BOTOX Philadelphia $10 Per Unit

Botox is a neurotoxin that is injected to help reduce and remove facial wrinkles. Botox is made of Botulinum Toxin Type A as well as accessory proteins. The product temporarily paralyzes the facial muscles it’s injected into.

It’s the first FDA-approved treatment for age lines that appear between the eyes and on the forehead, known as glabellar frown lines, as well as facial wrinkles that appear at the corner of the eyes, known as crow’s feet.

The active ingredient in Botox, onabotulinumtoxinA, is derived from Clostridium botulinum. The neurotoxin is designed to produce positive medical and cosmetic results.

The manufacturer uses a series of acid precipitations to purify the bacteria and make it safe for injection. Botox comes in a vial that contains 0.5 milligrams of albumin and 0.9 milligrams of sodium chloride.

Medspas only use Botox manufactured under strict safety and quality regulations. Products obtained online or from salons are not subject to the same rigorous standards.

As we get older, our natural production of collagen decreases. This results in a loss of skin elasticity. When muscles that are used often move repetitively, they create creases and lines in the skin.

Botox Cosmetic targets the muscles that create wrinkles and age lines and temporarily immobilizes and relaxes them. This process helps reduce stress and pressure on the muscles, producing a smoother, more refreshed appearance. Botox can both reverse wrinkles that have already appeared and prevent new age lines from forming.

Botox has broad applicability based on its safety and effectiveness. It can be used in varying doses to manage:

• Chronic migraines, severe headaches that occur more than 15 days per month
• Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating that occurs regardless of body temperature or exertion
• Lazy or crossed eyes caused by muscle imbalances
• Muscle spasms caused by certain chronic conditions that can cause eye twitching and severe muscle contracture

One of the biggest benefits of choosing Botox Cosmetic is how quick and easy the skincare procedure is. Botox treatments are minimally invasive and non-surgical procedures for wrinkles and age lines. They involve little preparation and no downtime for recovery. You’ll begin to see results within days, and they generally last three to five months. Botox can even stimulate some skin rejuvenation so you can revive your youthful appearance.

Since Botox is also one of the oldest and most well-known cosmetic products on the market, it’s a brand that many people recognize and trust for predictable and reliable results. Thanks to this branding, many physicians are licensed to administer it.

Botox became available as an FDA-approved injection in 1989. Regulators later approved it for cosmetic use. Providers have spent decades perfecting their Botox techniques to maximize the safety and effectiveness of the injections. The medication offers many uses, both cosmetic and medical.

Providers use different forms and doses of Botox to prevent chronic migraines in adults, correct dynamic wrinkles, and address other medical conditions and signs of aging.

Providers and patients alike have embraced Botox because it provides consistent and predictable results. In 2016, researchers assessed 945 patients’ self-reported satisfaction with Botox’s cosmetic results and reported a 96.0% to 98.9% satisfaction rate.

All procedures carry some risk of complications and side effects. Fortunately, the odds of experiencing adverse effects from Botox is considered low. The most common side effect is an injection site reaction, which usually clears within a few days without treatment.

The medical consensus is that visiting an experienced provider such as Bella Medspa will minimize your risk of significant complications.

The number of Botox units you’ll need will depend on your facial characteristics and desired outcomes. On average, for treating glabellar lines (frown lines between the eyebrows), most individuals require between 20-30 units. Crow’s feet (around the eyes) typically call for 5-15 units per side. For forehead lines, the number can range from 10-30 units.

However, these are merely averages, and the actual number can vary based on factors such as muscle mass, the severity of wrinkles present, and your desired level of post-treatment facial mobility. A consultation with a qualified professional like Bella Medspa is necessary to determine the appropriate number of Botox units for you.

There isn’t necessarily a “right” age to start Botox treatments, as the answer to this question largely depends on the individual’s skin type, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals. However, many experts suggest considering Botox treatment in your late 20s or early 30s. At this age, the production of collagen begins to slow down, leading to subtle lines and wrinkles. Early use of Botox can help inhibit the deepening of these lines over time.

Whether to stop your Botox treatments once you commence them will be your prerogative. That said, for most patients, Botox is not a lifetime commitment. If you decide to discontinue your treatment after a short while, your wrinkles and fine lines will gradually materialize again. There is a common misconception that discontinuing Botox will worsen wrinkles, but this is not the case. The skin simply returns to its pre-treatment state.

If you maintain your Botox treatment over a period of years, your results will last well after you stop receiving the injections.

The FDA has approved the use of Botox Cosmetic in patients who’re 18 and older. Aside from the minimum age requirement, there are very few restrictions on who can use Botox treatments. Men and women can both benefit from treatments. Patients with allergies to any of the ingredients in Botox or those who may have a skin condition or skin infection shouldn’t use it.

Botox is safe for most people when administered by a skilled professional. However, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not receive the injections. In addition, individuals with neuromuscular diseases or facial muscle weakness are not viable candidates.

Immunocompromised people and those who’ve experienced a previous allergic reaction to Botox should not receive the injections either. The best way to ensure Botox will be safe and effective for you is by consulting an experienced provider like Bella Medspa.

Botox Cosmetic can effectively treat wrinkles and age lines on different areas of the face. The most common treatment areas include the forehead, frown lines between the eyes and eyebrows, and crows feet that form at the corners of the eyes.

Some medical practitioners may also use Botox to treat the mid-face region, lips, mouth, chin, and neck. Botox can also be used with other wrinkle treatments such as dermal fillers to treat those areas.

A lip flip is a procedure that uses Botox to create a more youthful appearance by improving the position of the lips. The procedure is simple and takes only a few minutes to complete. First, the doctor will inject Botox into the muscles on either side of your mouth near your lips. This will help to lift the corners of your mouth and to soften the lines that form when you smile.

A Botox brow lift treats the lines between the eye brows and elevates the height of your eyebrows in the process. It work by relaxing the muscles between the brows. This allows the forehead muscles to pull up the untreated muscles between the brows, thereby elevating the brows and opening up the eyes.

Botox injections can be administered during a brief appointment and require minimal preparation. Doctors’ primary recommendation is to discontinue using aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin), and fish oil at least two to three days before your appointment.

These substances thin the blood and prevent coagulation, which can increase the odds of bleeding and bruising following your treatment. Reducing your alcohol consumption in the days leading up to your appointment will also prevent blood thinning.

Most medical practitioners will schedule patients for a consultation appointment prior to treating them. At this appointment, you will discuss the best treatment options and areas for you. Your provider will also discuss your medical history and any potential allergies or other side effects you may experience.

They will also talk with you about how many units of Botox Cosmetic injection you may need to obtain your desired results and the estimated cost of using a topical numbing cream.

The actual treatment usually only takes about 5-15 minutes. Your medical provider will verify the areas that they will be injecting and then apply a numbing cream to them. Botox Cosmetic treatments use a very fine needle that your provider will carefully insert into the target areas. There is very little pain, especially if you opt for a numbing treatment.

Read about how to prepare for BOTOX treatment.

The frequency of your injections will depend on your cosmetic goals and your body’s response to Botox injections. The duration of Botox results can vary based on the treatment area and the amount of injections administered. The faster your body breaks down the substance, the sooner you’ll need a follow-up appointment to maintain your results.

Most individuals require follow-up injections every three to fiver months to maintain their new appearance. You and your provider can monitor your response to determine your optimal treatment schedule.

The frequency of your injections will depend on your cosmetic goals and your body’s response to Botox injections. The duration of Botox results can vary based on the treatment area and the amount of injections administered. The faster your body breaks down the substance, the sooner you’ll need a follow-up appointment to maintain your results.

Most individuals require follow-up injections every three to five months to maintain their new appearance. You and your provider can monitor your response to determine your optimal treatment schedule.

As with any medical procedure, there are always some risks of complications associated with Botox Cosmetic. However, Botox treatment is a non-surgical and minimally invasive procedure. Moreover, it’s one of the most commonly-performed medical procedures available today. It is considered one of the safest treatments for wrinkles and age lines.

Potential effects of Botox include pain, bruising, discomfort, or swelling at the injection site. These symptoms usually subside within a few days of treatment.

Depending on where you receive a Botox injection, you may also experience headaches, tiredness, swollen or drooping eyelids, double vision, or dry eyes. If you experience any of these severe symptoms or any kind of allergic reaction such as a rash, itching, or asthma symptoms, you should contact your provider immediately.

There have been some concerning reports about counterfeit products on the market. The first and most important step to ensure you receive a genuine product is to choose a reputable medical practitioner. In years past, events like Botox parties were common. Many people who were seeking treatment would plan a social gathering together to obtain Botox in what they assumed was a safe and comfortable environment.

However, making sure you get a genuine, effective product and having it administered by an experienced professional is worth a visit to the doctor’s office. When in doubt, start with your primary care provider. They can write a referral for you to a licensed plastic surgeon or dermatologist who can obtain and administer Botox Cosmetic.

If you want to check for yourself if the product you are about to have administered is real Botox Cosmetic, here are a few things to look for:

• A lot number on the vial
• Entries for LOT: MFG: and EXP: on the carton
• The vial and/or the carton list the active ingredient as “OnabotulinumtoxinA”

If any of the above are missing or different, then further investigation into the product may be warranted.

The cost of Botox Cosmetic treatments will vary depending on how many units you and your medical provider agree you need. For example, the Center of Dermatology and Laser Surgery of Philadelphia suggests a total of 10-20 units of Botox when treating crow’s feet, for $15 per unit. So, the total cost would range from $150-$300 for that treatment. The average total cost of Botox Cosmetic treatment in 2016 was approximately $376.

Patients should speak with their medical insurance provider to find out if any of the costs of their treatment are covered. Unfortunately, since Botox Cosmetic is considered an elective cosmetic procedure, most insurance plans don’t cover the cost of the treatment or the associated visits.

Most people begin to see effects from Botox Cosmetic treatments within 3-4 days, but the full effects can take up to two weeks to materialize. Most medical providers also recommend returning for a follow-up appointment after two weeks to discuss the results and provide any necessary touch-ups.

Botox Cosmetic treatments can last anywhere from 3-6 months, with most people seeing results for an average of four months. Patients who wish to maintain their desired results generally schedule follow-up treatments 2-4 times a year.

Some medical providers will recommend more frequent visits. This can lead to fewer injections and using fewer units of Botox during each visit.

Your medical provider may treat the injection sites with a topical anesthetic cream to numb the area and help reduce any pain. Cold compresses can also be used to reduce swelling and redness.

Your doctor may recommend that you avoid rubbing or massaging the treated area. This may cause Botox Cosmetic to spread to other areas of the face and negatively affect your desired results. Most patients can return to their normal daily activities the same day or the day after their treatment.