Over the last two decades, BOTOX has become the go-to treatment for wrinkles and lines in certain areas of the face because it provides a non-invasive option at a fraction of the cost of a surgical facelift. When administered by a qualified professional, BOTOX treatments have been proven safe and effective—and can last up to four months. And, as BOTOX has grown in popularity, it’s also become even more cost-effective. These days, more providers are charging by the amount of BOTOX used (based on a patient’s needs), so clients pay only for what they actually need.
What Is BOTOX?
BOTOX is a trademarked brand name for a cosmetic made with the onabotulinum toxin, a protein derived from the bacterium associated with botulism. The therapeutic potential of botulism was identified as early as the 1800s and it has since been used to treat a range of medical conditions including migraines, muscle spasms, jaw clenching, vocal cord problems, and beyond.
The cosmetic use of botulism for treating wrinkles in the face was approved in the early 2000s, with BOTOX as the leading and most prevalent brand. Since then, BOTOX has become widely known as a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment for facial wrinkles.
How Does BOTOX Work?
BOTOX prevents wrinkles by paralyzing facial muscles with a safe botulism toxin. Frown lines and crow’s feet are caused by repeated contraction of muscles over the years in facial expressions. BOTOX works beneath the skin to target muscle activity, temporarily reducing muscle movement and causing the associated wrinkles to disappear.
What Areas of My Face Can be Treated with BOTOX?
- Forehead – the horizontal “worry” lines
- Glabella – the vertical “angry” lines between the eyebrows
- Crow’s Feet – the fine lines around your eyes
- “Bunny Lines” – the little wrinkles from crinkling your nose
- “Smoker’s Lines” – the vertical lines around your lips
Is BOTOX Safe?
BOTOX injections are the most common cosmetic procedure in the United States, with over 6 million treatments in 2013 according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. And the trademarked BOTOX product has been proven safe when administered by a trained professional. BOTOX can be administered by nurses and physician’s assistants as well as by doctors.
BOTOX: A Cost-Effective Option
When compared with a surgical facelift and procedures, BOTOX is truly one of the most cost-effective cosmetic options available.
It’s important that your provider is approved by the manufacturer and that the professionals administering treatment have extensive training. Beware of cheap imitation products and deals (online and otherwise) that sound too good to be true. There are cheap knock-offs of BOTOX on the market, but those products, in many cases, have not been tested for safety and could cause problems.
Authentic BOTOX from an approved medi-spa remains a cost-effective treatment, particularly when BOTOX is sold by the unit rather than by the procedure.
In addition, while BOTOX injections are temporary, many doctors agree that regular injections can lead to a lasting effect by keeping wrinkles from getting worse. Botox limits muscle movement, and so when administered properly, it can actually have a preventive impact, rather than simply treating wrinkles.
Personalized BOTOX Treatment At Radiance Salon & Medi-Spa
The trend among BOTOX providers is to charge by the unit (the amount of BOTOX used in the injection) allowing them to personalize treatment and charge clients for only what they need. At Radiance Medi Spa, we charge just $12 per unit, so clients only pay for the specific treatment they receive. Our per-unit cost is discounted to $10 for new patients and current patients who refer friends. Radiance also offers BOTOX Days on the first and third Friday of each month, with BOTOX just $10. from 3:30 pm – 8 pm (Broadlands location) and 12:30 pm – 5 pm (Lansdowne location). These appointments fill up quickly, so plan ahead.
The amount of BOTOX needed for different muscles varies, so before treatment, your provider will do an assessment and create a treatment plan. (Be sure to tell your specialist about your medical history and any medications.) Based on the area to be treated and the condition of the muscles involved, your provider will determine the number of units required. Treatments around the eyebrows, eyes, and forehead often take between 10 and 30 units depending on muscle strength and other factors.
However, it’s important to note that wrapped up in that per-unit cost is the skill and experience of the provider. Our director is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has hand-selected staff of nurses and physician’s assistants who receive training in BOTOX treatment. These highly qualified professionals are your partners in looking younger—and getting the most bang for your buck.
