What Does Botox Do To My Face and Other FAQs

Answering our most received questions about BOTOX® and Dysport

So, you’re starting to think about getting Botox but you’ve got questions. Not to worry – we’re here to help. Neurotoxin treatments, aka Botox and Dysport, are go-to treatments for people interested in dipping their toes into cosmetic injections for the first time. They’re very low risk, low commitment (due to short-term effects), and won’t physically change the shape of your face! 

Here are some of the most common questions we get asked from folks like you during their first neurotoxin treatment to help you feel prepared: 

FIRST AND FOREMOST, WHAT IS BOTOX®?

BOTOX®, or Botulinum toxin if you’re fancy, is one of many neurotoxins (AKA neuromodulators) options on the market. You may be more familiar with its name than other brands because it’s the big one, like the Kleenex of neurotoxin.  Others, like Dysport, do the same thing.

HOW DOES BOTOX® WORK ON MY FACE?

Simply put, BOTOX®, Dysport and other neurotoxins affect how strongly your muscles contract. 

By reducing how effectively your facial muscles contract, we’re able to reduce how strongly they pull on your skin. This in turn reduces and prevents lines and wrinkles on your face helping you look refreshed, relaxed, and ageless. 

Botox and Dysport are most commonly used to treat forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, and 11s (eyebrow and nose wrinkles). It also can be used to help with pain related to migraines or TMJ pain, aka jaw tension. 

Despite what you may have heard or seen, neurotoxin injections will not change the shape of your face or make you look frozen; they simply reduce the movement of muscles to prevent little wrinkles from turning into bigger, deeper wrinkles. 

Our familiarity with neurotoxins allows us to artfully plan how much product to use and exactly where to put it to get you the effect you are looking for. Some people prefer to have all movements wiped out, while others ask for the ability to make certain expressions – maybe your ability to make a concerned face is important for your job. Your experience is totally up to you. Either way, you’ll be in great hands with our extremely caring and knowledgeable injectors!

HOW LONG DOES BOTOX LAST?

Neurotoxins usually last about two to four months, depending on where they’re placed and the person getting the treatment. Once the effect has mostly worn off, we recommend coming back in for your next treatment. We’ll leave it up to you to decide, but some people who stick to a regular schedule find their effects last longer and they sometimes need fewer units over time. Your face muscles are like other muscles in your body, if you use them less, they’re not going to be as strong. This is also why neurotoxin treatments are popular for preventative measures since they can lessen wrinkles before they’re deeply formed. 

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEE THE EFFECTS OF MY TREATMENT? 

While the actual injection will usually take less than 10 minutes, it takes a bit of time to show the full results. You’ll likely start to notice Botox working in a few days and will have the full effect at the two-week mark. Dysport usually works a little faster!

We’ll always book a follow-up visit with you in two weeks to make sure you’re pleased with your results and we can make any adjustments if you need them.

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE TREATMENT?

When you arrive for your appointment, we’ll start with a consultation where you’ll teach us about your face and share your goals. From there, we’ll have you make a couple funny faces to get to know how your muscles work and figure out exactly how much to use and where to put it.

Once you’re comfortable with your plan, we’ll cleanse your face, and mark out where the neurotoxin will have the best effect. From there, we’ll make the injections – and as we mentioned above, it usually takes less than 10 minutes – easy peasy! 

Nervous about the needle? Botox injections aren’t painful for most clients – some have even described the experience as feeling less painful than tweezing your eyebrows. If you’re still nervous about discomfort, be sure to chat with your injector because they’ve got some tricks up their sleeves to minimize the stress!

Lastly, we’ll provide you with pre- and post-treatment information to help you feel prepared for your appointment and support your aftercare. We recommend following all instructions for a smooth experience. If you still have questions or nervousness on the day of your appointment, don’t worry! Our knowledgeable and extremely caring injectors are always here to support you through the process.

Feeling ready for your first neurotoxin experience?