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Aesthetic Medicine Symposium — Nov 14–16, Scottsdale, AZ   Register Now →

Before and After Botox - Botox® Injection Facts

📅 Last reviewed: July 10, 2026

Botox® is the most common cosmetic procedure for getting rid of the telltale signs of aging like wrinkles, frown lines and crow’s feet etc. that stealthily appear on the face with each passing year. 

Many people want to know what the realistic before and after results of Botox® injections.

before and after botox

Apart from its aesthetic uses, Botox® is also commonly employed for the treatment of various medical conditions involving muscle dysfunction like neck spasms, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), weak eye muscles, chronic migraine and overactive bladder etc.

At International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM), well-trained and skilled physicians learn the proper Botox® injection techniques in order to meet the growing demand of aesthetic procedures, helping people feel more comfortable within their skin.  Dermatologists agree, a Botox training program that combines a thorough didactic with hands-on injection training is the best.

What Is Botox®?

Onabotulinumtoxin A, more commonly known as the Botox®, entails injecting weakened botulinum toxin type A along with human Albumin, which is one of the proteins found in human plasma, and sodium chloride, into the muscles or skin.

At the IAPAM, physicians learn the latest Botox® injection procedures so they can treat all those unsightly wrinkles and lines covering your face in order to enhance your facial features and to make you feel beautiful from within.

How Does Botox® Work?

When a facial muscle becomes overactive, it results in appearance of lines or wrinkles in the overlying skin. These wrinkles appear at 90 degrees to the direction in which the muscle fibers run. Injection of Botulinum toxin A into such muscles inhibits the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles, causing the muscle to relax. As the muscle relaxes, the wrinkles in the skin disappear resulting in a smoother, flawless look.

Does Botox® Hurt?

The procedure elicits minimal pain owing to the fact that the needles used for injecting Botox® have quite small a caliber. Even then, a topical anesthetic (a numbing agent) is administered in order to eliminate the pain.

The application of cold packs for 10-20 minutes is another way of achieving the same effect. Alternatively, vibration anesthesia can also be used which employs massage techniques to lessen the pain. The person might feel a slight degree of discomfort once the effects of the anesthetic subside.

Before and After Botox®

Before and after Botox photos

A lot of people, especially the first-time clients, are gripped with anxiety before and after the Botox® treatment. 

Fear of what’s to come their way makes every prospective client apprehensive.

Before the Procedure

Before going for Botox® cosmetic procedure, it is advised to do your homework and choose an expert and credible doctor. 

Make an appointment to discuss all the pros and cons of getting the Botox injections and to relay your medical history.

Tell the doctor if you have had any recent similar cosmetic treatment. It is advised to tell the doctor if you are taking any sort of muscle relaxants, sleeping medications, blood-thinning drugs or medicines for any allergy.

Before the procedure, a numbing agent is applied to reduce the pain at the injection site via topical anesthetic gels or injections, ice packs or by vibration anesthesia.

During The Procedure

The procedure is carried out by a trained doctor, or another licensed healthcare provider like a nurse or physician assistant. 

During the administration of Botox® injection, a very small needle is used to inject Botulinum A into the muscle that they want to relax.

The number of injections that are given depends on the size of the affected area. The entire procedure takes an average of 10 minutes to be performed.

Did you know that showing a patient their before and after photos can increase patient satisfaction? A recent study found that showing patients their preprocedure and postprocedure photographs during a follow-up appointment after nonsurgical rhinoplasty did improve patient satisfaction with the outcomes

After the Procedure

The Botox® patients can return to their daily life activities immediately following the treatment which is why Botox® has come to be known as the “lunchtime” cosmetic procedure. 

The onset of the action of the Botox® injection occurs within 2-4 days. Botox® results attain their optimal level 10-14 days after the procedure.

Some of the potential side effects that might develop following Botox® cosmetic treatment include:

  • Pain, swelling, redness or bruising at the injection site
  • Headache
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Drooping of eyelids
  • Deviation of mouth from its normal symmetry along with drooling
  • Excessive dryness or watering of eyes
The more serious side effects associated with Botox® medical procedure which warrant immediate medical attention include:
  • Generalized muscle weakness
  • Visual problems
  • Difficulty in speaking
  • Difficulty in swallowing
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Loss of bladder control
Register Now
AESTHETIC MEDICINE SYMPOSIUM | November 14-16, 2026 | Scottsdale, Arizona
Learn to Build a Profitable Practice in just 3-days!

Includes hands-on Botox® injection training led by board-certified dermatologists on live models in a clean clinic setting

Up To 33.5 CMES | 3-Day Hands-On | Save up to $3,605 with IAPAM Membership
“Very educational, love the hands-on and plenty of resources and materials.” — B. Chang, DO
AESTHETIC MEDICINE SYMPOSIUM | November 14-16, 2026 | Scottsdale, Arizona
Learn to start a profitable practice in just 3-days!
Up to 33.5 CMEs | 3-Day Hands-On | Save up to $3,605 with IAPAM Membership!
“Very educational, love the hands-on and plenty of resources and materials.” — B. Chang, DO
Register Now

Are You A Candidate For Botox®?

Botox® has been approved for use in people between the ages of 18 and 65. However, you need to exercise caution and avoid Botox® if you are suffering from any of the following problems.

  • Previous history of allergy to Botox®
  • Skin infection at the injection site
  • Neuromuscular diseases like myasthenia gravis and Lambert-Eaton syndrome
  • Asthma
  • Difficulty in swallowing
  • Bleeding disorders
  • Previous history of facial surgery
  • Inability to frown
  • Drooping eyelids
At the IAPAM, physicians learn to take into account the medical history and the desired results. Taking a proactive approach to rule out any medical condition that might complicate the procedure.

Is Botox® Safe For Use?

Botox® injections were approved by the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) in the year 1989 for various medicinal uses. 

In 2002, it was approved by FDA for the purpose of removing glabellar lines (the frown lines) that commonly appear between the eyebrows.

Although their harmful effects on unborn babies have not been studied for ethical reasons, expectant mothers, breastfeeding women and couples planning to start a family are advised to avoid Botox® injections.

Botox is a trademark of Allergan Inc.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Botox® take to work?

Onset begins within 2–4 days, with full results visible in 10–14 days.

Does getting Botox® hurt?

Pain is minimal due to the small needle size. A topical numbing agent, cold packs, or vibration anesthesia can further reduce discomfort.

How long does the procedure take?

About 10 minutes on average, depending on the number of injections needed.

Can I return to normal activities right after treatment?

Yes — Botox® is often called the “lunchtime” procedure because patients can resume daily activities immediately.

Who shouldn’t get Botox®?

People with a prior allergy to Botox®, skin infections at the injection site, neuromuscular disorders (e.g., myasthenia gravis), bleeding disorders, or swallowing difficulties should avoid it. It is also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Is Botox® FDA approved?

Yes — approved in 1989 for various medical uses, and in 2002 specifically for glabellar (frown) lines.

What are the possible side effects?

Common side effects include pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site, headache, and eyelid drooping. Serious side effects requiring immediate care include muscle weakness, vision or speech problems, and trouble swallowing or breathing.

📅 Last reviewed: July 10, 2026

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