Botox Injections
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Pittsburgh, PA
Botox (BOTOX®) is an injectable treatment that relaxes the facial muscles responsible for the development of creases and wrinkles. It is also known as a ‘prejuvenation’ treatment, helping younger patients prevent deep wrinkles from developing to begin with. (1)
Beleza Plastic Surgery is one of Pittsburgh’s top aesthetic practices, led by Dr. Anna Wooten, F.A.C.S. Dr. Wooten is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast, body, and facial aesthetics. Patients and colleagues throughout western Pennsylvania recognize Dr. Wooten for her dedication to precision and patient safety; she is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the only plastic surgical society the government recognizes.
If you are ready to start working with the Beleza team, we invite you to schedule a consultation online. You may also call either of our offices directly:
- Sewickley/Wexford: (724) 759-7777
- Pittsburgh: (412) 877-9388
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Botox
Botox is an FDA-approved treatment to soften the appearance of the glabellar (‘11’) lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines. Botox is a neuromodulator, meaning it blocks the release of certain neurotransmitters to relax the targeted muscles. This allows your skin to smooth itself out, creating a more youthful look.
Benefits
Botox offers numerous benefits, including:
- Non-Surgical Nature: One of the primary benefits of Botox is that it is a simple injection. This means you will not need to worry about any general anesthesia or scarring.
- Quick Treatment Time: Appointments are typically complete in 30 minutes or less, allowing busier patients to return to their routines quickly.
- Little to No Downtime: You may return to most of your activities immediately after your appointment.
- Lasting Results: The effects of Botox can last for 3-4 months before you may require a touch-up injection.
Candidates
Ideal candidates for Botox are generally adults seeking to minimize the appearance of dynamic facial wrinkles, such as frown lines, crow’s feet, or forehead lines. Suitable patients are in good overall health and have realistic expectations for the results. Additionally, candidates should understand that Botox provides temporary improvement and may require ongoing treatments to maintain the desired effect.
Patients who are typically not eligible for Botox are those who:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a known allergy to botulinum toxin or any of its ingredients
- Have certain neuromuscular disorders
- Have active skin infections or inflammation at the proposed injection sites
- Are taking medications that may interfere with Botox
Personal Consultation
Before receiving Botox, you will need to attend a personal consultation. During this consultation, Dr. Wooten, her Physician Assistant, or her Nurse Practitioner will meet with you to discuss your Botox goals. They will review your medical history and allergies, as well as converse about your concerns and treatment goals. They will also examine your skin.
If you are ready to schedule your consultation, please contact us online. Alternatively, you may contact our offices directly at:
- Sewickley/Wexford: (724) 759-7777
- Pittsburgh: (412) 877-9388
Preparation
Once you decide to move forward with Botox, Dr. Wooten, her Physician Assistant, or her Nurse Practitioner will give you a set of preparation instructions. These instructions are straightforward, but you must follow them for the best results. They may include the following guidelines:
- Cease nicotine and alcohol consumption several days before and after your procedure
- Modify your skincare routine to avoid harsh or acidic skincare products
- Wear sun protection when leaving the house
- Avoid tanning or direct and excessive sun exposure
- Stay hydrated and keep your skin moisturized
By following each instruction, you can optimize your results and minimize risks. If any questions arise before your treatment, please do not hesitate to call our office.
Procedure
When you arrive for your treatment, your injector will first cleanse and sanitize your skin. They may apply a topical anesthetic to the treatment areas to minimize discomfort, but this is not always necessary. Your injector will then use a thin needle to measure out the Botox dosage before injecting it into specific facial muscles.
Once your injector has addressed each targeted area, you can carry on with your daily routine. Each appointment lasts around 30 minutes on average, though this may vary.
Recovery
After your Botox injections, you may experience tenderness at the injection sites. You should avoid scratching, touching, or putting pressure on the treated areas initially. These symptoms will likely dissipate on their own after 24-48 hours. During this time, you should avoid harsher skincare products or makeup so as not to irritate the injection sites.
You can resume laser treatments and skincare treatments such as DiamondGlow or intense pulsed light (IPL) after approximately two weeks.
Your injector will provide a full set of recovery instructions to help you navigate your recovery. These instructions will help you manage any side effects, activity or product restrictions, and more.
Results
Results from Botox develop gradually. You can start to notice the results beginning to develop after about three to five days, but it may be about two weeks before the full results show. As the targeted muscles relax, you will notice your wrinkles, creases, and fine lines soften while your skin smooths itself out.
The results of Botox are temporary, with many patients experiencing their effects for three to four months. After the effects of Botox wear off, patients often choose to receive touch-up injections. With consistent treatments, patients can effectively maintain a smoother appearance and potentially prevent wrinkles from worsening or new ones from forming.
Botox Alternatives
In addition to Botox, there are several other neuromodulators. These treatments also relax your facial muscles, allowing you to achieve long-lasting rejuvenation. These include Dysport, Xeomin, Daxxify, and Jeaveau.
- Dysport: Dysport is a neuromodulator that offers effects lasting between 3 to 4 months. This treatment is ideal for addressing larger areas, such as the forehead.
- Xeomin: Xeomin is a neuromodulator that contains no accessory proteins. This means that the formula only contains the botulinum toxin.
- Daxxify: Daxxify, also known as DAXI, is a neuromodulator that can soften and reduce signs of aging in the upper face. This injectable is known to last twice as long as other neuromodulators, and is ideal for addressing concerns such as crow’s feet or frown lines between the eyebrows.
- Jeaveau: Jeaveau is a neuromodulator that can relax lines and wrinkles in between the eyebrows, also known as glabellar lines. This treatment is known for its quick onset time, with many patients beginning to notice improvements within days.
Corresponding Procedures
Dermal Fillers
While Botox is effective for diminishing facial wrinkles, this treatment does not address facial volume loss or poor definition. Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin to add natural-looking volume. Beleza carries several different types of dermal fillers, each of which can complement the results of a Botox treatment:
- Juvéderm: Juvéderm is a family of hyaluronic acid-based fillers with several different variations for areas like the cheeks, nasolabial folds, lipstick lines, and more.
- Restylane: Hyaluronic acid-based fillers that restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours, including areas like the lips, with immediate results lasting several months.
- Sculptra: Sculptra is a semi-permanent filler composed of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). This filler is collagen-stimulating, and offers gradual results that can last for several years on end.
- Radiesse: A collagen-stimulating filler that adds volume, particularly to the cheeks, with immediate results that can last a year or more.
Cost of Botox in Pittsburgh, Sewickley/Wexford, Pennsylvania
The cost of your treatment can vary depending on several factors, such as the amount of Botox administered and whether you receive any additional treatments. You will receive a quote during your consultation. Beleza Plastic Surgery also offers financing to make treatments more accessible.
To learn more, please schedule a consultation online or call the office most convenient for you:
- Sewickley/Wexford: (724) 759-7777
- Pittsburgh: (412) 877-9388
FAQ
What concerns can Botox address?
Botox is FDA-approved to reduce the appearance of moderate to severe facial wrinkles. Botox can also be a form of preventative rejuvenation to address the development of wrinkles before they worsen. It also has other indications, such as treating chronic migraines, excessive sweating, spasticity, and more.
Do Botox injections hurt?
Patients tend to describe the sensation of the injection as a slight pinch or sting. If necessary, your injector can apply a topical anesthetic at the beginning of your appointment to enhance your comfort.
What areas of my face can I treat with Botox?
Your injector will help determine the muscles to target with Botox after assessing your face during your personal consultation. Many patients benefit from injections in the area between the eyebrows (glabellar or ‘11’ lines), the corners of the eyes (crow’s feet), or the forehead. You can also choose to treat multiple areas during the same appointment.
How long will the results of my Botox last?
Botox results usually last for 3-5 months. Once the results wear off, you may choose to undergo additional Botox injections. Regular treatments can act as a form of ‘prejuvenation,’ preventing new wrinkles from forming and existing ones from worsening.
Does Botox come with any risks?
Yes, like many other cosmetic treatments, there are certain risks associated with Botox. These include headaches, infection, ptosis, and more. During your consultation, your injector will discuss each of these risks with you so that you can make fully informed decisions about your treatment. However, Botox is an FDA-approved, time-tested treatment that is generally very well tolerated. Choosing an experienced injector like those at Beleza greatly diminishes any potential risks.
Does Botox add volume?
No, Botox does not add any volume beneath the skin—it simply reduces the muscles that cause certain wrinkles. However, patients can choose to combine their treatment with dermal fillers if facial volume is a concern. Beleza offers a full suite of dermal fillers and biostimulatory injectables that pair wonderfully with Botox.
References
- Padda IS, Prasanna Tadi. Botulinum Toxin. Nih.gov. Published November 6, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557387/#article-97357.s2
- Yousef H, Alhajj M, Sharma S. Anatomy, Skin (Integument), Epidermis. PubMed. Published June 8, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470464/