The Honest Truth About Botox
Botox is the most requested treatment at Healinque — and also the most misunderstood. Patients come in with questions shaped by social media, friends' experiences, and occasionally some misinformation. So here's my straightforward take.
Who Should Consider Botox
Botox works best for dynamic wrinkles — the lines that appear when you move your face. Forehead lines, the "11s" between your brows, crow's feet around your eyes. If you see lines when your face is at rest, that's a sign the muscle has been etching into the skin for years, and Botox can soften those too — though deeper static lines may need additional treatments.
I typically see the best results in patients aged 28–55, though age alone isn't the deciding factor. Your muscle activity, skin quality, and goals matter more.
How Many Units Do You Actually Need?
This is where many clinics get it wrong — either under-dosing (so results fade in 6 weeks) or over-dosing (frozen forehead). Here's my typical starting range:
- Forehead lines: 20–24 units
- Glabellar lines (11s): 20 units
- Crow's feet: 20–24 units (both sides)
- Masseter (jaw slimming): 25–30 units per side
Men typically need 20–30% more units due to stronger facial muscles. These are starting points — I adjust based on your anatomy during the consultation.
What I Don't Recommend
I don't recommend Botox for everyone who asks. If you're in your early 20s with minimal lines, a solid skincare routine (daily SPF, retinoid, hydration) will do more for you than preventative Botox. I'd rather you start when there's a clear clinical indication.
I also don't recommend "Botox parties" or treatments performed outside a medical setting. Botox is a prescription medication that requires proper storage, reconstitution, and injection technique. The injector matters.
Botox vs. Dysport
I offer both at Healinque. The honest difference: Dysport spreads slightly more and may kick in a day or two faster. Some patients prefer one over the other. Dysport costs less per unit ($4.50 vs. $12 for Botox), but you need roughly 2.5x the units, so the total cost is similar. I'm happy to discuss which makes sense for your goals.
What to Expect
Results appear in 3–5 days (initial softening) with full effect at 10–14 days. Duration is typically 3–4 months. First-timers sometimes notice it wearing off a bit sooner — that's normal. With consistent treatments, many patients find they need fewer units over time as the muscles learn to relax.
The Bottom Line
Botox is a tool, not a magic wand. The artistry is in the dosing, placement, and knowing when to say "that's enough." At Healinque, I'd rather you look refreshed and natural than frozen. If you're curious, book a consultation and I'll give you an honest assessment.
