Botox

No review found.

What is Botox Lip Flip?

Botox Cosmetic is the most well-known injectable neuromodulator. Made by Allergan, it temporarily relaxes facial muscles to soften the look of dynamic facial wrinkles created by repeated muscle movement (think: frown lines and furrowed brows).

It works by blocking nerve signals to the muscles, so the injected muscle can’t contract.

Originally developed to treat medical conditions such as cerebral palsy, Botox is FDA-approved to treat crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead lines.

Pros and Cons

Botox is considered the gold standard for relaxing dynamic fine lines and wrinkles, caused by muscle movement

The treatments are quick and relatively painless. In some cases, injections take as little as five minutes

Downtime is almost nonexistent

As long as your injector doesn’t overdo the Botox dosage, your face should still look natural, not frozen. That’s why it has such a high Worth It Rating from RealSelf members

Common Botox side effects include bruising, which can sometimes occur at the injection site and last up to a week

If you’re injected improperly, you could see asymmetrical results such as a droopy eyelid or corner of the mouth, and it takes three to four months for this kind of result to wear off

Seeing an injector who isn’t experienced or licensed, or is using a type of botulinum toxin that hasn’t been purified or approved for human use could mean risking a medical emergency. Make sure you find a qualified injector who will give you the real thing

If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or considering getting pregnant soon, Botox is not for you; the drug hasn’t been tested in those cases

Overview

Optimal tummy tuck candidates are in good health and at a stable weight (dramatic weight fluctuations can affect your result), with excess abdominal skin. “If you sit up straight and have hanging skin, you’re a good candidate for a tummy tuck,” says Dr. Casas.

A common concern of people contemplating a tummy tuck is whether they need to lose weight to qualify for the surgery. The answer varies by surgeon, but the most common stance is that you should be within 10–15 pounds of your goal weight. Many surgeons won’t operate on someone with a body mass index (BMI) higher than 30, due to a commonly held belief about an increased risk of complications.

A 2019 study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), concluded that "Tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) can be safely performed in obese patients, with no increase in complications compared to non-obese patients." “Surgery in patients with BMI up to 35 can be carried out safely when combined with a program of dietary counseling and a waiting period to verify the patient is achieving fitness and dietary goals,” according to Dr. Rodriguez.

Stock your kitchen with healthy fare—fruit, vegetables, and lots of protein for healing. In case you have trouble keeping food down at first, protein shakes can help keep you hydrated, full, and energized.
Scale down to pint- and quart-sized containers of milk or juice. You won’t be able to lift gallon-sized containers.
Consider cooking meals and freezing them ahead of time, so you have them at the ready.

I went in thinking I was going to be up and running in two weeks. I’m an intelligent woman, but this was stupid. Plan on taking a minimum of two weeks off work—or three or four, if you can swing it.

Dr. Brooke Morris Board-Certified Dermatopathologist

What are the most popular alternatives to a Botox?

Fillers

Average cost $175

No anesthesia

Fillers is often compared to microdermabrasion because they’re both skin resurfacing treatments, but microdermabrasion uses an abrasive tool to slough off dead skin, while HydraFacial uses water and a vacuum-tipped device. The main difference is that microdermabrasion completely resurfaces the skin by removing the outer layers to reveal fresh, new skin. HydraFacial is much gentler, and it infuses the skin with hydrating serums and peptides while it exfoliates.

Dysport

Average cost $175

No anesthesia

Dysport is often compared to microdermabrasion because they’re both skin resurfacing treatments, but microdermabrasion uses an abrasive tool to slough off dead skin, while HydraFacial uses water and a vacuum-tipped device. The main difference is that microdermabrasion.

Xeomin

Average cost $175

No anesthesia

Xeomin is often compared to microdermabrasion because they’re both skin resurfacing treatments, but microdermabrasion uses an abrasive tool to slough off dead skin, while HydraFacial uses water and a vacuum-tipped device. The main difference is that microdermabrasion completely resurfaces the skin by removing the outer layers to reveal fresh, new skin.

Find an Offer Near You

Questions and Answers

At what age should you start getting Injectables?