Botox

Botox, also known as Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau is a cosmetic procedure during which botulinum toxin or botulinum neurotoxin is injected to prevent a muscle from moving for a limited period of time. It is most commonly used to smooth out wrinkles on the face, especially crow's feet, wrinkles around the eyes, and wrinkles in the forehead area, specifically vertical '11' lines between the brows. It can also be used to treat excessive sweating, migraines, lazy eyes, overactive bladder, and severe muscle contractions. It's very effective in the treatment of overactive muscle movement, such as those found in patients with cerebral palsy, post-spinal cord injury spasticity, and post-stroke spasticity.

What is Botox?
Types of Botox
Why Botox?
What are Concerns for Botox?
Steps to getting your procedure
Cost of Botox
Why Yes Doctor for Botox
Frequently Asked Questions
Doctors that perform Botox procedures
Yes Doctor’s Plastic Surgery Procedure Botox

What is Botox?

Botox, also known as Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau, is the brand name of a cosmetic procedure during which botulinum neurotoxin or botulinum toxin are injected into specific areas of the body. These toxins simulate flaccid paralysis by inhibiting the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from the axon endings at the neuromuscular junction. This keeps the muscle from contracting. Botox can temporarily smooth out fine lines, and create a lifting effect. The procedure is particularly effective in areas of the face, where it can erase crow's feet and lines around the eyes, lift the corners of the mouth, round out a square jaw line, smooth lines on the forehead, erase the vertical lines between the brows, reduce frown lines, and generally target any area where wrinkles appear. It can also be used to diminish neck bands and improve skin dimpling in the chin. It's important to note that while Botox is generally used as a basic wrinkle treatment, it has many off-label medical applications. It can also treat more serious cosmetic issues, such as gummy smiles and excessive sweating in various areas of the body. It's prescribed for lazy eyes, crossed eyes, uncontrolled blinking, narrowed eyes, and overactive bladders. It is known for its ability to relieve muscle contractions and spasms, and it can be used for certain types of pain. 

In 2022, more than 7.4 million patients received Botox treatments in the US, making it by far the most popular non-invasive medical procedure on the market. There's a reason the injections are so common. The effects may be temporary, but they are long-lasting, roughly 3-6 months depending upon the type of treatment. They're also quite effective. When used properly, Botox does give patients the wrinkle-free, youthful appearance they crave. But there is a lot of prejudice surrounding the procedure. Botulinum toxin, the active ingredient in Botox, is created with the bacterium C. botulinum. Some members of the public have voiced concerns because C. botulinum is the source of botulism, a potent, life-threatening disease. These concerns are unfounded. It is true that Botox is made from the same ingredients that cause botulism, and like any procedure, it does have its potential risks and side effects. But botulism is not one of them, and it would be impossible to discount the many medical benefits of Botox injections. In fact, scientists are still studying Botox and discovering new ways to treat their patients with it. The injections have also been prescribed for disorders that are resistant to other treatment methods, such as migraines and foot pain. 

Types of Botox

  • Which Botox is Right for You?

    Over the years, Botox has been used as an umbrella term to refer to a specific type of wrinkle-smoothing injection. But it is in fact one of four different brands, all containing the same active ingredient, botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A). Botox is the oldest and most common of them all. It was approved for use in brow lines in 2002. The other brands are Dysport, Jeuveau, and Xeomin. They came later when botulinum type A injections grew in popularity and the market was large enough to accommodate them. The differences between them are subtle. The average patient probably won't notice anything at all. But they can vary significantly in cost, and they each have a different formulation. Botox, Dysport, and Jeuveau contain protein blends, which can affect the efficacy and diffusion of the product. Xeomin does not contain proteins. It is often advertised as pure, though that is not entirely accurate. Each brand does vary in potency, and this can affect many factors, such as cost, the number of treatments necessary to achieve the desired results, the amount of time the treatment lasts, and the areas of the body that can be targeted. The dosage varies as well. It is important for patients to sit down and speak which their doctor about which brand is best for them.

  • Botox

    Botox first hit the markets when it was approved for treating frown lines between the eyebrows in April of 2002. It has since been approved to use on forehead lines and crow’s feet, and it has many additional off-label applications. Patients may develop a tolerance for Botox over time, forcing them to switch to another brand. Usually, the effects of Botox don't become apparent until 3-5 days after the procedure is performed. It may take up to two weeks for them to fully take hold. The results tend to last around 3-4 months, depending upon a number of factors, including the patient's metabolism and the site of injection.

  • Dysport

    Dysport was originally approved by the FDA to treat frown lines in 2009. Like Botox, it has additional medical and off-label uses, specifically the treatment of muscle spasticity. It contains lactose and cow's milk protein, so it is unsuitable for patients who are allergic to milk. The protective proteins in Dysport are not uniform, which means that it has a higher diffusion rate, making it more effective in larger areas, such as the forehead or cheeks. The results of Dysport show up much sooner than those of Botox, usually within 24 hours. But it doesn't last as long, making it a good alternative for first-time patients who want to test out the new look before committing to something longer lasting.

  • Jeuveau

    Jeuveau is the newest botulinum toxin injectable. It was just approved in 2019, which means that there have been limited studies on the product. For that reason, it has only been approved to treat lines between the eyebrows, but this may change with time. Jeuveau uses Hi-Pure technology, which includes added steps to purge the product of dangerous proteins. The process also aids in absorption. Many believe that this could make Jeuveau safer than other brands, but that may or may not be the case. Jeuveau may be a good alternative for patients who have developed a tolerance to other types of botulinum toxin injectables. It's also 20-30% cheaper than Botox, and it tends to last longer, between 3-6 months. 

  • Xeomin

    Xeomin was initially approved by the FDA for frown lines in 2011. It has also been approved for the medical treatment of excessive drooling and spasticity. Unlike most of the other brands, Xeomin does not contain complex proteins. As a result, it can be stored at room temperature, which means that it causes less discomfort when injected. The price of Xeomin is about the same as Dysport and Botox, but it requires less units to achieve the same results, which means the overall cost is lower. Due to the purified state of the botulinum toxin type A in Xeomin, it is often given to patients who have developed a tolerance to Botox and Dysport.

Why Botox?

Botox has many obvious benefits, especially when compared to other types of procedures, such as facelifts, fat reduction, filler, implants, and skin removal. It is completely non-invasive. There are no incisions or stitches, which means there's less reason to worry. Risks are minimal and complications are rare. Usually, patients experience nothing more than slight swelling or bruising in the treatment area. There is no surgery involved. Treatment can be given in an outpatient setting. It generally takes no more than an hour to finish. Patients will be in and out, and they will experience the effects in a relatively short period of time. The efficacy of Botox is fully proven. There's a reason why it's the most popular cosmetic treatment on the market. It smooths wrinkles and erases lines, and it's temporary. Patients won't have to worry about a botched procedure and permanent complications. If they don't like the way they look after receiving Botox, they can rest assured knowing that the effects will go away in just a few months. Botox is also quite versatile. It can be used in many areas of the face, reversing the unique effects of time and aging. Check out some of the reasons why Botox is the better alternative below:

  • Proven to be effective
  • Completely non-invasive
  • Relatively pain-free
  • Offers the same benefits as surgery without the risks
  • The effects are temporary

What are Concerns for Botox?

Botox has many obvious benefits, especially when compared to other types of procedures, such as facelifts, fat reduction, filler, implants, and skin removal. It is completely non-invasive. There are no incisions or stitches, which means there's less reason to worry. Risks are minimal and complications are rare. Usually, patients experience nothing more than slight swelling or bruising in the treatment area. There is no surgery involved. Treatment can be given in an outpatient setting. It generally takes no more than an hour to finish. Patients will be in and out, and they will experience the effects in a relatively short period of time. The efficacy of Botox is fully proven. There's a reason why it's the most popular cosmetic treatment on the market. It smooths wrinkles and erases lines, and it's temporary. Patients won't have to worry about a botched procedure and permanent complications. If they don't like the way they look after receiving Botox, they can rest assured knowing that the effects will go away in just a few months. Botox is also quite versatile. It can be used in many areas of the face, reversing the unique effects of time and aging. Check out some of the reasons why Botox is the better alternative below:

  • Serious Side-effects Botox

    While Botox does not cause botulism, it can sometimes result in botulism-type symptoms, which require immediate care. Call your doctor right away if you experience difficulty speaking, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, vision problems, general weakness, or loss of bladder control. It is extremely important that patients take the time to choose their doctor carefully. Make sure that they are licensed to administer Botox, and always follow any post-operative instructions given. Failure to do these things may result in drooping, asymmetry, and droopy eyelids. This is a result of the effects of the toxin spreading throughout the area surrounding the injection site. These symptoms are temporary, but they can take several weeks to improve.

  • Before Botox

    Patients should share all medical records with their doctors before receiving Botox treatment. This should include a list of medications, which should always be cross-referenced for interactions and potential risks. Patients who smoke or receive any type of blood thinning medication should tell their doctor before they receive injections. This may cause excessive bruising at the injection site, so it might be neccessary need to abstain for several days beforehand. Never stop taking any medication without consulting with a doctor first. Botox is not a significantly painful procedure, but some patients prefer to have a numbing agent such as a local anesthetic applied first. Patients should speak with their doctor about this beforehand.

  • After Botox

    Patients should be able to resume normal daily activities immediately after receiving Botox injections. But they will be given a strict set of instructions they must follow. The most important thing is to avoid having the fluid spread to other parts of the body. This can occur when patients lie down or bend over, especially after receiving injections between the eyebrows. Patients should wait 3-4 hours before doing so. They should also avoid massaging, rubbing, or applying pressure to the injection site. Failure to do these things could result in drooping, or more serious complications, such as flu-like symptoms and even botulism-type symptoms.

Steps to getting your procedure

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Step 1

Research

Step 2

Matching with a doctor

Step 3

Getting financing

Step 4

Booking a consultation

Cost of Botox

The cost of Botox varies widely depending upon a number of factors. Usually it is between $300-500 per treatment. Some brands are lower in price, while others cost more. Jeuveaux is 20-30% cheaper than Botox. Xeomin costs the same as Botox, but it requires smaller dosages, which means that it may be a more cost-effective alternative to other brands. Dysport's price is comparable to Botox, but it doesn’t last as long. In general, the amount of product used is a huge factor in determining the price. Higher dosages cost more, and the dosage does vary heavily depending upon the injection site. Sometimes deeper wrinkles require a larger dosage and more sessions, and sometimes doctors may prescribe a more aggressive treatment plan. The specific office where the treatment is received will have different price ranges, and it's not uncommon for doctors to offer specials. Some jurisdictions allow less qualified professionals such as nurses or technicians to perform Botox injections, and while that does lower the cost, it's important to understand the risks of going with this option. The results of injection and the safety of the procedure are heavily dependent upon the amount of training and skill involved. Choosing a cheaper option could result in complications and botched results.

Why Yes Doctor for Botox

The doctor-patient dynamic is a huge factor in determining the results of any cosmetic procedure. Patients should take their time to find someone they can trust, who will hear their thoughts and concerns, and work to build a treatment plan that works for them. Yes Doctor provides patients with everything they need to find the right match. Patients can browse listings in our network, read reviews, and verify qualifications. The site was designed to make that process easy. It was also designed to make cosmetic care accessible to everyone. We offer 0% interest financing to qualified patients, and with our BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later) policy patients can break their payments up into easy, affordable installments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Botox is not permanent, but it is relatively long-lasting. The results will be apparent for several months, depending upon the brand that is used, the injection site, and the size of the dosage. Larger doses tend to have more of an effect, making them last longer. Metabolism also plays a key role in this. Jeuveau and Xeomin last around 3-6 months. Dysport tends to last a relatively short amount of time, usually no longer than 4 months. Botox lasts around 3-5 months. Keep in mind that these results are not uniform. Every patient has their own unique traits, and the same can be said for each injection site.
Many patients have shown concern about the potential for paralysis caused by botulinum toxin type A. Yes, Botox does cause a form of paralysis, but the effects are localized. The toxin works by paralyzing muscles in the injection site, inhibiting the release of acetylcholine from axon endings near the neuromuscular junction. Sometimes side effects do occur when the toxin spreads to areas surrounding the injection site, such as the eyelids of the corners of the mouth. In rare cases, patients may experience paralysis in those areas for several months. The toxin almost never enters the bloodstream. It does not pass into the brain, and it does not paralyze the entire body.
One of the most common, and often the most notorious, complications of Botox injections is known as eye ptosis. Sometimes when injections are placed between the brow or above the brow line the fluid can fall lower, causing the eyelid to droop. In rare cases, it may make it difficult for patients to fully open their eyes. This may happen a week or more after the treatment has occurred, or it could happen within the first 24 hours. Symptoms usually reside within a few months. Only about 5% of patients experience ptosis, and that number drops down to 1% when a skilled professional performs the treatment.
The public at large has given Botox a bad reputation due to its use of botulinum type A, its association with botulism, and the paralyzing effects of the injections. But this is entirely based on misinformation and unwarranted prejudice. Millions of people receive Botox every year. The treatment has been approved by the FDA for more than 20 years, and it was undergoing testing long before then. Side effects and complications are very rare. Most patients will never see them, and they certainly won't experience them. If they do, they can rest assured knowing those side effects will go away with time and that they won't affect their ability to go about their daily lives.