How Much is Botox®?

The best way to get rid of expression lines and wrinkles is no longer a secret: after decades of use, Botox® is the proven solution that smooths your skin for a more youthful, refreshed look. With millions of treatments administered around the world, this widely used anti-aging injectable addresses lines and wrinkles caused by facial expressions. Your expert injector at Essential Med Aesthetics will customize your Botox® treatments to give you the degree of change you want with natural-looking results. 

What is Botox® (Botulinum Toxin)?

The key ingredient in Botox® is botulinum toxin, a neuromodulator originally found in bacteria but now produced synthetically. Despite the name, botulinum toxin is not harmful to your facial nerves or muscles. Instead, it interrupts the signals between them, preventing the muscle contractions that cause lines and wrinkles. Botox® is an injectable treatment used for a wide range of aesthetic and medical purposes. 

*Individual Results May Vary

How Does Botox® Work?

When injected, the botulinum toxin travels to your facial nerves with the help of an accessory protein. It tells these nerves to stop sending signals to your facial muscles, and without signals, the muscles become smooth and relaxed. Because Botox® is administered in tiny amounts, it only acts on the targeted facial nerves, leaving your other muscles working normally and maintaining a natural appearance. 

How Much is Botox®?

Cost is always a factor when considering any aesthetic procedure. When comparing Botox® prices, you have many factors to consider:

• Your injector’s skill and experience
• The areas being treated
• The number of units needed

Botox® is measured in units, with each area requiring a different number of units. By adjusting the number of units injected into an area, your injector controls the strength of the effects. Factors that affect how many units you will need include the severity of your wrinkles and how you want your results to look. 

Sources report that the average cost of Botox® in the most popular areas is $250 to $1,500. Because this cost can vary so widely, we recommend a consultation so we can assess your needs and determine how many units you may need to achieve your desired results. 

When comparing Botox® prices, consider who provides the injections and how much training and experience they have. While very safe in skilled hands, Botox® can cause problems if injected incorrectly, including moving away from the injection site. Discounts or lower prices should never take priority over your safety and appearance. 

What Does Getting Botox® Feel Like?

Your injector will apply a cold pack to the treatment area before your injections, resulting in short-lasting numbness that prevents discomfort and reduces swelling. The tiny needles used make Botox® injections almost painless, with most people feeling nothing more than a small pinch if anything. Treatment can take as little as 15 to 20 minutes, making Botox® an ideal “lunchtime” procedure that takes almost no time out of your active day. 

What to Expect After Botox®

You can leave your Botox® appointment and return to work or your daily routine immediately. You should avoid rubbing your face for several hours after treatment and limit strenuous activity for the next 24 hours, allowing the Botox® to reach its destination. Minor redness, swelling, and bruising sometimes occur and may last a day or two. 

How Long Does Botox® Take to Work?

The injected botulinum toxin takes several days to take effect. Although you may notice results almost immediately, full results take seven to ten days to develop. During this time, Botox® takes effect and halts nerve signals. Your facial muscles will slowly relax, allowing the skin to become smoother and wrinkles to fade away. 

How Long Does Botox® Last?

Each person’s body responds to Botox® in a different way. However, most people find that their results last four to six months. People who have had treatment consistently over time may have longer-lasting results, but your experience will vary. Results will fade gradually, with Botox® eventually wearing off completely and your nerves and muscles returning to normal. 

What is the Best Age to Start Botox®?

Starting Botox® is a personal decision, and many factors may affect your choice. The best age for starting this treatment will vary between individuals with different goals. Some people start Botox® as early as their 20s to prevent lines and wrinkles from ever forming. However, most people start in their 30s or later as they start to see wrinkles that get deeper over time. 

While it is never too late to start Botox® as long as you are healthy, deep lines and wrinkles that do not fade when your face is at rest will not respond as well to treatment. Other treatment options may work better for your needs, and people with significant sagging or loose skin may benefit from a surgical procedure. 

Am I a Good Candidate for Botox®?

With decades of FDA-approved medical and aesthetic use, Botox® has been demonstrated to be safe and effective for many uses. Good candidates for this treatment are healthy and have reasonable expectations. They typically want to address expression lines around the eyes, brows, and forehead. 

You may not be a good candidate if you have certain medical conditions. You may need to delay treatment if you have an active skin condition or infection in the area. This treatment is not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. We recommend a consultation to determine whether Botox® is the best option for your needs. 

Can I Treat Lines and Wrinkles Without Botox®?

Some types of lines and wrinkles are caused by loss of collagen instead of facial muscle movements. Wrinkles caused by skin laxity do not respond well to Botox®. However, we offer a range of treatments that can smooth and tighten your skin, including chemical peels, microneedling, and laser skin rejuvenation. 

These treatments tighten and firm your skin by triggering cells in your dermis to make more collagen. They can be used with Botox® for maximum results. In addition to tightening your skin, they provide benefits such as fading hyperpigmentation and improving signs of sun damage. Combining Botox® with one of these treatment options can provide an overall more refreshed, youthful appearance. 

Take the Next Step

If you have further questions about Botox®, please call us at (210) 568-7555 or complete our online contact form, and one of our trusted staff members will reach out to you. Essential Med Aesthetics is located in San Antonio, Texas.