Beginner’s Guide to Botox: What to Know and What to Ask

By Sondra Forsyth

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons in 2015 over 6.7 million Botox procedures were performed making it the most popular minimally invasive procedure in America. That number continues to increase as women as young as 24 are beginning prophylactic Botox to prevent wrinkles from forming in the first-place. These “Baby Botox’ers” are pressured to look perfect thanks to Social Media.

Older women who opted to put off Botox until their 40’s also don’t know what to expect. Once they see the smoothing of wrinkles, their heightened brows, lifted eyes swear by it and often add fillers and other procedures to the mix. Dr. Leonard Hochstein, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon of over 20 years and his trusted, highly credible Physician’s Assistant Jenya Titova, the “Botox Master” at Hochstein MedSpa in Miami, Florida offers some insights and a fast beginner’s guide to Botox.

1. Will it hurt? You want to know about the actual procedure and its immediate aftermath. Will there be swelling and blotchiness? “Everyone reacts differently given skin color, texture and injection site. It is important you get a real expectation,” explains Dr. Hochstein. Ms. Titova, suggests taking arnica tablets starting two days before treatment to reduce any bruising at the injection site can be very helpful. “The actual injection feels like a small prick. It’s not deep like an injection at the doctor and the needles are smaller,” assures Jenya Titova. Dr. Hochstein advises women to get their Botox done at a reputable MedSpa or plastic surgeons office administered by licensed professionals.
2. What will my results be like and how long will they last? Botox isn’t cheap and it often requires multiple injections to achieve a desired look. Everyone takes to Botox differently but on average the result lasts 2 to 6 months with 4 months being the most common. The person administering should be able to gauge anticipated results depending on area so you know what to expect before committing money and time. “Botox done to smooth deeper wrinkles like frown lines and crow’s feet often see them return within 4 months because it’s such a repeated expression,” explains Ms. Titova.
3. What is the best way to achieve a natural, smooth yet unfrozen look? They key here is how much is administered. You want to be clear that you are trying to rid wrinkles and/or lift brows without compromising your ability to express yourself. For example, if you’re getting Botox for crow’s feet the injection must target a specific area as not to disrupt the cheek movement. “When you’re starting out with any procedure it’s important to go gradual and keep things as natural as possible. It’s very important to understand how the muscles in the face all connect and work together so you achieve the balance between smoothing wrinkles without compromising facial expression,” says Dr. Hochstein.
4. Why do you really want to do it? We all want to look our best however, exploring the motivation behind your decision matters. If you’re in your 20’s, are you trying to prevent wrinkles or are you obsessed with the smooth faces you see on Instagram? “We get a lot of models and social media influencers with millions of followers coming in for Botox, shares Dr. Hochstein. “They believe their livelihood requires them to maintain a perfect flawless complexion,” he adds.
5. How will I be charged? Some doctors charge based on the region while others charge based on the amount used. It’s important to know an estimated cost before treatment. The average cost is between $300 and $900 but again, doctors in major cities with cosmetic surgeons who perhaps treat celebrities and socialites are good at what they do and their rates will reflect that. “When it comes to any procedure you get what you pay for so it’s important to do your research,” advises Dr. Hochstein who has done many procedures on women who compete in pageants, fitness models, and celebrities.
6. What areas of the face can be treated?“Traditionally, Botox is used in the upper face to treat forehead wrinkles, frown wrinkles and smile lines around the eyes. However, we can also use it to correct some lower face and neck concerns,” explains Ms. Titova who became an instructor for Aesthetic Mentors, where she trained physicians, new to aesthetic world, on techniques of enhancing patients’ appearance with cosmetic fillers and Botox.
7. Is Botox a good alternative to face lift in a younger patient?

According to both Dr. Hochstein and his Physician’s Assistant Ms. Titova, Botox should not be thought of as a face lift alternative, but should be highly considered by a younger patient as a preventative treatment. Botox can be started as early as in your 20’s to relax expression wrinkles. This way patients can age gracefully without them.

About the experts:

Dr. Lenny Hochstein is a board certified plastic surgeon in Miami, Florida. World renowned for his meticulous attention to detail, symmetry and overall excellence, including published scientific papers, awards, early entry directly into medical school where he graduated valedictorian; Dr. Hochstein has two decades of experience, over 12,000 surgeries with breast augmentation as his main specialty. His dual accreditation of American Board of Plastic Surgery and American Society of Plastic Surgeons speaks to his high standards and reputation of providing exceptional care to all his patients. In 2017, Dr. Lenny Hochstein added Hochstein MedSpa to his Miami practice to offer lesser invasive treatments and anti-aging solutions adhering to the same values of high standards and quality. Anyone selected to be on his team must be exceptional, credentialed and committed to offering excellent care. 

Jenya Titova, board certified Physician Assistant with 12 years of experience in aesthetic field, is Dr. Hochstein’s right hand at Hochstein MediSpa. She is highly skilled in areas of laser medicine and injectable treatments. His wonderful licensed aestheticians, Larisa Belyakova and Capri Colello are also great assets of his skin care team, delivering personalized, quality-driven approach to their patients.