Botox FAQ

What is Botox? Botox, also known as botulinum toxin, is a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

How does Botox work? Botox works by blocking nerve signals in the muscles where it is injected. The injected muscles relax and prevents them from contracting. This results in a temporary reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Botox injections are commonly used to treat crow’s feet, frown lines, bunny nose, forehead wrinkles and many other facial lines and creases.

Why was Botox invented? Botox was originally developed for treating muscle spasms and disorders involving excessive muscle contractions like blepharospasm (involuntary blinking), strabismus (crossed eyes), and cervical dystonia (involuntary neck muscle contractions). In the 1980s, the potential cosmetic applications of Botox were discovered which lead to its later approval for the treatment of facial wrinkles and fine lines. Since then, Botox has become widely popular for both medical and cosmetic uses.

Is Botox FDA approved? Botox was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1989 for the medical purposes mentioned above. Its approval for cosmetic use, specifically for treating frown lines between the eyebrows, was granted by the FDA in 2002. Botox has received additional approvals for various medical and cosmetic applications, including the treatment of chronic migraines, excessive sweating, and other conditions.

What are benefits of using Botox?
Cosmetic Benefits:
– Reduction of Wrinkles: Botox injections are primarily known for their ability to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the face. It is particularly effective for treating dynamic wrinkles, which are caused by repetitive facial muscle movements, such as frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines.
– Non-invasive Treatment: Botox is a non-surgical and minimally invasive procedure, making it a popular choice for individuals seeking to enhance their appearance without major surgical procedure.
– Quick Procedure: Botox injections can typically be administered in a short amount of time, often during a quick office visit, with minimal downtime or recovery period.
Medical Benefits:
– Chronic Migraine Relief: Botox has been found to be effective in the treatment of chronic migraines. Botox is injected into specific areas of the head and neck, such as the forehead, temples, back of the head, and neck muscles. The injections are administered approximately every 12 weeks. The precise mechanism by which Botox helps with chronic migraines is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve the inhibition of the release of certain neurotransmitters involved in pain signaling. Botox may also have a muscle-relaxing effect that can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. The treatment with Botox for chronic migraines is typically recommended for individuals who experience migraines on 15 or more days per month, with each headache lasting four hours or longer. Clinical studies have shown that Botox treatment can lead to a reduction in the frequency and intensity of migraines, offering relief for individuals suffering from this debilitating condition. Botox has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of chronic migraines in adults. At Angie’s Injections, we do not provide migraine relief treatments.
– Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis): Botox can help with hyperhidrosis, a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating. When used to treat hyperhidrosis, Botox is injected into the affected area, typically the underarms, palms of the hands, or soles of the feet. The botulinum toxin in Botox works by blocking the release of the chemical acetylcholine, which stimulates the sweat glands which then reduces excessive sweating. The injections temporarily block the nerve signals that stimulate sweat production in the treated area, leading to a significant reduction in sweat production. The effects typically last for several months before the nerve signals gradually regenerate, at which point additional injections may be necessary to maintain the reduction in sweating. Botox treatment for hyperhidrosis is considered an effective and minimally invasive option for individuals who experience excessive sweating and have not found relief from other treatments, such as prescription antiperspirants or oral medications. At Angie’s Injections, we do not provide excessive sweating treatments.

When people say, “I got Botox!” does that mean the treatment or the product?
People are usually referring to the treatment they received to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Because there are many different products in the market, it doesn’t necessarily mean the product Botox was used in their treatment. Before any “Botox” treatment be sure to ask your injector what product is being used.

What other products are there instead of Botox?
1. Dysport: Dysport is an injectable neurotoxin similar to Botox, containing botulinum toxin type A. It is used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and it works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles responsible for causing dynamic wrinkles.
2. Xeomin: Xeomin is another botulinum toxin type A injectable, similar to Botox and Dysport. It is used for the treatment of facial wrinkles and lines by targeting facial muscles to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
3. Jeaveau: Like the other botulinum toxin type A formulations, Jeaveau’s effects are not permanent and typically last for several months, after which additional treatments may be necessary to maintain the desired results.
4. Fillers: While not neurotoxins like Botox, dermal fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane, and Radiesse are also used to address facial wrinkles, volume loss, and skin aging. These fillers are injected beneath the skin to add volume and smooth out wrinkles and folds.
5. Laser treatments: Various laser treatments, including fractional laser therapy, intense pulsed light (IPL), and other energy-based devices, can also be used to address skin aging and pigmentation. Angie’s Injections does not offer laser treatments.

How popular is Botox? Very popular. The market cap for Botox in the USA is approximately $45 billion as of 2021.

What’s the best age to receive Botox? Botox is often sought after by individuals in their late 20s to early 30s as a preventative measure. However, some people may choose to get botox in their 40s or 50s when they start to notice more significant signs of aging. Ultimately, the best age to get botox is a personal decision that should be made in consultation with a qualified medical professional. Angie’s Injections will not treat anyone under the age of 18.

Why do you require a $25 deposit to schedule for first time Botox clients? For every new client a medical provider (nurse practitioner or MD) does a Provider Review Exam to review the client’s medical history. This deposit covers the cost of the Provider Review Exam provided by the medical provider (NP or MD). It also reduces the chance of first time clients not showing up because they’ve already paid $25 toward their treatment.

Will my $25 be refunded if I cancel? Yes, if you cancel within 24 hours of your treatment.

Do I have to pay $25 for every treatment? No, the $25 fee is paid for your first treatment and annually because Provider Review Exam is required for first time clients and every year. Most people get treated 3 or 4 times a year.

How many Botox units should I get for my treatment so I know how much I am spending? Depends on so many variables. Age, how deep your lines are, the area being treated, etc. Most people budget around $300. We treat people for around $75 and some more than $500.

What is a Provider Review Exam before my Botox treatment? Each new client (and every year thereafter) must do a Provider Review Exam before treatment. The provider will ask some simple questions (allergic to things, pregnant, breastfeeding, etc) and approve the suggested treatment plan before injecting begins. This costs $25. 

Are there additional costs or fees other than the Botox unit cost and Provider Review Exam? Nope. No additional fees, no transaction fees, no supply or equipment fees. We strive for price transparency because nothing worse than being surprised, especially when it comes to money.
First time visit cost is
number of units * $8 + $25 for the Provider Review Exam
Subsequent visit cost is
number of units * $8

How can I get the best results from my Botox treatments?

• Avoid blood-thinning supplements and medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and other supplements. These items may increase the chance of bruising.
• Avoid harsh exfoliating treatments, facial waxing appointments, chemical peels, or anything that could irritate your skin in the days before your treatment. 
• For a minimum of 3 days pre-treatment, avoid using anything perceived as ‘active’ skincare. This includes products which contain Retinol, Vitamin C, Hydroxy Acids or Beta Hydroxy Acid.
• Drink plenty of water before and after your appointment. Water hydrates your skin and will make your results look that much better.Avoid drinking alcohol, at least 24 before your appointment.
• You can’t be on certain antibiotics or have done permanent makeup 7 days leading up to treatment. Please let us know if either is true before treatment. 

I’ve been treated before at another spa, can I expect the same amount of units at Angie’s Injections? Not necessarily. Every spa is different in the way they operate. Some are pushy and try to sell additional units. Some require certain quotas or incentives which can cause over treating. Some spas dilute the product way too much. Sometimes, there is some variation between nurse injectors within the same spa. At Angie’s Injections, we don’t know what all the variables are from a previous treatment at another spa. So, we focus on going off of “Angie’s Baseline” which is our approach to be conservative in treatment vs giving you more than necessary. We’re not incentivized to upsell, hit a sales quota or require a minimum treatment amount. So, for an example, we’d rather give 20 units to someone and see if that is enough vs giving them 30 and not knowing if 20 was enough.

What does a botox injection feel like? Experiences vary and some areas are prone to more sensitivity than others (crows feet). Some describe the feeling as a mosquito bite or pinprick. Because a very thin needle is used, this minimizes pain and discomfort. The sound the needle makes as it penetrates the skin has been described as crunching boots on snow or the subtle crack of a chip breaking.

Why is a Provider Review Exam for Botox Treatments required? It’s the law. Each new client (and every year thereafter) must do a Provider Review Exam before treatment. The provider will ask some simple questions (allergic to things, pregnant, breastfeeding, etc) and approve the suggested treatment plan before injecting begins. This costs $25. 

What does “Angie’s Baseline” mean? Our approach is to be conservative in treatment vs giving you more than necessary. We want to give the minimum amount of units that meets the maximum results of what our clients want and need. We’re not incentivized to upsell, hit a sales quota or require a minimum treatment amount. So, for an example, we’d rather give 20 units to someone and see if that is enough vs giving them 30 and not knowing if 20 was enough. This is what we call “Angie’s Baseline”. We can always increase the unit amount in the future and provide touch up visits to give our clients the results they’re wanting.

What can I do to prepare for my Botox treatments?

• Avoid blood-thinning supplements and medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and other supplements. These items may increase the chance of bruising.
• Avoid harsh exfoliating treatments, facial waxing appointments, chemical peels, or anything that could irritate your skin in the days before your treatment. 
• For a minimum of 3 days pre-treatment, avoid using anything perceived as ‘active’ skincare. This includes products which contain Retinol, Vitamin C, Hydroxy Acids or Beta Hydroxy Acid.
• Drink plenty of water before and after your appointment. Water hydrates your skin and will make your results look that much better.Avoid drinking alcohol, at least 24 before your appointment.
• You can’t be on certain antibiotics or have done permanent makeup 7 days leading up to treatment. Please let us know if either is true before your treatment. 

Does botox wear off? It sure does. The results from Botox last anywhere between 2-6 months; the average result lasts about 3-4 months. After three to six months, your body starts producing new neurotransmitters that override the botulinum toxin, allowing your muscles to contract and move around again. Using Botox for a long period of time may actually help condition your muscles so you’ll need less of it in the future. This is one of the main reasons it is recommend that you get Botox when you are younger – the effects last longer as well. While you can’t get a permanent overhaul to your appearance with prolonged Botox use, you can use it to delay the effects of aging. Botox treatments are preventative too because of the muscle conditioning you develop the longer you take Botox.

How long does it take for botox to take effect? Some start to see the effects of treatment within a few days. The area will begin looking smoother and more refreshed after just 5 to 7 days. The full effect of your BOTOX injections will be seen between 10 and 14 days.

What should I do if I get bumps in the needle insertion point of my botox treatment? Small bumps, lumps, and redness at the injection site after Botox are normal and will usually go away within a few days. The body responds to the needle’s tiny injuries by causing forehead lumps after Botox. You can lightly ice the treated area to help minimize the bumps.

What are Spock eyes? Spock eyes after Botox treatments refer to a temporary side effect where the eyebrows become raised and arched in a way that resembles the character Spock from Star Trek. Some people like the exaggerated lift while others like a subtle lift. If the exaggerated look is unintended it usually happens from improper injection technique or excessive amounts of Botox. It will resolves as the Botox wears off.

Can I touch the treated areas after my botox treatment? Yes, feel free to apply makeup, etc. The main concern is active manipulation during or immediately after you’ve been treated. You should avoid massaging, strong pressing or rubbing treated areas up to four hours after your treatment.

Can I exercise after botox? Yes, you can exercise after Botox, but you should wait at least four hours. You should avoid intense workouts for the first 24 hours after treatment. If you perform hot yoga or engage in intense workouts with a heart rate over 130, it is recommended that you wait 24 hours after your treatment.

Can I shower after botox? Yes, you can shower after Botox, but you should wait at least four hours. You should avoid hot showers, baths, tanning beds or saunas for the first 24 hours after treatment. The heat can increase blood circulation, which may cause the Botox to disperse more quickly and become less effective.

What are some common side effects after being treated for botox? Below describes the risks of Botox injections from the Mayo Clinic.

Risks
Botox injections are usually safe when you’re under the care of a licensed and skilled health care provider. The procedure can result in unwanted results or even cause harm if it’s given incorrectly. Possible side effects and unwanted results include:

Pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site.
Headache or flu-like symptoms.
Droopy eyelids or crooked eyebrows.
A crooked smile or drooling.
Watery or dry eyes.
Infection at the injection site.

Rarely, the medicine may spread to parts of the body where it isn’t supposed to go. It can cause symptoms there. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of these symptoms hours or weeks after your procedure:

Muscle weakness.
Vision problems.
Trouble talking or swallowing.
Breathing problems.
Allergic reaction.
Loss of bladder control.