Botox in Chicago, IL
Laser Skin and Wellness Center in Chicago offers Botox injections performed by our experienced providers. This treatment relaxes facial muscles to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles caused by repetitive motions. The procedure takes only 10-20 minutes to complete with minimal discomfort. We are experts in achieving natural-looking results, helping people remove dynamic wrinkles and rejuvenate their faces.
Botox
in Chicago, IL
in Chicago, IL
Laser Skin and Wellness Center in Chicago offers Botox injections performed by our experienced providers. This treatment relaxes facial muscles to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles caused by repetitive motions. The procedure takes only 10-20 minutes to complete with minimal discomfort. We are experts
in achieving natural-looking results, helping people remove dynamic
wrinkles and rejuvenate their faces.
What Is Botox?
Botox is a popular medication derived from a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is injected into muscles with tiny needles to weaken or paralyze them for some time. The effects of Botox treatments typically last 3-6 months. The procedure itself only takes about 10-20 minutes to complete.
Two main formulations — Botox Cosmetic and simply Botox — are used for aesthetic and medical treatments. Botox Cosmetic is injected into facial muscles to address early signs of aging, such as frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines. The second formulation is widely used to treat migraine headaches, excessive sweating, and blepharospasm. This remarkable drug has many applications.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox contains botulinum toxin type A, which blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles. When injected into specific areas, it reduces muscular activity by preventing acetylcholine release. This causes localized paralysis and relaxation of the target muscle.
For example, when injected between the eyebrows, Botox can reduce skin wrinkling by limiting muscle contraction in that area. The effects occur within a few days after injections and peak within 1-2 weeks. Muscle activity gradually returns over months as nerve endings regenerate and reconnect with the paralyzed muscle fibers, eventually reversing the effects of Botox. Maintenance procedures are performed to sustain the results over long periods.
Botox Injections Areas
Botox can be injected in different areas of the face to target facial wrinkles.
Forehead lines: 10 to 30 units
Glabellar lines (frown lines between the eyebrows): 15 to 25 units
Crow’s feet (around the eyes): 5 to 15 units per side
Bunny lines (on the nose): 5 to 10 units
Upper lip lines: 4 to 10 units
Masseter muscle (for jaw slimming or teeth grinding): 20 to 30 units per side
Neck bands (platysma muscles): 25 to 50 units total
Gummy smile: 2 to 4 units per side
Before receiving Botox injections, patients should schedule a Botox consultation to determine if this is an appropriate treatment option based on their needs and medical history. During the meeting, our provider evaluates facial muscles and skin to determine the optimal injection sites and dosage to achieve the desired aesthetic goals.
In many cases, we can perform the procedure on the same day. However, some patients may need to prepare for the injections. They are advised to avoid blood-thinning medications, supplements, alcohol, and certain facial products for a few days to minimize the risks of bruising and bleeding.
On the day of the Botox appointment, patients should arrive with a clean face without makeup or creams applied to the injection site. Such preparation allows the provider to see the facial muscles and mark the treatment zones.
Consultation & Preparation for Botox Injections
Botox Injection Procedure
Skin Preparation
The skin where Botox will be injected is cleaned with an antiseptic to sterilize the area. This helps prevent infection.
Numbing Cream (Optional)
We may apply a topical numbing cream to the treatment sites. This helps minimize discomfort from the injections. The cream is left on the skin for 20-30 minutes before the procedure.
Marking Injection Sites
Using a skin marker, the provider draws dots in the areas where the injections will be made. This way, we can ensure that the treatment is distributed evenly.
Injecting Botox
Using a fine needle, the provider injects tiny amounts of Botox directly into the muscle. Most patients feel minimal pain from this procedure, describing it as pinpricks. The provider may massage the injection site lightly to distribute the Botox.
Procedure Complete
Once all the planned areas have been treated, the procedure is complete. No bandaging or specific aftercare is required. Most patients resume normal activities immediately with minimal downtime. The Botox takes effect over the next few days and relaxes the muscles to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Add-On Procedure: Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers can be a great complement to Botox. While the neurotoxin relaxes muscles to smooth out dynamic wrinkles caused by facial expressions, dermal fillers help address static wrinkles and restore lost volume in the face. This additional treatment may target the nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and cheeks or lips. It provides an immediate plumping effect that can lift sagging areas caused by aging. When used together, dermal fillers and Botox provide complete facial rejuvenation.
Botox injection sites can be swollen and bruised after treatment. These side effects typically resolve within a few days. However, in some cases, they may last up to a week. Patients are advised to avoid rubbing or touching the treated areas for at least 24 hours after Botox to prevent the neurotoxin from migrating into other facial muscles.
Cold compresses can be applied to reduce swelling and bruising if needed. Patients may use over-the-counter pain medication, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to relieve minor discomfort. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for about 24 hours after injections.
It takes approximately 3-7 days for the Botox effects to emerge and about two weeks for the full results to be visible. Touch-up injections can be provided to achieve additional improvements. The smoothing effects of a Botox treatment typically last 3-4 months, after which a maintenance session is required to preserve the results.
Recovery After Botox
Aftercare Tips
- Do not lie down for 4 hours following the procedure because this can cause the Botox to shift.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers if you experience discomfort, swelling, bruising, or headaches. This is normal.
- You should wait at least two weeks before undergoing other facial treatments, such as facials, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion.
- Avoid rubbing or massaging the areas treated with Botox for at least 24 hours after injections.
- Stay out of excessive heat or cold for one day, as temperature extremes may affect the results.
- Call your doctor if you develop rashes, swelling, redness, pain, temporary eyelid droop, or other abnormal or excessive reactions.
Candidates for Botox Treatment
Non-Pregnant, Non-Breastfeeding
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are not considered good candidates. Although there is no conclusive evidence about the use of Botox during this period, we recommend postponing the treatment as a precaution.
Realistic Expectations
A good candidate for Botox must have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve. Injections do not eliminate wrinkles permanently or provide the same effect as more invasive treatments, such as a facelift. Patients should know that Botox offers temporary muscle relaxation and gradual improvement of fine lines.
No Allergies to Botox Ingredients
Candidates should not be allergic to Botox’s ingredients, such as botulinum toxin type A, albumin, or any other component used in the formulation. People who have adverse reactions to these substances must avoid this treatment.
Dynamic Wrinkles
Candidates for Botox typically experience dynamic wrinkles, which are lines that form from repeated facial movements, like frowning, squinting, or raising the eyebrows. They are most commonly seen on the forehead, around the eyes (crow’s feet), and between the eyebrows (frown lines). Candidates usually seek Botox to smooth these expression-related lines that may not be as noticeable when the face rests.
Over 18 and Under 65
The FDA has approved Botox for cosmetic use in adults between 18 and 65, with most patients seeking treatment in their late 20s to early 60s. While Botox is safe for older individuals, those with more static wrinkles or significant skin laxity may not be ideal candidates. This treatment is less effective on deeper, non-dynamic lines formed due to skin aging rather than muscle activity.
Good Overall Health
Patients should be in good overall health, with no severe medical conditions that could complicate treatment. Ideal candidates are free from neuromuscular disorders, such as myasthenia gravis or ALS, which can affect how Botox interacts with the muscles. People with skin infections or inflammation in the treatment area should delay the procedure until these issues are resolved.
Benefits of Botox
Smooths Facial Wrinkles
Botox injections contain botulinum toxin, which relaxes muscles under the skin. This smooths out fine lines and wrinkles on the face caused by repetitive expressions. Results are visible within a week after treatment and last up to 4 months for cosmetic uses and 6 months for some medical uses.
Prevents New Wrinkles From Forming
Botox can stop new wrinkles from forming by relaxing facial muscles and preventing repetitive contractions. It is often used on forehead lines and crow’s feet around the eyes. Preventing these wrinkles from setting in allows the skin to retain a smoother, more youthful appearance.
Non-Surgical
Unlike cosmetic surgery, Botox does not require any incisions or anesthesia. The botulinum toxin is injected directly into facial muscles using a fine needle. Appointments are quick, treatment is relatively painless, and no recovery downtime is needed.
No Severe Side Effects
The injections involve minimal disruption to the skin, and the dosage of botulinum toxin is extremely low. Side effects, like bruising, swelling, or headaches, are typically mild and temporary. Botox is considered a minimally invasive way to smooth wrinkles and fine lines on the face.
Cost of Botox in Chicago, IL
Botox cost in Chicago ranges from $10 to $15 per unit. The number of units needed depends on the areas being treated and goals. The exact price for Botox is determined during the initial consultation. Each patient has unique facial anatomy and cosmetic goals. Our experienced aesthetician must evaluate the face, discuss the desired results, and create a treatment plan before offering price quotes. Laser Skin and Wellness Centers offers flexible financing via Cherry to make payments more convenient.
What Makes Our Botulinum Toxin Injections Different From Others?
Laser Skin and Wellness Center is one of the best places in Chicago to get Botox injections. With over two decades of experience in dermatology and aesthetic medicine, Dr. Shermi Parikh leads an expert team providing cutting-edge, non-invasive treatments. Whether patients want to smooth fine lines and wrinkles or enhance their beauty, they can trust our skilled nurse injectors and medical aestheticians to deliver natural-looking outcomes.
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