Most first-time Botox clients arrive at their appointment with one of two mindsets: either they have over-researched and are anxious about every detail, or they have under-researched and are surprised by things that are easy to prepare for. This guide is designed to put you in the third category — informed, calm, and set up for the best possible result.
At Banyan & Bamboo, Britt has administered thousands of neurotoxin treatments over 21 years. What follows is exactly what she tells every new client before their first appointment.
What Botox Actually Does (and Does Not Do)
Botox (botulinum toxin type A) temporarily relaxes the muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles — the lines that form when you make facial expressions. It does not fill volume, tighten skin, or address static lines (wrinkles present at rest). It works by blocking the nerve signal that tells a muscle to contract.
Results typically appear within 3–7 days and are fully visible at 2 weeks. They last 3–4 months on average, though this varies based on the area treated, your metabolism, and how active the muscle is.
What Botox treats well:
- Forehead lines
- Frown lines (the "11s" between the brows)
- Crow's feet
- Brow lifting
- Bunny lines (nose scrunch)
- Lip lines (with precision dosing)
- Neck bands (Nefertiti Lift)
- Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
What Botox does not treat:
- Volume loss (that is fillers or Sculptra)
- Deeply etched static lines (those require resurfacing or filler)
- Skin laxity (that requires structural support)
The Week Before Your Appointment
Stop blood thinners if medically safe to do so. Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and fish oil all increase bruising risk. If you take prescription blood thinners, do not stop them without consulting your physician — the bruising risk is manageable, but the medication risk is not.
Avoid alcohol for 24–48 hours before your appointment. Alcohol dilates blood vessels and increases bruising risk.
Do not schedule your appointment within 2 weeks of a major event. Bruising is uncommon but possible. Swelling typically resolves within 24–48 hours, but you want a buffer for your first treatment.
No facial treatments in the 2 weeks prior. Avoid microneedling, chemical peels, laser treatments, or anything that creates active skin disruption before your Botox appointment.
Arrive with a clean face. No makeup, no heavy moisturizer. We will cleanse the treatment area before injecting, but starting clean is helpful.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Consultation first. Britt will review your concerns, assess your facial anatomy, and discuss what is achievable. She will not just inject where you ask — she will evaluate whether the treatment you want is the right one for your anatomy, and she will tell you honestly if it is not.
Photos. Before-and-after documentation is standard. Photos are taken at rest and with facial movement to capture the full picture.
Topical numbing is available but usually not needed. Botox injections are done with an extremely fine needle. Most clients describe it as a brief pinch. If you are needle-sensitive, let us know and we will apply topical numbing cream 20–30 minutes before your appointment.
The treatment itself takes 10–20 minutes. The consultation takes longer than the injections.
You will see small bumps at the injection sites. These are normal and resolve within 20–30 minutes. Do not be alarmed.
After Your Appointment: The First 24 Hours
Do not lie down for 4 hours. This is the most important post-care instruction. Lying flat too soon can cause the toxin to migrate from the intended muscle.
Do not rub or massage the treated area. For the same reason — you want the product to stay exactly where it was placed.
Skip intense exercise for 24 hours. Elevated heart rate and blood flow can increase bruising and may affect distribution.
No facials, saunas, or heat treatments for 24 hours. Heat increases blood flow and can affect the toxin's settling process.
Expect nothing for 3–7 days. Botox does not work immediately. If you look in the mirror the next morning and see no change, that is normal. Results develop gradually as the toxin takes effect.
What Results Should Look Like
Good Botox results look like a rested, refreshed version of you — not a frozen or expressionless one. You should still be able to raise your eyebrows, squint, and show emotion. The lines that form with expression should be softer; the lines at rest should be reduced.
If you feel too frozen, or if you notice asymmetry at your 2-week follow-up, that is something we can address. Botox is adjustable — a small touch-up can correct asymmetry or add more relaxation to an area that did not respond fully.
What is not normal:
- Significant drooping of the eyelid or brow (ptosis) — this is rare but should be reported immediately
- Results that look dramatically different on one side
- No effect at all after 2 weeks — this occasionally happens with very active muscles and can be addressed with a touch-up
How Much Does Botox Cost in Austin?
Botox and Dysport are priced per unit at most Austin practices. At Banyan & Bamboo, pricing is transparent and discussed during your consultation based on the areas being treated and the dose required for your anatomy.
Typical unit ranges by area:
| Area | Typical Units (Botox) |
|---|---|
| Forehead | 10–20 units |
| Frown lines (11s) | 20–30 units |
| Crow's feet (both sides) | 12–24 units |
| Brow lift | 4–8 units |
| Full upper face | 40–60 units |
Dysport requires more units than Botox for equivalent effect (roughly 2.5:1 ratio), but is typically priced lower per unit. The total cost is usually comparable.
Botox vs. Dysport: Which Is Right for You?
Both are botulinum toxin type A. The differences are in formulation, onset, and spread:
- Botox has a slightly slower onset (5–7 days) and stays more localized at the injection site. Preferred for precision work around the eyes and lips.
- Dysport has a faster onset (2–5 days) and spreads slightly more. Can be advantageous for larger areas like the forehead.
- Daxxify is the newest option — longer lasting (up to 6 months) and peptide-formulated. A good option for clients who want less frequent maintenance.
Britt will recommend the right product for your anatomy and goals during your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I look frozen? Not if your treatment is done correctly. The goal is natural movement with reduced line formation. Britt's approach is conservative on first treatments — it is always easier to add more at a follow-up than to over-treat.
How long until I see results? 3–7 days for initial effect, full results at 2 weeks. We schedule a complimentary follow-up at 2 weeks for all first-time clients.
How often do I need to come back? Every 3–4 months on average. Consistent treatment over time often allows for reduced dosing as the muscles become less active.
Can I get Botox while pregnant or breastfeeding? No. Botox is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
What if I do not like the results? Botox is temporary. If you do not like the effect, it will wear off completely within 3–4 months. If there is a specific concern (asymmetry, too much or too little effect), contact us at the 2-week mark and we will assess.
Is there a right age to start Botox? There is no universal right age — it depends on your anatomy and goals. Many clients in their late 20s and early 30s begin with a low-dose preventive protocol before lines become etched. Others wait until lines are more visible. Both approaches are valid.
