Botox FAQ: Expert Guide to Results, Safety & Cost
50 questions answered by our licensed providers — from your first consultation to long-term maintenance. Medically reviewed January 2026.
Botox works by blocking the nerve signals that tell facial muscles to contract. When those signals are interrupted, the targeted muscles relax and the overlying skin stays smooth instead of folding into wrinkles. It works on dynamic wrinkles — lines formed by expression — not on static wrinkles caused by volume loss.
All three are FDA-approved botulinum toxin type A products, and we offer all three. Botox (Allergan/AbbVie) is the original and most studied. Jeuveau (Evolus) is made only for aesthetic use. Xeomin (Merz) is free of accessory proteins and is sometimes used for patients who have developed resistance to Botox. Your provider recommends the right product for your anatomy at your free consultation.
No — completely different treatments. Botox relaxes muscles to smooth dynamic wrinkles. Dermal fillers add volume to areas that have lost fullness. Many patients benefit from both.
There’s no universal answer. Many patients in their late 20s and early 30s use Botox preventively. Botox is FDA-approved for adults 18+. Your provider assesses your facial dynamics, skin condition, and goals — not your age.
Yes. FDA-approved medical applications include chronic migraine prevention, overactive bladder, cervical dystonia, and hyperhidrosis. At Tactus Health we treat underarm hyperhidrosis and masseter Botox for TMJ-related jaw tension.
The “frozen” look comes from overdosing or incorrect placement — not from Botox itself. Our approach is conservative: soften, not eliminate. Every treatment includes a complimentary 2-week follow-up to verify natural results.
Yes — by preventing repetitive muscle contractions that crease skin over time, Botox slows the formation of permanent static wrinkles. Patients who start in their late 20s or early 30s often maintain significantly smoother skin by their 40s.
Absolutely. Men now account for approximately 10% of all Botox treatments. Men typically require higher doses due to stronger facial musculature. Tactus Health treats male patients with a focus on maintaining a natural, masculine appearance.
Most healthy adults 18+ with dynamic wrinkles are good candidates. Botox is not appropriate if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have certain neuromuscular disorders, or have a known allergy to botulinum toxin. The best way to confirm candidacy is a free consultation with our licensed provider.
Avoid blood-thinning medications (ibuprofen, aspirin, fish oil, vitamin E) for 5-7 days prior, alcohol for 24 hours, and retinoids for 2 days. Come with a clean face. A complete pre-care sheet is provided at your consultation.
No. Botox is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This is a firm contraindication due to insufficient safety data.
Yes — and at Tactus Health it’s free with no obligation. This is where your provider maps your facial anatomy, identifies the specific muscles driving your concerns, and determines appropriate dosing.
Botox works best on dynamic wrinkles — lines formed by expression. It has little effect on static wrinkles caused by volume loss, which are better addressed with fillers or resurfacing. Your provider will assess and recommend the right approach.
General ranges: forehead (10-20 units), frown lines (15-25 units), crow’s feet (10-12 units per side). Most patients treating 2-3 areas use 30-55 units. Tactus Health has a $150 visit minimum. Exact count determined at your free consultation.
Most patients describe it as a brief pinch lasting a second per injection point. We use 30-32 gauge ultra-fine needles. Most patients find it far less uncomfortable than expected. Topical numbing cream is available.
First appointments run 45-60 minutes including consultation and treatment. Return appointments take 20-30 minutes. The injection portion is only 10-15 minutes. Many patients come in on their lunch break.
Minor bruising occurs in roughly 10-25% of patients. Any bruising is typically small, resolves within a few days, and can be covered with makeup immediately after treatment.
1. Your face is cleansed and your provider marks injection points based on your anatomy. 2. Topical numbing cream applied if desired. 3. Injections administered using ultra-fine needles. 4. Light pressure applied after each injection. 5. You review aftercare and schedule your complimentary 2-week follow-up. Zero downtime.
Yes — combination appointments are common and efficient. Your provider will advise whether combination treatment makes sense for your goals during your consultation.
The 4-Hour Rule: Don’t lie down flat or rub/massage your face for at least 4 hours after Botox. This keeps the product exactly where it was placed and prevents migration.
Subtle changes begin in 3-5 days. Full results develop by day 10-14. Do not judge your results before the 2-week mark.
Avoid intense exercise for 24 hours. Light walking is fine. After 24 hours, return to full activity.
Yes — immediately after treatment. Just avoid pressing the treated areas for the first 4 hours.
That’s exactly what your included 2-week follow-up is for. If results are uneven or insufficient, your provider can assess and correct at no additional charge. If true resistance is confirmed, Xeomin will be discussed as an alternative.
Avoid alcohol for 24 hours. After that, no restrictions.
Avoid prolonged sun exposure, saunas, and hot tubs for 24-48 hours. After 48 hours, no restrictions — though daily SPF is always recommended.
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Severe muscle weakness beyond the treatment area
- Vision changes or double vision
- Signs of allergic reaction: hives, swelling of face or throat
- Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
Minor bruising or swelling at injection sites, temporary headache, and redness. These are mild and temporary.
Eyelid ptosis is rare (less than 1% with experienced providers) and temporary — typically resolving within 2-6 weeks. Risk is minimized by correct technique and following post-treatment care.
True resistance is rare — estimated at less than 1% of cosmetic patients. If results seem to diminish over time, underdosing is far more likely. Xeomin can be an option if confirmed resistance occurs.
Allergic reactions are possible but extremely rare. Your provider reviews your full allergy history during your consultation. Signs of reaction require immediate emergency care.
| Treatment Area | Typical Units | Estimated cost at $12/unit |
|---|---|---|
| Forehead lines | 10-20 units | $120-$240 |
| Frown lines (“11s”) | 15-25 units | $180-$300 |
| Crow’s feet (both sides) | 10-24 units | $120-$288 |
| Full upper face | 35-60 units | $420-$720 |
| Masseter / TMJ (per side) | 20-30 units | $240-$360 |
| Lip flip | 4-6 units | $48-$72 |
| Hyperhidrosis (underarms) | 50-100 units | $600-$1,200 |
$150 minimum per visit, so a single small area is billed at $150. Exact unit count determined at your free consultation.
Typically 3-4 months for most facial areas. Lip flips last 6-8 weeks. Hyperhidrosis treatment lasts 6-12 months. Masseter Botox lasts 4-6 months. Duration tends to increase with consistent use.
Muscles gradually return to full activity and wrinkles reappear — but you won’t look worse than before. There is no rebound effect and no dependency.
Yes. We accept Allē, Allergan’s rewards program, so eligible rewards can be redeemed toward Botox, subject to program terms. You do not need a paid Tactus membership to get our published per-unit prices.
Most patients come in every 3-4 months for the first year, then may stretch to every 4-5 months as muscles condition. Treat at the first sign of returning movement rather than waiting until lines have fully returned.
Yes — book 10-14 days before the event so you are at full results and any injection-site marks have resolved. Don’t treat within 3-4 days of a major event.
Every injection is performed by a licensed medical provider, and our clinicians keep a record of your dosing from visit to visit. We include a complimentary 2-week follow-up with every treatment, use only authentic Allergan Botox and FDA-approved neurotoxins, and price transparently per unit with no hidden fees.
Ready to Look Refreshed — Not Done?
Start with a free consultation. Our licensed provider will assess your goals and create a personalized plan — no pressure, no upselling.
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration. BOTOX Cosmetic — FDA Drug Safety Information. fda.gov
- Allergan/AbbVie. BOTOX Cosmetic Prescribing Information. allergan.com
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2023 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report. plasticsurgery.org
- American Academy of Dermatology. Botulinum toxin injections: FAQs. aad.org
Educational information only. Not a substitute for professional medical advice. Botox is a prescription medication. Medical evaluation required. Individual results vary. View Important Safety Information.