From the most difficult dynamic wrinkles to even correcting a gummy smile, Botox alternative is a long-trusted neuromodulator that helps relax muscles in the face for an improved youthful appearance. At Spa Black in San Antonio, TX, we believe in giving each of our patients the information they need to make an informed decision about their aesthetic goals and treatment, including how many Botox units are necessary for your treatment.
How Many Units of Botox Do I Need?
The most popular neurotoxin in the world is Botox, which can be used to treat fine lines and wrinkles on virtually every area of the face. But how much Botox do you need to get the results you want? The fact of the matter is that your Botox units will depend on factors such as the type of wrinkle being treated, the severity of the wrinkle, and the location of the wrinkle.
In general, however, you can expect that each zone of the face will require a different number of units to achieve your aesthetic goals. The required units for the zones of the face include:
At our Med Spa in San Antonio, Botox treatments are generally used to address dynamic wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes, including brow lifts. If you are interested in using Botox to treat other zones of the face, please let us know during your consultation appointment.
Why Is This Treatment Measured by Units?
Some other injectable treatments, such as dermal fillers, are sometimes measured by syringes rather than by units. So why Botox units instead of Botox syringes? The simple explanation is that measuring by units makes it easier for your aesthetician to give you a fully customized treatment that uses the exact amount of neurotoxin required to relax your muscles.
Measuring by units also gives your treatment plan more flexibility. For example, while most units are given symmetrically on each side, there are some people who require additional units on one side of the face to produce the desired results. Measuring by units ensures that precise amounts are used instead of eyeballed by syringes.
How Are the Botox Alternative Units for Your Treatment Determined?
Since there is a range of units used for each zone of the face, how is your ideal amount of Botox units determined? The two main factors are location and severity. For example, if you are using Botox on glabellar lines between the eyebrows, then you should expect to use between 10 and 25 units. The average units used in this zone is about 10, but sometimes the severity of the wrinkle in that location calls for additional units.
How Many Units Are Used in an Average Treatment?
The maximum number of units that can be safely used in a single Botox treatment is 100 units, so how those units are dispersed is entirely depending on your aesthetic goals and needs. On average, most people treating moderate appearance concerns will use about 50 units at a time, which is about one and a half vials of Botox per treatment.
When Are More Units Are Necessary?
Sometimes, more units are necessary based on the number of wrinkles you want to treat and where they are located. While these units will never be above 100 units per treatment, you can expect that deeper wrinkles will require additional units – and this may mean that you can’t treat other areas of your face with Botox if there aren’t enough units left.
Usually, more units are required on dynamic wrinkles on the face. Dynamic wrinkles are those that are formed in association with facial expressions, which means that the main dynamic wrinkles on your face will include glabellar lines, forehead lines, and nasolabial lines. These three dynamic wrinkles usually require larger quantities of Botox, particularly if the wrinkles are very pronounced.
How Much Does a Unit Cost?
Botox units usually cost between $10 and $15, which means an average treatment that uses 50 units can cost about $500. The good news about this is that Botox is an investment in your appearance that will last for several months at a time, which means you’re really paying about $40 a week to enjoy a younger-looking appearance.
Other Botox Alternative FAQs
1. What Can You Expect From Your Treatment?
Your treatment will consist of a few stages for each of your appointments, which will last about 15 to 20 minutes on average. First, it’s important that you arrive at your appointment with a clean face, meaning no make-up, moisturizers, or other products are on the skin. At your request, we can apply a topical numbing cream to keep you comfortable during your treatment.
One of our talented aestheticians will administer several small injections into various muscles in your face. Each zone of the face has a different number of injections that are required to deliver the correct number of units. For example, treating dynamic wrinkles on the forehead generally requires at least five injections to different muscles in the forehead until all units are delivered. Once your injections are completed, so is your treatment.
2. Will You Need a Consultation?
When you have a consultation at our Med Spa in San Antonio, we make sure that you understand every step of your treatment and that all of your questions are answered. If this is your first time using Botox at all or your first time using Botox at our clinic, you will need to attend a consultation appointment so we can map out your treatment plan to achieve all of your aesthetic goals.
During your consultation, we will pay attention to the problematic wrinkles you identify and examine their severity to determine if these wrinkles are ideal for Botox treatment. We will also go over your aesthetic goals and the reasonable expectations you have for treatment. We may also recommend you combine Botox with other cosmetic treatments to achieve your goals, particularly if you have wrinkles that are caused by volume loss rather than muscle tension.
3. Will You Need an Allergy Test?
While botox alternative has a relatively low allergy rating, it may still be necessary for you to have an allergy test prior to your first Botox treatments. Allergy tests usually consist of a small skin patch test, which is when Botox is applied topically to the skin and we watch for any adverse reactions, such as rashes. Usually, we can determine the outcome of an allergy test within 20 minutes.
4. When Will You See Results?
Your results will this treatment will not be immediate. However, you can expect the results of your treatment to be visible within seven to ten days of your treatment. This is because it will take several days for the neurotoxin to settle into the muscles of your skin and begin taking effect. The full results of your treatment should be visible within two weeks of your treatment appointment.
Some patients find that the results of their treatment will manifest more quickly if light massage is used during the first 24 to 48 hours of your treatment. Lightly massaging the injection sites will ensure that the neurotoxin solution spreads evenly under your skin and is absorbed more quickly by your facial muscles. We may provide you specific instructions on how to treat your face during your aftercare period.
5. How Long Do Results Last?
The results of this treatment can generally last for three to four months at a time. Of course, the length of time your results will last can be determined by how many Botox treatments you have had before and your unique biology. For example, first-time patients may find that their results will last for closer to three months, while patients who have used Botox before may find that their results last longer than four months.
6. How Can You Maintain Botox Alternative Results?
Maintaining the results of your treatment is something that will come down to how well you take care of your skin. For example, using products that support your anti-aging efforts is the easiest way to ensure that your skin remains healthy and supple during and after your treatment. The best way to prevent new wrinkles is to ensure that your skin has the support it needs in the form of Retinol, collagen, and hyaluronic acid. We can help you find the products that will help you achieve your anti-aging goals.
7. What Are the Main Benefits of This Treatment?
Botox treatments are highly beneficial. For example, as a non-surgical treatment, there is very little risk of scarring and even less downtime than traditional facelift surgery. Less downtime means you can quickly return to your normal daily activities, including work; however, you may need to avoid certain activities, such as exercise, for one to three days during your treatment.
Other benefits of this treatment include how cost-effective Botox Alternative is. Compared to what you might pay for facelift surgery or other plastic surgery to achieve your goals. using this minimally invasive treatment is much more affordable. This is particularly helpful for patients who aren’t sure if certain cosmetic treatments and results are right for them, as you can use this treatment to determine what kind of results you may want from a more permanent treatment.
8. Who Are Ideal Candidates?
The ideal candidates for this treatment include any adult over the age of 21 who would like to relax the appearance of wrinkles on virtually every zone of the face. The best candidates have an appropriate thickness of skin that lends itself well to injectable treatments; of course, if you have thinner skin, you may still be a good candidate for the treatment, based on your consultation results. You should also not be currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
Find Your Key Amount of Botox Units for a Youthful Appearance Today
Botox alternative is the key to turning back the clock and preventing the development of new wrinkles in the future. If you want to get the best results from your treatment, it’s important that the right amount of Botox units are used to produce your desired results. To learn more about Botox, contact Spa Black in San Antonio, TX to schedule your consultation appointment today.
How many units of botox for nose
The cosmetic surgery industry continues to grow every year, but surgical nose jobs have experienced a significant hit over the last few years. Part of this is because more patients are opting for the increasingly popular non-surgical nose job, made more effective and accessible with Botox (source).
So what does Botox do for your nose? Botox is a muscle relaxant that is injected directly into the depressor septi nasi muscle, a muscle in the nose that pulls the sides of the nose downward, making it look fatter and droopy. Botox eases the pull of the depressor septi nasi, freeing your nose and creating a perkier look.
Botox and the Nose
What is Botox?
Botox or botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin created by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium, and has been used since the late 1970s to treat various muscular conditions and other ailments, such as migraines, excessive sweating, and bladder disorders.
Botox operates on the same principles in all applications: it is used to paralyze muscles in the body. While this can be dangerous when taken in larger doses, Botox as a cosmetic and medical treatment is safely used by millions every year.
What Makes an “Attractive” Nose?
Patients seeking treatment for their nose may not always be aware of exactly what is wrong. In general, an “attractive” nose is one that rests in the middle third area of the face, occupying a space proportional to other facial features.
The nose itself must have a tip that is neither too pinched nor too wide; at its tip, it should round off without a hook. The tip should also not be too flat, extending a certain amount from the face. The bridge of the nose should not be crooked; just straight or close to straight.
Finally, the nostrils must not flare too much, and the base should angle away from the face symmetrically on both sides.
What Does Botox Do to the Nose and the Nose Tip?
The nose contains three separate muscles, with the depressor septi nasi muscle located right beneath the nose, coming out of the upper jaw or behind the upper lip.
Botox injected in the nose is aimed specifically at the depressor septi nasi muscle, as this muscle naturally acts as an anchor to the nose, pulling it down and constricting its wings.
The injected Botox acts to paralyze the depressor septi nasi muscle, allowing the nose to perk up. A single treatment of injected Botox can take anywhere from 2-4 units of Botox, and lasts up to 4-6 months.
Why Might You Need Botox For Your Nose?
Aside from clearing up obvious nose droopiness, here are some ways Botox can improve the overall look of your nose and surrounding area:
1) The Bunny Line
As you get older, you might notice a growing horizontal line that sits just across the side or ridge of the nose.
Bunny lines are generally most prominent during facial expressions that heavily involve the mouth and lips, such as frowning or laughing.
What causes bunny lines? Bunny lines are a result of the repeated contraction of one of the three muscles in the nose, the nasalis. The nasalis keeps the nose’s cartilage compressed; a weaker nasalis coincides with flaring nostrils.
Bunny lines slowly become more prominent over years of repeated facial expressions.
They can also be created by previous Botox treatments on the face. Botox injections for other areas such as the forehead can cause more stress on the nasalis muscle, as it forces this muscle to pick up the slack of the paralyzed facial muscles.To treat bunny lines with Botox, doctors inject roughly 4-8 units of Botox along the side of the nose, right where it meets the cheek.
2) Droopy Nose Tip
The droopy nose tip is the most common reason why patients might seek out non-surgical nose jobs with Botox. This is caused by the depressor septi nasi muscle, which increasingly pulls the nose down from the upper lip as we age.To treat the droopy nose tip, doctors inject an average of 2-4 units of Botox right underneath the septum of the nose. This paralyzes the depressor septi nasi muscle, resulting in the nose having a lifted and lighter look.
3) Excessive Nasal Flare
For patients who are unhappy with the large size or frequency of their nasal flaring, injections of 4-20 units of Botox along both sides of the nose can help to fix this. The Botox keeps the nostrils from expanding too widely, and this effect can last up to 4-6 months.
Non-Surgical Nose Treatments
Botox isn’t the only option for non-surgical nose jobs, but it also doesn’t have to be a choice. Botox for the nose can work on its own, but it can also be applied alongside other non-surgical nose job options. These alternative treatments include:
The type of non-surgical nose treatment depends most importantly on your desired outcome. Consult with your doctor or dermatologist about your ideal nose, and how you can use Botox alone or combine Botox to achieve it.
Why Non-Surgical Nose Jobs Over Surgical Nose Jobs
The rise in popularity of non-surgical nose jobs over traditional surgical nose jobs or rhinoplasties is down to more than just hype. There are several reasons why a patient will benefit more from the non-surgical approach. These include:
1) Fewer Risks, Same Results
Traditional surgical rhinoplasty can be a heavy ordeal, with a physical reshaping of the bone. This can be incredibly painful while also demanding a month-long recovery time. What’s more, the results of a rhinoplasty are not guaranteed; a patient may go through all the hassle and discomfort of surgery and recovery just to see a less-than-ideal outcome.With non-surgical procedures, there is virtually no major downtime and much fewer risks. Generally, the procedure is much less of an event, taking just 5-10 minutes per session. With topical numbing cream applied before the injections, the patient should experience no pain.
2) Temporary Treatments
While some may claim that the temporariness of non-surgical rhinoplasties is a weakness of it, many patients and doctors believe otherwise. With results that last several months, patients are free to change their nose or experiment with their non-surgical nose job needs.
Surgical nose jobs produce permanent results, meaning any treatment you get is the one you must live with (unless you wish to undergo surgery and recovery again). In many cases, patients come in for dermal fillers and Botox for nose to help correct rhinoplasties that have gone wrong.
how many units of botox for nasal flaring
The popularity of Botox® Cosmetic injections in Los Angeles, as in the rest of Southern California, is unmatched by any other cosmetic surgery procedure. A tiny amount of Botox® Cosmetic when injected into tense facial muscles is enough to inhibit contraction of the targeted muscles, causing them to relax and impressively correct a myriad of facial imperfections and signs of aging. Unlike microdermabrasion, cosmetic lasers, or chemical peels, which are good at fading minor fine lines, Botox® Cosmetic and its recently FDA-approved competitors, Dysport® and Xeomin® can get to the root of the problem by relaxing muscles and releasing the overlying wrinkles for months to come. Also, unlike painful surgical procedures, these products containing botulinum toxin are successful at narrowing a wide jawline, correcting gummy smiles, or preventing excessive sweating without much pain or downtime. Furthermore, Botox® injections are found to help some patients break their habits of overusing certain muscles of expression, like the frequent forceful elevation of the eyebrows; the main cause for the appearance of deep horizontal forehead lines.
Please go to Botox® overview to learn about the products; namely Botox®, Dysport®, and Xeomin®, the procedure, preparing for the procedure, and aftercare. You may also go to Botox® FAQ to read the answers to frequently asked questions about these popular injectable products.
It should be pointed out that injection of Botox® Cosmetic, Dysport®, and Xeomin® to the lower face involves higher risks and accordingly requires a more precise technique, since lower facial muscles are involved in important functions like speech, eating, drinking, and smiling. As a consequence, doses in these areas tend to be conservative and the results are more modest than in the upper face. Injection of the mid and lower face and neck is best reserved for experienced injector doctors and patients who have had successful injections in the upper face. With Dr. Dishakjian’s experience of tens of thousands of Botox® injections over many years, you are reassured that you are in the best hands. The conditions commonly treated with Botox® Cosmetic by Dr. R. Dishakjian include:
Dynamic Wrinkle Reduction with Botox®
Dynamic wrinkles are those that are caused by facial expressions, such as smiling and frowning. Botox® injections are ideal to gradually reduce the appearance of these wrinkles. When used for wrinkle correction Botox® injections are intended to weaken the targeted expression muscles to an extent that limits their movement, but retain the ability to show an acceptable level of expression; not an artificial and expressionless facial appearance. The trick for successful Botox®, Dysport®, and Xeomin® applications are to make sure your muscles don’t get too relaxed and that you retain a natural ability to show emotions through facial movements. When an area has never been treated, it’s always wiser to use more conservative doses, since doing a touch-up treatment is much easier than waiting for months for an excessive effect to wear off.
It should be noted that in advanced cases, wrinkles caused by expressions often become etched even at rest. In these cases, for optimal results, one has to resort to dermal fillers and laser resurfacing in addition to Botox® injection. Wrinkles and lines that are ideally suited for Botox® injections are the following.
Frown Lines – Botox® Cosmetic reduces them the best These are the glabella lines for which Botox® Cosmetic, Dysport®, and Xeomin® injections have received FDA approval for their use in cosmetic surgery. They develop over time between the two eyebrows as two vertical lines (known as the 11) as a consequence of repeated squinting and scowling. These lines can become particularly annoying, making us look angry or worried even when we are not. Botox® Cosmetic when injected into the scowling (corrugator) muscles, causes them to relax and gives the individual a more relaxed and good-natured appearance. The number of units a person needs depends on the size and strength of the corrugator muscles. The average amount of Botox® used for the “11” lines between the eyebrows is around 16-22 Botox® units for a female or equivalent unit of Dysport® or Xeomin®. Males will usually require more units (about 20 to 30 units) as their facial muscles are often thicker and stronger. It should be noted that Botox® injected between the eyebrows may often improve tension headaches and even migraines related to the repeated tightening of these muscles.
Forehead lines – Botox® Cosmetic injections reduce them the best These are the horizontal lines on the forehead that appear when we raise our eyebrows in surprise. Botox® Cosmetic can be injected into certain points in the forehead to relax these lines. Typically, 10-15 units are injected, depending on the size of the muscles in the forehead, the patient’s gender, and the severity of the lines. Many patients report significant improvement in tension and migraine headaches following injections in this area. Forehead injections should be used with caution in patients older than 65, to avoid droopiness of the eyebrows.
Crow’s Feet – Botox® Cosmetic injections reduce them the best These lines radiating from the outer edge of the eyes resemble crow’s feet, particularly during smiling and forceful eye closure. They are caused by the contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle, a thin and circular muscle that surrounds the eye. Botox® Cosmetic, Dysport®, or Xeomin® can be used to diminish these crow’s feet-like lines by relaxing this muscle. Typically, 10-18 units of Botox® Cosmetic are needed per side.
Bunny lines – Botox® Cosmetic reduces them the best These are fine lines that show up on either side of the nasal bridge. They are caused by repeated squinting, smiling, and sniffing. Around 5 units of Botox® Cosmetic or the equivalent units of Dysport® or Xeomin® on either side of the nasal bridge will allow these muscles to relax.
Smokers’ lines These refer to the vertical lines that appear on the skin part of the lip. They are common but not necessarily associated with smoking. Ideal patients for Botox® injections have a few large but not highly etched-in wrinkles. It should be noted that Botox® should be only administered in conservative doses (0.5-1 U per wrinkle) to minimize weakness in this area, as lips have an essential role in critical facial functions. Combination treatment with fillers like Juvederm or Restylane may be required for optimal results in these patients. Even when used in appropriate doses, Botox® injections in this area may sometimes prevent patients from being able to drink through a straw or whistle. For very deep lines or numerous very fine lines, deep laser resurfacing will be the treatment of choice for effective, long-term results
Wrinkled and dimpled chin Also known as peau D’orange chin, this is a chin that gets wrinkled up during talking, smiling, and eating. It can be easily corrected by injecting 5-10 units of Botox® Cosmetic into several points at the base of the chin. Wrinkles smooth out as the underlying muscles relax.
Chest rejuvenation Some women may exhibit wrinkling of the central mid-chest (décolleté) with aging. Botox® injections can successfully reduce these wrinkles.
Corners of the mouth
This treatment intends to straighten the downward turning corners of the mouth that are sometimes more accentuated with aging, giving the person a depressed appearance. Around 5 units of Botox® Cosmetic injected into the muscles that pull the angle of the mouth excessively downwards (the Depressor Anguli Oris or DOA muscle) will allow the corners of the mouth to turn upwards.
Brow lift or brow balance
Botox® Cosmetic when injected at the lateral sides of the eyebrows can sculpt the brow and provide a beautiful lateral lift, a “chemical eyelift.” Although not typically performed, strategically and carefully placed Botox® injections will contour the position of the eyebrows, create a pleasing arch, and give a rested and more alert appearance to the eyes. The procedure can also be applied to even out asymmetric eyebrows; for example, if one eyebrow is higher than the other. 2-5 Botox® units are usually used in this area.
Nasal flare
Refers to aesthetically unappealing flaring up of nostrils in situations such as anger, emotional upset, and also as a habit. A unit of Botox® Cosmetic administered to each side of the nostrils in the region of the levator alae nasi will usually stop these unattractive nasal flares.
How many units of Botox do I need for nose fillers
Botox and nose fillers are two different types of cosmetic treatments that serve different purposes. Botox is a neuromodulator that is used to temporarily paralyze the muscles in the targeted area, while nose fillers are injectable substances that are used to add volume or reshape the nose.
If you are interested in nose fillers, it’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider who can assess your individual needs and determine the optimal treatment plan for you. The number of units of Botox needed for nose fillers is not applicable, as Botox is not used for this particular treatment.
During a consultation for nose fillers, the healthcare provider will assess your nose and discuss your goals for the treatment. The amount of filler needed will depend on the extent of the correction required, the desired outcome, and the individual patient’s anatomy. The healthcare provider will determine the optimal injection sites and dosage based on these factors.
It’s important to note that nose fillers should only be administered by a qualified healthcare provider with experience in administering these types of injections. The procedure involves injecting the filler into specific areas of the nose, and a skilled healthcare provider will have the knowledge and expertise to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.
In conclusion, Botox is not used for nose fillers, and the number of units of Botox needed for this type of treatment is not applicable. Patients interested in nose fillers should consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine the optimal treatment plan for their individual needs.
how many units of botox for bunny lines
Botox is one of the most popular minimally invasive procedures in dermatology today. It’s a type of botulinum toxin, a neuromodulator that stops communication between nerves and muscles. When injected, it temporarily blocks signals from the nervous system, ultimately making muscles unable to move and giving it a ‘freeze’ effect.
It’s the most effective way to smooth out skin and minimize the appearance of wrinkles. Subsequently, it’s best used when treating bunny lines.
What Are Bunny Lines?
‘Bunny lines’ are the wrinkles that form around the surface of the nose. They’re caused by repeated facial expressions such as smiling or laughing and are most recognizable on rabbits, which is why they carry the name ‘bunny lines’.
Like other types of wrinkles, they’re the result of continuous movements on the part of the skin that naturally occurs during aging. In the case of bunny lines, the placement differs because of the various ways people wrinkle their noses when smiling.
Before getting one, make sure to keep some things in mind.
Bunny Lines Procedure Cost
Minimizing bunny lines is not a one-time process and requires multiple treatments for more long-lasting effects. When it comes to the price, it depends on everything from the treatment area to the amount of Botox used as well as the person administering it. Typically, it can cost anywhere between $100 and $400.
Getting a bunny line Botox treatment is a quick process that requires no recovery time. Since it’s a procedure that does not use general anesthesia, there are no additional costs for hospitals and anesthesiologists.
What Types of Bunny Lines Does Botox Remove?
Before getting a bunny line removal procedure, there are some things to take into consideration. There are two types of wrinkles found on our skin. Firstly, there are dynamic or expression wrinkles that typically form around the eyes, forehead, and cheeks. On the other hand, there are static wrinkles which are deeper-set lines on the face and are found on the lower part of the face – usually the chin. Botox treats both, but it’s best used on dynamic or expression wrinkles.
Botox Procedure For Bunny Lines
Minimizing bunny lines is a fairly quick and simple procedure. It only requires the use of a topical cream to help numb the area, and no use of any medication or general anesthesia. The procedure is fairly painless but some people may experience mild discomfort or temporary redness on the skin.
The full procedure from start to finish typically lasts between 45 minutes to 1 hour. For lasting and effective results, various injections are necessary. Too much Botox can be dangerous, so it is recommended that providers administer about eight units of botulinum toxin, four on each side of the nose for the safest results.
Risks and Side Effects
As with most non-surgical, minimally invasive treatments, there are also potential side effects. However, most of them are mild and tend to go away after a couple of days. Those side effects include bleeding on the injection spot, swelling, bruising, or a slight burning sensation.
In rare cases, Botox can cause more serious side effects such as headaches, muscle spasms, muscle weakness, nausea, fatigue, or dizziness.
Are the Effects Immediate?
Botox takes some time to settle into the muscle tissue and ‘freeze’ the area. Most people start seeing the effects of minimized bunny lines after a couple of days.
The effects of the procedure can last between 3 and 4 months, so it’s not a permanent solution. However, for more long-lasting results, maintenance is recommended. This varies from procedure to person, however, it’s safe to administer them every six months or more.
It’s also important to take precautions in choosing the right provider. Botox is a popular treatment and one that can be done in unsafe conditions when working with unqualified personnel. Dr. Carol Eisenstat at Line Eraser MD is a certified professional who has been working with FDA-approved Botox injectables for years.