Gulf Coast Medical Center Dermatology & Aesthetics
11522 US Highway 19, Building B
Port Richey, FL 34668
Phone: (727) 318-5515
BOTOX®
BOTOX Cosmetic is a popular treatment used to relax crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead creases that may be aging your skin. Women and men who want to look their best with BOTOX come from Tampa and Wesley Chapel to our Trinity, Port Richey, and Spring Hill locations.
What Is BOTOX?
BOTOX is a medication that has been used for decades to treat certain medical conditions, as well as facial lines and wrinkles. BOTOX is the most widely recognized brand name, but Dysport® and Jeuveau™ are comparable products, and all three are composed of a toxin made by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. These products are also called neuromodulators or neurotoxins, and they cause the targeted muscles to relax.
How Does BOTOX Work?
When BOTOX is injected into muscles—specifically facial muscles responsible for frowning or squinting—it temporarily relaxes them. When the muscles can’t contract, it smooths these “dynamic” lines and wrinkles on your face. After your procedure is completed, it can take up to 2 weeks to see the full results. How long your BOTOX results last will depend on your metabolism.
Since BOTOX results are temporary, you will need to discuss when and how often to get touch-up sessions with your provider.
Differences Between BOTOX, Dysport, and Jeuveau
Although BOTOX is often used as a blanket term for all neuromodulators, Dysport and Jeuveau are effective treatments in their own right. Dysport works similarly to BOTOX but has a thinner consistency that can net more natural-looking results when used in certain areas. Jeuveau works great on facial lines that form between the eyebrows and around the eyes. Your provider will discuss your options and help determine the right neuromodulator for you.
What Areas of My Face Can I Improve With BOTOX?
Upper Face
Forehead lines – The forehead is often the first facial area to show signs of aging. If you want to smooth horizontal forehead furrows, BOTOX is an excellent option.
Between the eyebrows – Also called “eleven” lines, these vertical lines can make you look anxious or angry even when you are not.
Crow’s feet – These lines appear at the outer corners of your eyes when you smile, laugh, or squint but can persist even when your face is resting. Crows’ feet tend to be more prominent as the skin in this area is thin and fragile.
Lower Face
Dimpled chin – If you have dimpled orange-peel textured skin on your chin, BOTOX can smooth out the area for a more uniform appearance.
Lips – An expert injector can use BOTOX to correct asymmetry or unevenness of the lips.
BOTOX Treatment Areas
Upper Face
- Forehead lines
- Between the eyebrows
- Crow's feet
Lower Face
- Lips
- Dimpled Chin
Are There Any Side Effects With BOTOX?
You may experience mild symptoms, such as redness, itching, and swelling at the injection site after your BOTOX treatment. Most of these symptoms subside after a few hours; your provider will advise you on how to handle any discomfort.
How Many Units of BOTOX Do I Need?
The number of BOTOX units you will need depends on the skin concern and the approximate size of your treatment area. There is no fixed number for each treatment area, but your provider will let you know how many BOTOX units you’ll likely need to achieve your goals.
What Is the Recovery Process Like After BOTOX?
After completing your BOTOX treatment, your provider will advise you to keep your head elevated for the first few hours and apply a cold compress to the area. You should be able to resume your normal routine and go back to work after your BOTOX treatment.
You might notice some redness and swelling in the treated area, but these symptoms should resolve quickly. Refrain from rubbing the area for at least 24 hours.
Professional-Grade Skincare Products
BOTOX FAQs
How much does BOTOX cost?
A BOTOX treatment session can cost anywhere from $300 to $600, depending on the areas you want to be treated. Your provider will discuss the optimal number of units and the cost per unit of BOTOX during your consultation.
Is BOTOX safe?
BOTOX is a safe and FDA-approved treatment for facial lines, and it has been used for decades for both clinical and cosmetic purposes. Make sure to choose a skilled and experienced provider for safe and optimal results.
Can BOTOX be used for non-cosmetic purposes?
BOTOX can be used to reduce excess sweating caused by overactive sweat glands. BOTOX can temporarily disable the gland so you can feel confident on hot days or when wearing fitted clothing. BOTOX treatments can also help individuals who suffer from chronic migraines.
What is the best age to get BOTOX?
While there is no optimal age to start BOTOX treatments, most people start when they first see lines and wrinkles on the upper face. It is becoming more common to start in your 20s or early 30s as a preventative treatment to keep the lines from forming.
Choose Our Specialists for Your BOTOX Treatment
If you are ready to refresh and rejuvenate your face with BOTOX, Dysport, and Jeuveau, reach out to our team of dermatology specialists. We will handle your injectable treatment with expertise, care, and compassion. To start your journey with cosmetic injectables, request a consultation or call us at (727) 318-5515 to schedule an appointment.
BOTOX® Providers
You'll get the time and attention you deserve from our experienced and highly trained board-certified physicians and our talented team of certified assistants.
Dawn Carroll, APRN-C
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse | Master Cosmetic Injector
Amy Strobbe, D.O., FACOI
Board Certified Obesity Medicine | Master Cosmetic Injector | Board Certified Internal Medicine
