Neurotoxins

What is Botox®?

Botox® Cosmetic is an FDA-approved treatment that uses a highly purified protein to relax the tiny facial muscles that cause expression lines. When these dynamic muscles are softened, the skin above them smooths out — creating a refreshed, youthful look without surgery or downtime.

Botox can improve:

• Forehead lines and furrows
• Frown lines (the “11s” between the brows)
• Crow’s feet around the eyes
• Bunny lines across the nose
• Vertical lip lines (“smoker’s lines”)
• Droopy brows (lifted with precise placement)
• Lip shape (the “lip flip” to enhance natural fullness)

Other neuromodulators such as Dysport®, Jeuveau®, and Daxxify® work in a similar way, and your injector will help determine the best choice for your needs. If wrinkles are caused by volume loss rather than muscle movement, we may recommend pairing Botox with dermal fillers or other treatments for the best results.

How Do Muscles Cause Wrinkles?

Facial expressions like frowning, squinting, and raising your brows activate “dynamic muscles,” which fold the skin repeatedly. In younger skin, collagen and elastin help the skin bounce back. With age, those supportive proteins decline — leaving creases that linger even at rest. Botox works by gently relaxing these muscles so they can’t press the skin into folds, softening lines and restoring a smoother, more radiant appearance.

Treatment Timeline

Onset: Results begin within 3–5 days, with full effect visible in about 2 weeks.

Longevity: Most patients enjoy results for 3–4 months, though some may experience longer or shorter duration depending on metabolism and muscle strength.

Maintenance: Our team at Vellure can design a regular treatment plan to keep your results consistent and natural.

Will Botox Freeze My Face?

When performed by skilled injectors, Botox simply relaxes wrinkle-causing muscles without taking away your natural expressions. At Vellure, our goal is to keep you looking refreshed, not “frozen.” You’ll still smile, frown, and raise your brows — just without the etched-in lines.

Beyond Botox

Dysport® works in a very similar way to Botox, softening dynamic wrinkles by relaxing overactive muscles. Many patients notice Dysport sets in a little faster and may diffuse slightly more, making it especially useful for areas like the forehead. Results typically last 3–4 months. Jeuveau®.

Nicknamed “Newtox,” Jeuveau® is produced in South Korea, a global leader in beauty and aesthetic innovation. It uses Hi-Pure™ technology for a clean, efficient formulation. Results can appear in as little as 2–3 days and typically last up to 4 months. Daxxify® is the newest, long-lasting neuromodulator. Results can appear within 2 days and last an average of 6 months — nearly double the duration of Botox.

Botox treatments are quick and convenient, making them easy to fit into a busy schedule — even during a lunch break.

When you arrive for your appointment, you may choose to have a topical numbing cream applied. While most patients describe Botox injections as very tolerable — similar to a small pinch or brief pressure — numbing is available for those who prefer added comfort. If selected, the numbing cream requires approximately 10–15 minutes to take effect. Each of our skilled providers uses their own techniques to minimize discomfort, and for most patients, simple measures like ice and a stress ball are all that’s needed.

Your provider will first identify and mark the targeted injection points based on your individual concerns. Botox is then carefully injected into these areas to relax the muscles by interrupting nerve signals. The injection process itself typically takes less than 15 minutes. After treatment, you may return to your normal daily activities right away, and makeup can be reapplied to conceal any temporary redness.

Post-Treatment Care Neuromodulator (Wrinkle Relaxer) Aftercare.

Avoid rubbing, pressing, or massaging treated areas for 24 hours.

If bruising occurs, supplements such as Arnica or Bromelain may help speed healing.

Initial results are usually noticeable within 2–7 days, with full results developing by 2 weeks.

Deeper lines present at rest often require more than one treatment to achieve improvement.

If needed, please schedule a follow-up evaluation approximately 2 weeks after treatment. Adjustments requested after 4 weeks may incur an additional fee.

Most neuromodulators last about 3–4 months. The peak “smoother” appearance typically occurs from 2 weeks through approximately 2–2.5 months, with gradual return of movement thereafter.

Treatment Phases Treatment Phase:

Typically performed every 3 months for patients actively treating visible lines.

Maintenance Phase:

Usually scheduled every 4–6 months once lines are no longer apparent and the goal is prevention.

RECOVERY

Botox requires little to no downtime. Mild side effects such as redness, swelling, or bruising at injection sites may occur but usually resolve within 1–2 days and can be covered with makeup. To help minimize bruising, we recommend avoiding anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen for two weeks before and after treatment. Tylenol may be used if needed for discomfort.