Botox Q&A: We Answer All Your Questions

Want to skip ahead? Schedule your free consultation.

Q. What exactly is Botox?

A. Botox is a brand name of a protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This is a purified substance which has been stabilized and can safely be injected into the skin for the treatment of wrinkles.

Q. How does Botox work?

A. Botox works by blocking signals from the nerves to the muscles. Therefore, muscle contraction is limited, which relaxes the muscles in the face and smooths lines and wrinkles caused by expressions.

Q. Do Botox injections hurt?

A. Pain is minimal, the needle used for injections is very fine and the injections are very superficial to the skin. Most people report feeling a tiny pinch while being injected. 

Q. How early should I start getting Botox?

A. The average age to start Botox is early 30s, but with the evolution of anti-aging modalities, people are starting Botox in their 20s for prevention and early treatment.  

Q. How long does Botox last?

A. On average, Botox lasts anywhere between 3-5 months. However, results vary by patient. Physical activity, metabolism, and the amount of Botox used has an effect on how long results will last. Most people achieve longer lasting results after subsequent treatments with Botox.

Q. How often do I need to get Botox?

A. Most patients will come in every 3-4 months to be retreated with Botox.

Read more: Botox is the key to anti-aging

Read more: The clear skin diet: Healthy you, healthy skin

Q. Where can I get Botox?

A. The most common areas that Botox is used for is the forehead, glabellar area (frown lines, between the eyebrows), smile lines (crow’s feet). These three areas are FDA approved for treatment. Other areas that Botox can treat are underarms (for excessive sweating), vertical lip lines, gummy smile, platysma bands (neck lines), dimpling chin, corners of the mouth, and masseter muscles (along the jaw for facial slimming and treatment of TMJ).

Q. Are there any side effects to Botox?

A. Small bruising or a pin-point needle mark are the most common side effects. They’re usually very mild but may las a few days. Headaches are also common, but they will subside in a day or two. Other side effects are droopy muscles and eye lids, stiffness, and muscle atrophy. After getting Botox, it’s important not to rub or touch the treated area for at least 12 hours and to not lie down for 3 hours after the procedure to prevent migration.

Q. How much Botox should I get?

A. The amount of Botox to get varies for each individual, but on average, patients use approximately 20 units per treatment area.

Q. Is there anything I should do to prepare before getting Botox?

A. Do not drink alcohol or take blood thinning medications such as Ibuprofen or aspirin 24 hours before you come in for a Botox treatment. If you bruise easily you can take arnica tablets, which can be bought at any drug store or grocery, one or two days prior.

Q. How long does it take to see the results of the Botox?

A. You may start seeing results 3-5 days after the procedure, but it does take 10-14 days for the full results to take effect.

Q. Ready to schedule your free consultation?

At Pure Bliss Med Spa, we conduct a full consultation prior to each appointment and customize a treatment plan to deliver safe and natural results. We pride ourselves on bringing glamor and luxury to the field of aesthetics and we offer all the latest skin rejuvenation therapies. It is important to note that results vary per person, and although very rare, studies have shown that about 1% of the population does not respond to Botox.

If you are in Sandy Springs or the Atlanta area and looking to obtain more information about Botox please call us for your free consultation.