Additional BOTOX® FAQs
How old do you have to be to get BOTOX® Cosmetic injections?
The FDA has approved BOTOX® Cosmetic injections for individuals aged 18 years and older. While 18 is considered an early age for wrinkle reduction, it is becoming increasingly popular to use BOTOX® Cosmetic in patients between the ages of 18 and 30 years old to prevent wrinkles from forming. Young patients who want to relax facial muscle spasticity (commonly referred to as muscle spasms or twitches) may also be good candidates for BOTOX® injections.
How many units of BOTOX® Cosmetic will I need?
The number BOTOX® Cosmetic units you require to reduce your wrinkles depends on the location of the wrinkles, the strength of your muscles, and how many areas you want to treat. Different muscle groups may require more or less BOTOX® Cosmetic to achieve the desired result. During your consultation, your injector can analyze your wrinkles and provide you with an estimate of how many BOTOX® Cosmetic units you should start with. It is better to under-treat the muscles your first time, than to over-treat. Two weeks after your initial injections, when the BOTOX® has reached its peak efficacy, you and your injector can reassess whether or not additional units are needed to induce further relaxation. At Pinsky Plastic Surgery, we always record how many units of BOTOX® Cosmetic you receive during treatments so that we have an accurate point of reference for future injection sessions.
Is there a way to make BOTOX® Cosmetic last longer?
Regular BOTOX® Cosmetic maintenance treatments are believed to be the best way to make results last longer. By preventing the facial muscles from moving, BOTOX® Cosmetic can make muscles weaker over time—which in turn may extend the life of your treatments. Treatment sessions should be spaced at least three months apart to prevent an increased tolerance to the active ingredient in BOTOX® injections.
How often should I get BOTOX® Cosmetic injections?
The effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic typically last between three to four months, but for some individuals, results may last longer. In order to retain the benefits of BOTOX® Cosmetic on a continuous basis, injections can be repeated as results are fading after 12 weeks or beyond. Depending on your goals, response to BOTOX® injections, and budget, your injector can develop a regular BOTOX® treatment schedule customized to suit your needs.
How long after BOTOX® Cosmetic injections until I can lie down?
Following BOTOX® Cosmetic injections, it is recommended that you wait about four hours before lying down. If you need to lie down, it is important to lie on your back, so as not to place pressure on the injection areas.