® and ALPHAEON® CREDIT, both of which are trusted healthcare lenders that offer numerous payment plan options to help make aesthetic treatment fit comfortably into virtually any budget.

Additional BOTOX® FAQs

How old do you have to be to get BOTOX® Cosmetic injections?

The FDA has approved BOTOX® Cosmetic injections for individuals aged 18 years and older. While 18 is considered an early age for wrinkle reduction, it is becoming increasingly popular to use BOTOX® Cosmetic in patients between the ages of 18 and 30 years old to prevent wrinkles from forming. Young patients who want to relax facial muscle spasticity (commonly referred to as muscle spasms or twitches) may also be good candidates for BOTOX® injections.

How many units of BOTOX® Cosmetic will I need?

The number BOTOX® Cosmetic units you require to reduce your wrinkles depends on the location of the wrinkles, the strength of your muscles, and how many areas you want to treat. Different muscle groups may require more or less BOTOX® Cosmetic to achieve the desired result. During your consultation, your injector can analyze your wrinkles and provide you with an estimate of how many BOTOX® Cosmetic units you should start with. It is better to under-treat the muscles your first time, than to over-treat. Two weeks after your initial injections, when the BOTOX® has reached its peak efficacy, you and your injector can reassess whether or not additional units are needed to induce further relaxation. At Pinsky Plastic Surgery, we always record how many units of BOTOX® Cosmetic you receive during treatments so that we have an accurate point of reference for future injection sessions.

Is there a way to make BOTOX® Cosmetic last longer?

Regular BOTOX® Cosmetic maintenance treatments are believed to be the best way to make results last longer. By preventing the facial muscles from moving, BOTOX® Cosmetic can make muscles weaker over time—which in turn may extend the life of your treatments. Treatment sessions should be spaced at least three months apart to prevent an increased tolerance to the active ingredient in BOTOX® injections.

How often should I get BOTOX® Cosmetic injections?

The effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic typically last between three to four months, but for some individuals, results may last longer. In order to retain the benefits of BOTOX® Cosmetic on a continuous basis, injections can be repeated as results are fading after 12 weeks or beyond. Depending on your goals, response to BOTOX® injections, and budget, your injector can develop a regular BOTOX® treatment schedule customized to suit your needs.

How long after BOTOX® Cosmetic injections until I can lie down?

Following BOTOX® Cosmetic injections, it is recommended that you wait about four hours before lying down. If you need to lie down, it is important to lie on your back, so as not to place pressure on the injection areas.