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Posted on 28 Jun 2016
BOTOX™ is a very safe drug and many people enjoy the benefits of it for decreasing the appearance of frown lines, laugh lines, and other facial wrinkles. A basic understanding of how Botox works can help you cut through the confusion about what goes into the decision about “how much,” and make the experience much more enjoyable. Here are a few tips on how to work with the right provider and understand what Botox will cost for your particular situation.
Choose The Right Provider
A plastic surgeon has a trained aesthetic eye and possesses firsthand knowledge of facial anatomy and how your facial muscles work. It is important to receive proper evaluation of your facial anatomy and create a custom plan for your Botox administration. The physician-led team will have the knowledge to determine how much Botox you need and be able to help you achieve your goals.
Have a Realistic Budget
Any provider will be able to provide a guesstimate but you’ll want to undergo a consultation for the provider to know what it will cost for your particular situation. The safest bet is to choose someone who prices Botox per unit, not per area. This way you know exactly how much Botox you are receiving (and paying for) with each treatment. You can simply multiply the number of units by the price per unit to get an estimate. Consider asking if the office has any upcoming special Botox pricing events.
Understand What a “Botox unit” Really Means
Botox is measured in “units” based on strength. This unit is unique to Botox and you can’t compare 1 Botox unit to the measurement used for any other product such as Dysport. One unit is the amount of Botox it takes to achieve a specific level of blockade of the nerve responsible for muscle contraction. Whether or not it is your first treatment, you need to get the right dose to see the desired results. Attempting to save money by under-treating an area will only be a waste of your time and money. For example, if you need 20 units for your frown lines, getting 10 units will not make them look 50% better. Conversely, it is better to return to the office for touch-ups than to receive too much, in which case there is little to do but wait 2-4 months for the effects to wear off. The goal with Botox treatment is to diminish wrinkles while still being able to make normal facial expressions.
Where Botox is Injected
Botox is not injected into the wrinkle but rather it is injected into the muscle that causes the wrinkle. Each muscle requires a certain number of units of Botox to relax the muscle enough to keep a wrinkle from forming. Charts outlining the recommended amount of Botox for a specific area show the range of units needed for relaxation of the muscle.
Schedule a Botox Consultation | Neaman MediSpa
The goal is to get as close as possible to the optimal amount of BOTOX™ without over-treating an area. Contact Neaman MediSpa to inquire about the optimal amount of Botox you will need to achieve the desired results. We welcome patients from Eugene, Salem, Portland, and greater Oregon.
Dr. Keith Neaman
Dr. Neaman is a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in surgical body contouring. He prides himself on being on the cutting edge of plastic surgery. He takes an informative approach to each consultation, and through open dialogue and communication, he helps his patients decide on a treatment plan that meets their needs.
