If you are considering your first Botox Cosmetic appointment, start with a consultation. A qualified clinician can evaluate your goals and medical history and explain whether a procedure is appropriate. No cosmetic procedure is required.
What Botox Cosmetic does
Botox Cosmetic is a prescription botulinum toxin product. Its prescribing information describes approved cosmetic uses and important warnings. Other products have their own labels and units; doses are not interchangeable. Do not assume a use is approved for every product or treatment area.
Before an appointment
Ask who will inject you, their credentials and experience, the exact product and proposed area, expected benefits, risks, alternatives and complete cost. Share your health history and all medicines and supplements with your clinician, including previous botulinum toxin treatments. Discuss pregnancy or breastfeeding and any conditions affecting muscles or nerves. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) preparation guide offers further questions.
Do not stop or change prescribed medicines without speaking with the clinician who prescribes them. Ask your injector for individualized preparation and aftercare instructions.
Benefits and risks
Effects are temporary and vary by person. Injection-site pain, swelling or bruising and eyelid or brow drooping can occur. The product label carries a boxed warning about possible spread of toxin effects. Seek immediate medical care if you develop trouble swallowing or breathing after an injection. See the FDA overview of injectable products and the product label for risks.
Compare the full quote
Ask for the product, proposed treatment, quantity, fees and whether follow-up is included. Product units cannot be compared across brands; per-unit prices alone do not establish the total. Our guide to comparing Botox quotes walks through the questions. Use the directory to identify clinics and verify credentials independently.