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BOTOX® Cosmetic
BOTOX Cosmetic is a popular, FDA-approved injectable treatment designed to temporarily reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles and fine lines in certain areas. Made from a purified form of botulinum toxin type A (note: you cannot get botulism from BOTOX injections), BOTOX Cosmetic works by gently relaxing the facial muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles (those lines that form due to repeated facial expressions such as smiling, frowning, or squinting).
When strategically injected into the areas targeted for rejuvenation, BOTOX temporarily blocks nerve signals to specific muscles, which can soften the appearance of crow’s feet, forehead creases, and frown lines between the brows (also known as “11s”). Plus, BOTOX injections can minimize signs of platysmal bands, which are noticeable lines that have developed on the neck, and provide a lift and tone to the jawline.
These remarkable treatments are capable of producing a smoother, refreshed, and more youthful appearance without the need for surgery or downtime. Additionally, our board-certified plastic surgeon in Columbus, Jason Lichten, MD, personally performs all injectable treatments for our patients. His advanced knowledge in facial anatomy and extensive training make it possible to achieve exceptionally natural-looking results that do not create an “artificial” or “frozen” look.
BOTOX Injections at a Glance
Potential Benefits: BOTOX Cosmetic offers a nonsurgical solution for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles caused by repetitive facial movements. It is commonly used to soften frown lines between the brows, crow’s feet around the eyes, and horizontal forehead lines. BOTOX injections can also now be used to treat platysmal bands that form on the neck. With quick treatments and no downtime, BOTOX injections can help you look more rested and refreshed—often in just a few days.
Candidacy: Most healthy adults looking to reduce the appearance of dynamic facial wrinkles are excellent candidates for BOTOX injections. Ideal candidates are over 18, are not pregnant or breastfeeding, and have no history of neuromuscular disorders. A personal consultation with Dr. Lichten can help determine if BOTOX is the right choice for your goals.
Procedure: BOTOX injection procedures can be performed right here at our practice by Dr. Lichten and are often quick “lunchtime” treatments. An ice pack is typically all that’s necessary to minimize potential discomfort.
Recovery: There is little to no downtime necessary after BOTOX injections. You may notice mild redness or swelling at the injection sites, but these effects typically fade within hours. Patients are usually able to return to work or daily activities right away.
Follow-Up Injections: The smoothing effects of BOTOX Cosmetic usually last approximately three to four months. Regular follow-up injections when the effects begin to fade can help prolong your results over an extended period of time.
Surgeon: At Central Ohio Plastic Surgery, all BOTOX injections are personally performed by Dr. Jason Lichten, a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training and experience in facial aesthetics. This commitment to providing the highest level of precision and care by administering every treatment himself is one of the many ways in which our practice stands out among others. Dr. Lichten’s deep understanding of facial anatomy and his artistic eye can ensure results that are both natural-looking and tailored to your unique features.
What Are the Benefits of BOTOX Cosmetic?
BOTOX Cosmetic has remained one of the most sought-after aesthetic treatments for decades, and for good reason. Its potential benefits are numerous, including:
- Minimally Invasive: No incisions or general anesthesia required
- Quick Treatment Time: Sessions typically last approximately 10 to 20 minutes
- Fast-Acting Results: Many patients see improvement within a few days
- Natural-Looking Outcomes: When injected by an expert, you should still be able to make facial expressions, just with fewer noticeable lines
- Customizable: Treatment is tailored to address your specific concerns
- No Downtime: Most patients resume normal activities immediately
- Preventive Effects: The solution can slow the formation of deeper wrinkles when used regularly
- Proven safety record: BOTOX Cosmetic is backed by years of clinical research and global use
In addition to its aesthetic applications, BOTOX has proven effective for treating excessive underarm perspiration and muscle contractions. Dr. Lichten can discuss your concerns and goals with you during the initial consultation and explore your options.
BOTOX Cosmetic Before-and-After Photos
Before-and-After Photo Gallery
Am I a Candidate for BOTOX Injections?
Ideal candidates for BOTOX Cosmetic are generally healthy adults who want to reduce signs of wrinkles and fine lines in specific facial/neck areas. You may be a good candidate if you:
- Are over the age of 18
- Have noticeable wrinkles/fine lines caused by repeated movement, such as forehead creases, crow’s feet, or frown lines/furrows between the eyebrows
- Have noticeable lines appearing on the neck (platysmal bands)
- Prefer a non-surgical solution
- Are not pregnant or breastfeeding
- Do not have a history of neuromuscular disorders
- Have realistic expectations for subtle, natural-looking results
During your consultation, Dr. Lichten will evaluate your concerns, answer any questions you may have, and help determine whether BOTOX Cosmetic is the right option for your aesthetic goals.
Dear Dr. Lichten,
All I can say is Thank You!! This tiny procedure of Botox to the forehead has taken years off of my face and almost instantly….2 days. This is this single greatest “bang for your buck” that I have ever experienced. I have THOUSANDS of dollars worth of stupid “miracle” creams – from Lancome to Clarins to Philosophy – ALL complete and utter nonsense and a waste of my hard-earned money. Yeah, they smell good and go on like silk but they do absolutely nothing for wrinkles.
I wish I had done this 5 years ago. Really. If anyone is on the fence about Botox, trust me, take the plunge. You will never look back!
My future photos thank you.
What Is Dysport, and How Is It Different from BOTOX Cosmetic?
In 2009, the FDA approved an alternative to BOTOX Cosmetic called Dysport® for use in treating wrinkles between the eyes. Central Ohio Plastic Surgery was one of the first in the country to offer Dysport to our patients. Since that time, other neuromodulators, like XEOMIN®, Jeuveau®, and Daxxify® have entered the market. Although Dr. Lichten has experience with all of these products, he believes that BOTOX Cosmetic is the most constant in effect and duration. Therefore, he uses BOTOX Cosmetic in 99% of his patients.
During the initial consultation, Dr. Lichten can talk more about the advantages of BOTOX Cosmetic vs. other types of cosmetic injectables and address any concerns you may have.
What Does the BOTOX Cosmetic Procedure Involve?
The BOTOX treatment process is both simple and efficient for most patients. In fact, BOTOX Cosmetic treatments take only minutes to perform. During treatment, Dr. Lichten makes several small injections into the facial muscles that are causing dynamic wrinkles. The amount of BOTOX Cosmetic solution used during your procedure will depend on the areas being treated and the extent of wrinkling. While most patients find the injections easily tolerable, Dr. Lichten will give you an ice pack to increase your comfort level.
The entire BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment session typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes, often making it easy to fit into a lunch break or a busy schedule. After your treatment, you should be able to return to your normal activities with minimal restrictions. Our team will review post-care instructions with you that can help ensure optimal results.
Is There a Recovery Period After BOTOX Injections?
There is typically no formal downtime necessary after receiving BOTOX injections, which is one of the reasons this treatment is so popular. Most individuals return to their normal activities right away. However, to maximize your results and minimize the risk of side effects, it’s important to follow Dr. Lichten’s aftercare guidance.
You will be advised to stay upright for at least four hours after treatment and to avoid rubbing or massaging the treated areas. High-intensity exercise should be postponed for at least 24 hours, and heat-based treatments like saunas or facials should be avoided for a couple of days. Some patients experience mild swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection sites, but these effects are temporary and usually resolve within a day or two.
How Long Do BOTOX Cosmetic Results Last?
BOTOX Cosmetic results typically last three to four months, though this can vary based on factors such as your metabolism, muscle strength, and how frequently you make expressions in the treated areas. Many patients begin to see visible improvements within three to five days following treatment, with the full effect typically developing by day 10 to 14.
With occasional “touch-up” treatments, the effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic can continue for longer periods. Dr. Lichten can recommend a treatment schedule designed to help you maintain your desired look for as long as possible.
How Much Do BOTOX Injections Cost?
The total cost of BOTOX® injection procedures varies significantly among individual patients since the treatment plan is customized. Factors that will be go into the overall price include:
- Number of Units Injected: The BOTOX Cosmetic solution is measured in “units,” which will be determined based on the amount necessary for the desired results.
- Treatment Area Size: Although every patient is different, an approximate guide for treatment is:
- Forehead: 16-24 units
- Brow: 20-32 units
- Crow’s Feet: 24-30 units
- Neck: 26-36 units
A personalized cost estimate will be provided during your consultation once your treatment plan has been developed. Our practice accepts an array of convenient payment methods, including third-party financing plans from reputable companies that offer qualified applicants a way to pay for their treatment over time.
Why Should I Choose Central Ohio Plastic Surgery for BOTOX Injections?
Many practitioners who are not plastic surgeons, or even doctors, have begun to offer aesthetic treatments like BOTOX Cosmetic, Restylane®, JUVÉDERM® and skin resurfacing procedures. Just because these practitioners can dispense BOTOX Cosmetic and dermal fillers, doesn’t necessarily make it a good idea.
Injectables are minimally invasive procedures, but that doesn’t mean you want a minimally trained injector to perform them. At Central Ohio Plastic Surgery, your injections will be performed by a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Jason Lichten has been trained in the structures of the face and skin as part of his formal residency training, not just as part of a weekend course.
While no one can ever guarantee your results for cosmetic treatments, you can take steps to ensure that your provider has had extensive training. In addition to his medical licensure and ABPS certification, Dr. Lichten is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons® (ASPS). This not only confirms his background training and education but also signifies Dr. Lichten’s commitment to remaining abreast of the latest medical developments and research. All of these factors can help you feel more confident knowing that your BOTOX® injections are being administered by a board certified plastic surgeon who has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform extremely precise treatments designed for the most effective, natural-looking results possible.
Learn more about Dr. Lichten’s background, publications and training.
Additional BOTOX Cosmetic FAQs
Can I go back to work after my treatment?
In most cases, you should be able to return to work or other daily activities almost immediately after BOTOX injections. It is a true “lunchtime” procedure. Some minor swelling and bruising at the treatment site may occur, but this is typically not very noticeable. Facial skin should begin to look smoother and more refreshed about three days after treatment, with the full effect being revealed after about two weeks.
I have a big event coming up, when should I schedule my procedure?
We recommend that you schedule your treatment between two and three weeks before the big day. BOTOX Cosmetic, unlike dermal fillers, does not work instantly, so you will need to give it some time to take effect. Also, in the event you have bruising (usually very minor, if it occurs), we want to make sure you have time for it to go away.
I have wrinkles around my mouth, can BOTOX Cosmetic fix those?
Typically, for wrinkles between the nose and lips (the “nasolabial folds” or “parentheses” lines) or for wrinkling around the lips (“smoker’s” lines), Dr. Lichten will recommend a dermal filler from the JUVEDERM family of fillers.
Many people choose to combine their BOTOX Cosmetic treatment with an injectable filler, such as JUVEDERM VOLUMA, VOLLURE or VOLBELLA. With an extremely short recovery period and no bandages or stitches, BOTOX Cosmetic and JUVEDERM make it easy to achieve lasting wrinkle reduction.
Do men get BOTOX injections, too?
Absolutely! In fact, in recent years, there has been a huge uptick in men getting BOTOX Cosmetic to soften their facial wrinkles. Indeed, it has gotten so popular that the term “Bro-tox” has been coined.
BOTOX Cosmetic Aftercare Instructions
- Things to Expect
- Things to Report
- Post-Procedural Activity
If you have additional questions about BOTOX Cosmetic or other treatments available from Dr. Lichten, please contact us today. We will be happy to talk more with you about these popular non-surgical options, or assist you with scheduling a consultation.
