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Discover the proven results that 11 million women and men have experienced treating facial wrinkles like frown lines and laugh lines.
With real, noticeable results, no surgery, and no recovery time, there are many reasons why millions of women and their doctors have chosen Botox® Cosmetic.
If you feel that the moderate to severe glabellar lines between your brows, crow’s feet around the eyes, or fine lines around your mouth make you look tired or older than you are, ask board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. DiFrancesco about botulinum toxin injection to find out if it is right for you.
What Is Botox?
Botox is an FDA-approved injectable cosmetic treatment containing the active ingredient botulinum toxin type A. It works by temporarily blocking nerve impulses that cause facial muscles to contract and form wrinkles around the eyes and mouth. This process relaxes and smooths the look of lines and wrinkles caused by repetitive facial movements; at the same time, clinical trials have proven botulinum toxin injections as a proven treatment for chronic migraine conditions and overactive bladder (urinary incontinence).
During your treatment, Botox will be carefully injected into the treatment areas using a small, thin syringe. You should gently ice the area injected over the next hour. You may experience redness throughout the injection site that will resolve in 1 – 2 hours. The entire process usually only takes between 15-20 minutes to complete, making it a great option for those with busy schedules.
Botox vs. Dermal Fillers
There’s more than one injectable treatment out there to soften the appearance of wrinkles on the face, including a wide variety of cosmetic fillers. These injectable treatments work differently than Botox, seeking to physically smooth skin by injecting a gel-like substance into the skin where the wrinkles are formed.
The fundamental difference between these seemingly similar cosmetic treatments is that dermal fillers do not treat dynamic wrinkles formed with facial muscle movements. They are for static wrinkles, which appear on the face constantly, regardless of your facial expressions. This is why Botox is used for certain wrinkles, and injectable fillers are used for others.
Botox Candidates
Botox is a great option for individuals who are experiencing forehead lines, lines between the eyebrows, and crow’s feet. If you are unsatisfied with the appearance of deep wrinkles and folds, such as severe frown lines, it’s unlikely that Dr. DiFrancesco will recommend Botox for optimal results. Medical and cosmetic conditions that may be evaluated in a Botox consultation include:
- Cervical dystonia
- Lower limb spasticity
- Crow’s feet lines
- Excessive sweating
Ideal candidates of botulinum toxin products will be physically healthy and have realistic expectations for the outcome of their treatment. A consultation at our Atlanta, GA office is the best way to determine if this treatment is right for you.
During Your Botox Consultation
Before undergoing botulinum toxin treatment, Dr. DiFrancesco will assess your current facial wrinkles or any underlying medical conditions such as cervical dystonia, chronic migraine, lower limb spasticity, or overactive bladder. This is also a time to discuss concerns such as frown lines, crow’s feet lines, or forehead lines caused by repeated facial expressions and dynamic wrinkles.
If you are taking blood thinners or have conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or weak facial muscles, be sure to disclose these to avoid an increased risk of side effects. Dr. DiFrancesco will also determine whether Botox Cosmetic or dermal fillers are better suited to your goals.
Your Botox Injection Appointment
On the day of your Botox treatment, your skin will be cleansed, and a topical anesthetic may be applied to minimize discomfort. Most patients report only a slight pinch during the injection. The actual treatment takes 15–20 minutes, using a fine needle. Dr. DiFrancesco will deliver botulinum toxin type A into specific facial muscles responsible for moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead wrinkles.
The Steps of Botox Injections
- Evaluation: Assessment of facial anatomy and identification of dynamic wrinkles
- Cleansing & Prep: Skin is cleaned, and a topical anesthetic may be used
- Injection: Small amounts of botulinum toxin are injected into targeted thin muscle groups.
- Aftercare Guidance: Patients are advised to avoid certain activities post-treatment.
- Follow-Up: A follow-up may be scheduled to administer additional Botox-type injectables.
Recovery After Botox Injections
There is no downtime required after Botox treatments, so patients can return to their everyday routines as soon as possible. Some individuals may experience temporary redness or bruising, which will resolve quickly. Be sure to avoid massaging or touching the treatment area afterward, as this may cause the Botox to spread to an unintended area.
Botox Results
Most patients notice visible improvements in facial wrinkles within 24 to 48 hours, with peak results occurring in 7 to 14 days. Botox injections can temporarily improve the appearance of moderate to severe wrinkles by relaxing the forehead muscles and other targeted areas, helping you appear more refreshed and youthful.
Results typically last 3–6 months. Repeat injectable treatments are necessary to maintain a smooth skin texture and minimize the appearance of facial movements that contribute to new wrinkle formation.
Risks of Botox
While botulinum toxin products are FDA-approved for various cosmetic procedures and medical conditions, they carry potential risks, especially when administered improperly. More serious but rare side effects include drooping eyelids, trouble swallowing, neck pain, and muscle weakness. Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding (breast milk), or allergic to Botox-type injectables should not undergo treatment. Always disclose all the medicines you are taking to minimize the risk of adverse reactions.
Botox Before & After Photos
Our before-and-after photo galleries showcase the natural, refreshed appearance achieved through Botox cosmetic. These real patient results give you a clear visual of what’s possible with expert cosmetic treatments.
Questions to Ask A Plastic Surgeon About Botox
Will my results look unnatural?
No, BOTOX® is trusted to deliver subtle, natural-looking results when they are injected by a trained medical expert. No one should be able to notice that you have had anything done- you will just look like a more youthful version of yourself!
Does the BOTOX® treatment hurt?
The BOTOX® treatment should not be painful. However, some patients may feel a slight pinch. If you are concerned about discomfort, we can apply a topical numbing cream to ensure your comfort.
How many BOTOX® injections will I need?
The number of BOTOX® injections required will depend on your individual anatomy and the amount of change that you desire.
What are the dos and don’ts after Botox?
Avoid laying down or bending over for at least four hours after treatment u2013 also avoid taking blood-thinning medications like ibuprofen. Additionally, avoid hot environments like hot tubs or saunas. Do exercise the treated muscles for about 30 minutes after treatment to help the product take hold (but avoid rubbing or massaging the area).
How long after Botox can I wash my face?
It’s best to avoid touching your face for at least 24 hours after Botox. You can wash your face the night after treatment, but use lukewarm water with a gentle, unscented cleanser. Make sure to gently pat dry with a clean towel. Also take care when applying your skincare products.
When do you see Botox results?
It can take 1-2 weeks for Botox results to take hold. After two weeks, you can return for additional units if needed.
When can I put makeup on after Botox?
You can put makeup on immediately after treatment, but it’s important to be gentle and avoid rubbing, massaging, or pressing on the treatment area. Make sure to also avoid harsh or irritating products at your injection sites.
Can I still move my face after Botox?
Botox does not limit your ability to make natural-looking expressions when performed by an experienced injector. You can still smile, raise your eyebrows, and squint after Botox u2013 it simply smooths out wrinkles and prevents further creasing in your skin when you make these expressions.
How Much Do Botox Injections Cost?
Botox costs vary depending on the number of units needed, the size of the treatment area, and the condition being treated. During your consultation, we will provide a transparent pricing estimate based on your personalized treatment plan.
Why Choose a Plastic Surgeon for Botox Injections?
Plastic surgeons have in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy, enabling them to deliver results that look natural and preserve your ability to make expressive facial movements. Additionally, a trained cosmetic surgeon can determine when Botox-type injectables are appropriate versus when cosmetic surgery or hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers may be more suitable.
Schedule a Consultation
Botox is a quick, easy way to enhance your appearance when smiling and making other facial expressions, to present a more youthful you to those around you. If you are interested in learning more about Botox and what it can do for you, contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. DiFrancesco today!

Dr. Lisa DiFrancesco
Dr. Lisa DiFrancesco is a female board-certified plastic surgeon based in Atlanta, GA. Her specialties include, but are not limited to, body contouring after weight loss, skin tightening after weight loss, and abdominoplasty. She has won Castle Conolly Top Doctor for several years in a row, among other prestigious awards. Her expertise and experience makes her uniquely qualified to provide the utmost care and treatment for every patient.