The Truth About BOTOX® Cosmetic
BOTOX® Cosmetic is an iconic brand. It’s been approved for use in 96 countries. But find out the truth behind common misconceptions, and you’ll get to know BOTOX® Cosmetic even better.
Is there a substitute for BOTOX® Cosmetic?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a biologic product that cannot be interchanged – or substituted – for another product. In fact, the FDA has stated BOTOX® Cosmetic is “non-interchangeable,” which means that its safety and effectiveness cannot be claimed by any other product. The potency – or strength – of BOTOX® Cosmetic is measured in scientifically defined units, and the FDA has concluded that a unit of BOTOX® Cosmetic does not equal a unit of any other product.
People who are prescribed a biologic product have a right to know exactly what they are receiving. Be sure to ask which product you are being prescribed and why.
Will my face look overdone or unnatural?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a technique-sensitive treatment. You can trust BOTOX® Cosmetic to deliver subtle results when you are treated by someone who is licensed, trained, and a medical expert in facial anatomy. So you’ll look like yourself—only with less noticeable lines. No one should be able to tell you’ve had anything done.
Is BOTOX® Cosmetic only for women?
Not at all! Many men make BOTOX® Cosmetic part of what they do to care for their appearance.
The number of men choosing treatments like BOTOX® Cosmetic has risen fast – in the past three years alone, men have received over one million botulinum toxin treatments. When surveyed, the majority of men say they want to look good and they’re bothered by the changes they see in the mirror. 80% would choose to treat their crow’s feet first, while 74% would prioritize their forehead lines, and 60% would most like to treat their frown lines.*
Botox Solutions
Cosmetic, Dermal Fillers, Headache Relief
Do I need to be over 40 to start using BOTOX® Cosmetic?
It’s not your age that determines when BOTOX® Cosmetic is right for you, it’s the severity of your lines. In fact, 64% of plastic surgeons report seeing a rise in cosmetic surgery or injectable treatments for patients in their early 30’s.
The truth is, everyone’s lines form differently. The timing can be influenced by a combination of factors, from cellular changes that may occur over time, to reduction of collagen, to genetic factors, or damage caused by free radicals from the sun and the environment.
Whenever your lines start to bother you, go speak with your doctor. They can help you determine if treatment is right for you.
How much time does treatment take? Will it hurt?
The actual injection process takes a quick 10 minutes. Your specialist will discuss your treatment goals and perform a facial analysis to determine the appropriate treatment areas for you. Then, some patients report that being injected with BOTOX® Cosmetic feels like a pinch. Your specialist may use ice to numb the treatment area. Or, if you are concerned about discomfort, your specialist may apply a topical numbing cream before administering your treatment.
Treatment requires minimal downtime. So you can return to your daily routine immediately after you leave your specialist’s office.
Will I see results quickly? How long do treatment effects last?
You may begin to notice results within 24 to 48 hours, with results lasting up to four months for moderate to severe frown lines. Remember that results vary from patient to patient though, so your physician will plan your next appointment based on your results and aesthetic goals.
Start talking about your goals with a specialist today and find out what you could expect.
Is there a “generic” BOTOX® Cosmetic?
There is no such thing as a “generic” form of BOTOX® Cosmetic. Be wary of discount products or “cheap” BOTOX® Cosmetic. Medical formulations, potency, and approved doses vary among products, so no one product can take the place of another. FDA labeling states that BOTOX® Cosmetic is not interchangeable with any other product. If it doesn’t say BOTOX® Cosmetic on the vial, then it isn’t BOTOX® Cosmetic.
BOTOX® Cosmetic has a one-of-a-kind formulation. And BOTOX® Cosmetic is the most widely researched and studied treatment of its kind. Backed by more than 15 years of clinical studies, the safety and efficacy of BOTOX® Cosmetic have been described in 495 peer-reviewed articles in scientific and medical journals.
Finally, Allergan, the maker of BOTOX® Cosmetic, owns the entire manufacturing and packaging process, which helps ensure the reliability and safety of each vial.
* Results from a survey of men to determine most likely treatment areas and top areas of concern for injectable-naive, aesthetically-oriented men aged 30 to 65 years (N=600). Proportion of respondents selecting that area as highest priority to treat using the Maximum Difference (MaxDiff) scaling system.