Botox Basics: Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Appointment

5 min readNov 19, 2024

After seeing the incredible results from my under-eye PRFM treatments at Radiant Medspa, I decided to try another popular service: Botox. I had been curious for a while, especially about smoothing the “11s” between my brows and giving my eyelids a subtle lift. During my consultation, Colleen reassured me that I wouldn’t need much to achieve a refreshed, natural look — exactly what I wanted.

If you’ve ever wondered about Botox — what it does, how it works, and whether it’s worth it — this blog breaks it all down. I’ll share my personal experience, the science behind Botox, and what you can expect if you’re considering giving it a try.

What is Botox?

Botox is the brand name for a purified form of botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Although it originates from a toxin, Botox is completely safe when administered in controlled doses by trained professionals. It’s been FDA-approved for both cosmetic and medical uses and has been a trusted treatment for decades.

How It Works:

Botox blocks the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that signals muscles to contract. By temporarily relaxing these muscles, Botox smooths the appearance of dynamic wrinkles, which are caused by repeated facial expressions.
Over time, this relaxation also prevents the formation of deeper wrinkles.

Common Cosmetic Uses:

Frown lines (the “11s” between your eyebrows)
Crow’s feet (lines around the eyes)
Forehead lines
Brow and eyelid lifts for a more open, refreshed look

The Science Behind Botox: Why It’s Safe

Extensive Clinical Research

Botox has been extensively studied, with numerous clinical trials proving its safety and efficacy. When administered by trained professionals, side effects are rare and usually mild (Carruthers et al., 2004).

Precise Dosing and Targeting

The amount of botulinum toxin used in Botox is tiny — well below the level that would pose any systemic risk. Each injection is carefully targeted to specific muscles, ensuring that only the desired areas are affected (Naumann & Jankovic, 2004).

FDA Approval and Long History of Use

Since its FDA approval for cosmetic use in 2002, Botox has become one of the most researched and widely used aesthetic treatments worldwide, known for its safety and predictable results.

My Experience: Botox with Colleen at Radiant Medspa

Choosing Radiant Medspa for Botox was an easy decision after my positive PRFM experience. During my consultation, Colleen walked me through the process, explaining everything clearly and answering all my questions.

Here’s what I had done:

A small amount of Botox for my 11s, which had started to bother me over the years.
A few additional units to achieve a subtle eyelid lift, giving my eyes a brighter, more open look.

The Process:
The appointment was quick and virtually painless. Colleen’s technique was so gentle that I barely felt the injections, and the entire session lasted less than 30 minutes.

Results:

I started seeing results within a week, and by the two-week mark, the full effects were visible.
My forehead looked smooth, my brows lifted, and my overall appearance was refreshed. Best of all, it still looked completely natural — no “frozen” look!

Pros and Cons of Botox

Pros:

Quick and Non-Invasive: Each session takes about 15–30 minutes, with no downtime.
Prevents Wrinkles: Regular use can help prevent fine lines from becoming deep wrinkles.
Customizable Results: Treatments are tailored to suit individual goals, whether you prefer subtle or dramatic changes.
Backed by Research: Decades of clinical studies support Botox’s safety and effectiveness.

Cons:

Temporary Results: Effects typically last 3–4 months, requiring ongoing maintenance.
Potential Side Effects: Mild redness, bruising, or headaches can occur but usually resolve quickly.
Cost Over Time: While individual treatments may be affordable, maintenance can add up.
Skill Dependency: Results heavily depend on the injector’s expertise — always choose a trusted professional.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

Consultation: Your provider evaluates your facial anatomy and discusses your goals.
Preparation: The treatment area is cleaned, and numbing cream may be applied (though most don’t need it).
Injection: Tiny amounts of Botox are injected into the targeted muscles with a fine needle.
Post-Treatment Care: You can return to normal activities immediately, but avoid lying down, exercising, or touching the area for 4–6 hours.

Expected Timeline for Results

2–3 Days: Initial softening of wrinkles becomes noticeable.
7 Days: Results start to take shape.
14 Days: Full effects are visible, with smooth, refreshed skin.
3–4 Months: Effects wear off gradually, requiring a touch-up for maintenance.

Botox Myths: Debunked

“Botox makes you look frozen.”

Not true! When done by an experienced injector, Botox smooths wrinkles while maintaining natural expressions.

2. “It’s dangerous.”

Botox has been FDA-approved for decades and is one of the safest aesthetic treatments when administered properly (Carruthers et al., 2004).

3. “It’s only for older people.”

Many people in their 20s and 30s use Botox preventively to slow the development of wrinkles.

Thinking About Botox? My Advice

Choose an Experienced Provider: Research reviews and ask about qualifications before booking.
Start Small: A little goes a long way, especially for first-timers.
Be Patient: Results take time to fully develop, so don’t judge too soon.

Disclaimer: I am not a professional. The information provided in this blog is based on personal experience and scientific studies. Everyone’s skin is different, so when trying new products or treatments, please consider buying trial sizes and always do patch testing first. If you have any concerns or doubts, please consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider.

Sources

Carruthers, A., & Carruthers, J. (2004). “Botulinum toxin type A: History and current cosmetic use in treating facial wrinkles.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 51(4), 662–675. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2004.03.030
Naumann, M., & Jankovic, J. (2004). “Safety of botulinum toxin type A: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” Journal of Neurology, 251(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-004-0279-9
Small, R. (2014). “Botulinum toxin injection for facial wrinkles.” American Family Physician, 90(3), 168–175. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/0801/p168.html
Satriyasa, B. K. (2019). “Botulinum toxin A: A safe and effective treatment for facial wrinkles.” Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 12, 223–231. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S199269
Park, K. Y., & Kim, B. J. (2013). “Overview and recent applications of botulinum toxin in dermatology.” Dermatologic Surgery, 39(5), 759–770. https://doi.org/10.1111/dsu.12106