Botox relaxes the small muscles behind expression lines, so the lines soften while you still look like yourself. Rocio Olea, APRN, uses Botox only, dosed conservatively and adjusted to how your face moves.
What does Botox do?
Botox is a purified protein that temporarily relaxes the muscle it is placed in. Lines caused by movement (frowning, squinting, raising your brows) soften because the muscle underneath pulls less. It does not add volume, so lines that are there because volume has been lost are usually a job for filler instead. Many plans use both, each for what it does well.
Which areas are treated?
The FDA has approved Botox Cosmetic for frown lines between the brows, crow’s feet, forehead lines and vertical neck bands. Rocio also uses it for a brow lift, a lip flip, a dimpled chin and the masseter (jaw) muscle; those are common, well-established uses, but they are off-label, and she talks them through with you first. Each area has its own page: forehead lines, frown lines, brow lift, crow’s feet, lip flip, masseter, chin, neck bands.
What is a first appointment like?
It starts with a conversation: what bothers you, your medical history, and how your face moves when you talk and smile. If Botox suits you, the treatment itself takes a few minutes, with a few small injections per area. Most people go straight back to their day.
When will I see results, and how long do they last?
Most people notice a change within three to five days, and the full effect shows at about two weeks. Results usually last three to four months, sometimes longer with regular treatment. It wears off gradually, so there is no sudden “drop”.
After your treatment
For the first four hours, don't touch or rub the treated area, and stay upright: no bending over or lying flat. For 24 hours, skip exercise that makes you sweat, and alcohol. Then leave your face alone for two weeks, with no facials or massage over the treated areas, so the product stays where it was placed. Rocio sees you again at two weeks, when the full effect is in, to check the result.
Common questions
How long does Botox last?
Botox usually lasts three to four months. It depends on the area, the dose and your own metabolism; people who exercise hard often find it wears off a little sooner.
When will I see results?
Most people see a change within three to five days, with the full result at about two weeks. That is why touch-ups, if needed, are done after two weeks and not before.
Is there downtime?
Usually not. Small bumps at the injection points settle within about an hour, and a small bruise is possible.
Will I look frozen?
Not if it is dosed for your face. The aim is softer lines with normal expression, so Rocio starts conservatively; adding a little at a follow-up is easy, taking it away is not.
Who shouldn't have Botox?
It is not given during pregnancy or breastfeeding, to people with certain nerve or muscle conditions such as myasthenia gravis, or where there is an infection at the injection site. Rocio goes through your medical history and medicines at the consultation.
Does it hurt?
Most people describe a quick pinch. The needle is very fine, and each injection takes a second. A topical numbing cream is available if you want it.
This is general education, not a treatment plan. What you actually need depends on your anatomy, muscle strength, and goals — Rocio determines that with you in person.