The 7 Best Places to Get Botox on Your Face, According to the Expert
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If you’ve ever wondered what’s behind the sleek, smooth faces of your *fave* celebrities and influencers, chances are, Botox might be their not-so-secret weapon.
And if you’re considering jumping on the Botox bandwagon (or maybe you’re just a little curious), you might have wondered: “Where exactly can you get Botox on your face?”
It’s a valid question, and we’re here to break down the best places to get Botox for you.
We spoke with Dr Saulis Banionis, an expert in anti-ageing medicine, to find out everything you want to know about getting Botox on your face, including the key areas where it can work its magic and the average cost of this cosmetic procedure.
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How does Botox work?
Dr Banionis tells us that “Botox, or botulinum toxin, is a popular cosmetic treatment used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It is primarily used to temporarily paralyse the underlying muscles that cause these wrinkles.
“While Botox is commonly associated with treating wrinkles on the upper face, it can also be used in other areas, including around the mouth.”
Where *exactly* can you get Botox in your face?
One of the most common questions people have regarding Botox is what areas it can be injected into the face.
Let’s explore each area in more detail and uncover how it can improve the appearance of fine lines.
1. Horizontal and vertical forehead lines
Dr Banionis tells us that “Botox can smooth horizontal forehead lines and diminish vertical frown lines between the eyebrows (known as glabellar lines or ’11’ lines).”
Horizontal lines that appear across the forehead and vertical lines between the eyebrows are commonly caused by repetitive facial expressions like raising your eyebrows or frowning.
Botox can be strategically injected into these muscles to relax them and help smooth wrinkles. This specific treatment gives the forehead a more relaxed appearance. Bonus!
2. Crow’s feet
The fine lines and wrinkles that radiate from the corners of your eyes are often referred to as crow’s feet. They naturally result from smiling, squinting, and laughing, which work the muscles in that area, causing the appearance of lines over time.
Having Botox injected around the eyes “can help soften these lines”, says Dr Banionis, by relaxing the muscles responsible for these movements, helping you achieve a more youthful look.
3. Brow lift
As we age and face things like sun exposure, our brows can droop and create a tired or angry expression. “Botox can be used to shape and lift the eyebrows, creating a more youthful and open appearance”, says Dr Banionis.
Botox helps users achieve a subtle brow lift by targeting specific muscles that pull the eyebrows down. By relaxing these muscles, the brow can be elevated slightly, giving the eyes a more open and refreshed appearance.
4. Bunny lines (on the side of the nose)
“These are the horizontal lines that form on the sides of the nose when you scrunch it”, explains Dr Banionis, they are caused by repetitive facial motions like scrunching or concentrating.
The name comes from how the lines can resemble a rabbit’s twitching nose and, while they may seem cute, the truth is that some people find them bothersome or struggle with their confidence due to the lines. “Botox can relax the muscles responsible for bunny lines” says Dr Banionis.
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5. Lipstick or smoker’s lines
Lipstick or smoker’s lines are the vertical wrinkles that form around the lips. It is most prominent in smokers, but it can also occur due to natural ageing.
Dr Banionis advises that “Botox can be used to address certain wrinkles around the mouth, such as smoker’s lines (vertical lines above the upper lip) or marionette lines (lines that extend from the corners of the mouth downward).”
This will provide a smoother surface for makeup application and reduce the appearance of these fine lines.
6. Marionette lines
Marionette lines are the lines that run vertically from the corners of the mouth to the jawline. They can give the appearance of a downturned mouth, making one look sad or aged.
When combined with dermal fillers, Botox can help soften these lines, restoring a more youthful and cheerful appearance.
7. Under the eyes (tear trough)
Under-eye wrinkles and hollows, known as tear troughs, can make you look tired and aged. Although Botox is not typically used directly under the eyes, it can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan alongside dermal fillers to address these issues.
The injections can help by relaxing surrounding muscles that contribute to under-eye wrinkles and lines and create a brighter overall appearance.
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In some instances too, Botox can be injected to help with the appearance of inverted acne scars. However, most medical professionals recommend treatments like lasers instead to treat scarring.
How long does Botox last?
According to Dr Banionis, “Botox lasts 3 months, with this being said, some patients may metabolize it quicker due to vigorous exercise, excessive sweating and doing any sort of detoxes.
“Over time, some patients find that if they are consistent they can get away with 4-5 months. The makers of Botox, Allergan, claim longevity of the product is 3 months.”
How much does Botox cost?
The cost of Botox can fluctuate depending on different factors, including location, the experience of the medical professional administering the treatment, and the number of units required for the treatment plan.
Botox is usually priced per unit, and the number of units needed will change based on the individual’s facial anatomy and the severity of the wrinkles being treated.
In the United States, the average cost of Botox for forehead lines is around $10 to $20 per unit. For forehead lines, it may require anywhere from 10 to 30 units on average, so the total cost can range from $250 to $600.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says that “the average cost of botulinum toxin injections (e.g., Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin®, Jeuveau®) is $466, according to the most recent statistics”.
In the UK, the average cost of Botox for forehead lines is around £8 to £16 per unit. Similarly, the number of units needed can vary, but it’s generally in the range of 10 to 30 units for forehead lines, resulting in a total cost of approximately £80 to £480.
“The NHS website says that Botox prices range between £100 – £350 in the UK. However, figures can vary. Firstly, it depends on how many areas are being treated. While the prices may appear to start quite low, this may be for a very small dose,” advises Cosmedics Skin Clinics.
It’s really important that you contact a qualified professional or a reputable clinic to receive an accurate quote based on your aesthetic goals.
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Is there anything you need to avoid?
It is important to take certain precautions both before and after receiving Botox injections to get the best results and minimise any adverse effects.
Most medical professionals recommend avoiding alcohol and blood-thinning medications for at least 24 hours before and after the treatment. Alcohol and blood thinners can increase the risk of bruising at the injection site and side effects, so abstaining from these substances can help reduce the likelihood of additional discomfort.
It is important to try and avoid touching or rubbing the injection site immediately after the procedure. Touching the treated area could potentially spread the botulinum toxin to unintended muscles, leading to unwanted effects.
Be sure to contact your medical provider to discuss your personalised treatment plan, make sure you are a good candidate for Botox and to get expert pre and post-Botox care guidance..
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The takeaway
Facial wrinkles are pesky and can affect your confidence, but Botox offers a safe and effective way to combat the signs of ageing across most of the face.
The effects typically last around 3 to 4 months, with repeat treatments up to four times a year to maintain the results. The price of Botox injections can change depending on factors such as location, aesthetic goals, and the number of units required.
To get the best outcome, you should always choose a qualified healthcare professional who can administer the treatment in a safe manner. Be sure to follow any recommendations made by your provider for aftercare and medication to ensure you get your dream results.
Meet the expert
Dr Saulis Banionis is board certified by The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and was trained extensively in aesthetic and regenerative medicine to become an expert in anti-ageing medicine. His practice is PB Antiaging and he has also worked as a Medical Expert for the Florida Board of Medicine.
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