Botox^®

Yes—and it’s one of Botox^®'s biggest advantages! By relaxing the muscles responsible for repetitive movements, it reduces the wear and tear that causes deeper wrinkles to form over time. When used preventatively, Botox^® can delay the appearance of fine lines before they become etched into your skin. That’s why many people in their late 20s or early 30s are turning to this wrinkle relaxer not just as a treatment, but as a proactive anti-aging strategy. Think of it as wrinkle insurance that helps preserve your skin's youthful appearance.

Nervous about injectables? Don’t be. A Botox^® session at Western Dermatology Consultants is fast, comfortable, and practically over before you know it. We begin with a personalized consultation, followed by precisely placed injections using an ultra-fine needle. Most treatments take just ten to fifteen minutes—many of our patients stop by on their lunch break! While there may be some slight redness or puffiness afterward, these effects fade quickly, and you’re free to jump right back into your day. Your results will develop gradually over the next week, leaving you looking relaxed, refreshed, and totally natural. Yes, the answer to "Can Botox look natural?" is absolutely, especially when done by experienced hands.

Many patients describe the injection itself as similar to having their skin pinched, which is a common sensation related to procedures involving needles. Patients who are concerned about the injection can request that the skin at the injection site be numbed with ice or a topical medication before receiving the treatment. This can be discussed and arranged at the consultation or at any point prior to the injection.

Yes! Botox^® Cosmetic is FDA-approved and globally trusted for its safety profile. When administered by experienced professionals (like ours!), side effects are minimal and typically limited to short-term redness, tenderness, or swelling at the injection site. More serious side effects are rare and usually occur only when treatments are not performed correctly. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a reputable practice like Western Dermatology Consultants, where your safety and results are always our top priorities.

No two patients are alike, so no two treatment sessions will be exactly the same. Whether a guest seeking Botox^® is from nearby Santa Fe or a far-off region, the board-certified dermatologists at Western Dermatology will work to tailor a specific plan and discuss costs accordingly.
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The cosmetic can continue to keep wrinkle-forming muscles from contracting for months. Since the effects of Botox^® fade over time, many people opt to get semi-regular injections in order to maintain the smooth look of unlined skin. These maintenance treatments can also affect the cost of Botox^®.
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Know that the maker of Botox^® Cosmetic offers a Brilliant Distinctions program that offers points and rewards that can be put toward future treatments for this and more of the company’s cosmetics, including the dermal filler line, Juvéderm, and the eyelash-lengthening Latisse^®.

Botox^® is considered to be a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure because it is far less invasive than surgery. Since the treatment involves only injections and requires no incisions or sutures, there is no necessary recovery period for healing. Patients should be aware of certain side effects to watch for, but can generally resume their everyday activities on the same day as their Botox^® session.
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Botox^® is FDA-approved for treating forehead wrinkles, frown lines, crow’s feet, and platysma bands connecting the neck and jaw, and has been safely applied many millions of times throughout the world. Minor side effects may include headache, dry eyes, tiredness, and blurred vision. Anyone interested in learning more about potential side effects, as well as what to watch for in terms of more serious side effects, can talk to our doctors at Western Dermatology Consultants.

Want to keep that smooth, youthful look going strong? A few smart habits can help maximize and extend the results of your Botox^® treatment. First, avoid rubbing or massaging the treated area for at least twenty-four hours. Stay upright for four hours post-injection and steer clear of intense workouts or saunas that could increase circulation. Protect your skin from sun damage with a high-SPF sunscreen and a good hat. Staying hydrated, managing stress, and maintaining a regular Botox^® schedule will all help you enjoy consistently beautiful results.

Your results will develop gradually over the next week, leaving you looking relaxed, refreshed, and totally natural.
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Patients should begin to see a reduction in the appearance of their wrinkles within twenty-four to forty-eight hours of receiving their Botox^® injection. Allergan, the cosmetic’s manufacturer, states that results can last up to four months, though some patients have reported enjoying its benefits for longer. Its exact duration depends on a variety of factors, but anyone who receives the injections can expect several months of smoothed-out lines and a refreshed appearance.
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As the effects fade and wrinkles gradually return, patients can discuss a new round of injections so that they can maintain their unlined look.

Botox^® and fillers often get lumped into the same category, but they do very different things. Botox^® is all about relaxing muscle movement to prevent wrinkles from forming, especially in the upper face. Fillers, meanwhile, add volume to reduce static wrinkles and refine areas like the cheeks, lips, and jawline. Think of Botox^® as wrinkle prevention and fillers as volume restoration. Many of our patients benefit from both, and we’re happy to help you figure out the perfect mix to meet your goals.

As noted above, Botox^® is effective at combating hyperhidrosis in addition to serving as a popular cosmetic. The injectable is also routinely used by medical doctors in relieving neck pain from a condition known as cervical dystonia, managing migraine symptoms, controlling eyelid spasms, treating overactive bladders, and helping strabismus sufferers’ eyes to align.
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While Western Dermatology Consultants offers Botox^® only for cosmetic uses, these other applications available elsewhere speak to the injectable’s safety, efficacy, and utility.

Thinking about trying Dysport^® as well? Botox^® was the original neuromodulator, FDA- approved for cosmetic use first, while Dysport^® came later with a slightly different formula. Both are botulinum toxin injectables used to relax facial muscles and smooth wrinkles, but they’re not identical—Dysport^® tends to spread more, making it great for larger areas, while Botox^® offers more precise control. Their dosing units are different, too, so they aren’t interchangeable.
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A common question we get is, "Can you get Botox^® and Dysport^® at the same time?" You can—but not in the same area. Some people use one for the forehead and another for crow’s feet, depending on what works best.
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Another popular question is, "Can you switch from Dysport^® to Botox^® or vice versa?" Definitely! Many patients try both over time. We’ll go over the differences and help create a personalized treatment plan during your consultation.