The Most Studied Wrinkle Treatment in Scottsdale
You notice it one morning — a line between the brows that wasn’t there two years ago, or crow’s feet that linger after the smile is gone. These are dynamic wrinkles: the visible record of facial expressions repeated thousands of times until the skin folds with the muscle. Botox is an FDA-approved injectable that temporarily relaxes those specific muscles so the lines above them soften — without changing how your face moves or expresses emotion.
Botox is one of three botulinum toxin treatments at Desert Bloom Skincare in Scottsdale, alongside Dysport and Daxxify. Dr. Borakowski selects the right product based on your anatomy, the muscles being treated, and your goals — not product loyalty or a fixed menu.
At a Glance
- What it is
- FDA-approved botulinum toxin type A (onabotulinumtoxinA) injectable that relaxes targeted facial muscles to smooth dynamic wrinkles
- Results duration
- Typically 3–4 months; full results by 2 weeks; onset 3–7 days
- Recovery
- None — return to most activities immediately
- Side effects
- Mild bruising, tenderness, temporary headache; eyelid ptosis uncommon
- Ideal candidate
- Adults with dynamic wrinkles driven by muscle movement; value precision and the longest safety track record
- Cost starting
- $10.50 per unit at Desert Bloom
What Is Botox?
Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) is a prescription botulinum toxin type A product made by AbbVie/Allergan. FDA-approved for glabellar lines in 2002, for crow’s feet in 2013, and for forehead lines in 2017, it temporarily blocks the nerve signal that tells targeted facial muscles to contract — the same mechanism shared by Dysport and Daxxify. When the muscle relaxes, the dynamic wrinkles above it soften.
The mechanism is precise: botulinum toxin blocks acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction, temporarily reducing muscle contraction. The treated muscle still functions — it simply contracts less forcefully. Frown lines soften, crow’s feet quiet, and forehead creases become less pronounced. The result is smoother skin, not a frozen face.
Beyond cosmetic use, Botox is FDA-approved for chronic migraine, hyperhidrosis, overactive bladder, cervical dystonia, and strabismus — a breadth of medical applications that reflects how thoroughly studied this molecule is. Botox Cosmetic accounted for roughly 9.1 million treatments in the United States in 2023, making it the most performed minimally invasive aesthetic procedure (ASPS, 2023).
Botox injections treat specific facial muscles — each area requires a different dose and a tailored injection pattern. Three cosmetic indications are FDA-approved: glabellar lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines. Several additional areas are used off-label based on clinical evidence and standard of care in aesthetics. Dr. Borakowski tailors placement and dose to your anatomy, not a fixed template. The ranges below reflect typical doses by age group; your personalized plan is confirmed at consultation.
Upper Face
12–20 units · FDA-approved
Frown lines (glabellar "11s")
The vertical lines between the brows. Botox’s primary FDA-approved cosmetic indication, typically placed across five points.
12–20 units · FDA-approved
Forehead lines
Relaxes the frontalis that creates horizontal lines when raising the brows. Always treated together with the glabella to avoid brow heaviness.
16–24 units total · FDA-approved
Crow's feet
Fan pattern lateral to the orbital rim; goal is softening, not freezing the smile.
4–8 units · Off-label
Brow lift
Strategic placement at depressor muscles creates a subtle 1–3 mm lift. For significant descent, a PDO thread brow lift is often more appropriate.
4–8 units · Off-label
Bunny lines
The lines along the nose that often become more noticeable after glabellar treatment.
Lower Face & Neck
2–4 units · Off-label
Lip flip
Relaxes the orbicularis oris for a subtle eversion of the upper lip without adding volume. Duration is shorter (6–8 weeks) due to constant muscle activity.
4–8 units · Off-label
Smoker / straw lines
Smooths fine vertical lines above the upper lip.
2–4 units · Off-label
Gummy smile
Relaxes the levator labii superioris to reduce excessive gum exposure when smiling. Often combined with dermal filler for the best result.
4–6 units · Off-label
Chin (mentalis)
Reduces the “orange-peel” texture of an overactive mentalis muscle.
18–24 units per side · Off-label
Masseter (jaw slimming, TMJ)
Reduces masseter bulk for a slimmer jawline and relieves TMJ-related clenching. Results develop over 4–6 months (Ghatge et al., 2023).
20–24 units · Off-label
Platysmal bands (neck)
Softens the vertical cords that become visible with age or tension. Sometimes called a “Nefertiti lift” when combined with jawline treatment (Jabbour et al., 2017).
Botox Dosing by Area and Age Group
Typical Botox unit ranges by age group, based on Dr. Borakowski’s clinical dosing matrix. Final dose is confirmed at consultation.
| Treatment Area | Under 30 | 30–45 | 45+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forehead lines | 12 units | 16 units | 20 units |
| Frown lines (glabellar) | 12 units | 16–20 units | 20 units |
| Crow’s feet (both eyes) | 16 units | 20 units | 24 units |
| Brow lift (both brows) | — | 4 units | 8 units |
| Bunny lines | — | 4 units | 8 units |
| Smoker / straw lines | — | 4 units | 8 units |
| Lip flip | 2–4 units | 2–4 units | 2–4 units |
| Chin (mentalis) | — | 4 units | 6 units |
| Masseter (per side) | 18–24 units | 18–24 units | 18–24 units |
| Platysma (neck bands) | — | 20 units | 24 units |
Under 30
- Forehead lines
- 12 units
- Frown lines (glabellar)
- 12 units
- Crow’s feet (both eyes)
- 16 units
- Brow lift (both brows)
- —
- Bunny lines
- —
- Smoker / straw lines
- —
- Lip flip
- 2–4 units
- Chin (mentalis)
- —
- Masseter (per side)
- 18–24 units
- Platysma (neck bands)
- —
30–45
- Forehead lines
- 16 units
- Frown lines (glabellar)
- 16–20 units
- Crow’s feet (both eyes)
- 20 units
- Brow lift (both brows)
- 4 units
- Bunny lines
- 4 units
- Smoker / straw lines
- 4 units
- Lip flip
- 2–4 units
- Chin (mentalis)
- 4 units
- Masseter (per side)
- 18–24 units
- Platysma (neck bands)
- 20 units
45+
- Forehead lines
- 20 units
- Frown lines (glabellar)
- 20 units
- Crow’s feet (both eyes)
- 24 units
- Brow lift (both brows)
- 8 units
- Bunny lines
- 8 units
- Smoker / straw lines
- 8 units
- Lip flip
- 2–4 units
- Chin (mentalis)
- 6 units
- Masseter (per side)
- 18–24 units
- Platysma (neck bands)
- 24 units
How a Botox Appointment Works
Botox injections are performed in a medical office using a thin needle. The treatment area is cleansed, anatomical landmarks are marked, and small amounts of product are placed into the targeted facial muscles via intramuscular injection. A full upper-face treatment takes about 15 minutes. No anesthesia is required — the fine 30–32 gauge needle means most patients describe only a brief pinch — though topical numbing cream is available on request.
- 1
Assessment
Dr. Borakowski reviews your medical history, current medications, and aesthetic goals, then evaluates your facial anatomy at rest and in motion — where muscles pull, where lines form, and which areas benefit from treatment versus which are better left alone.
- 2
Preparation
The injection site is cleansed. No anesthesia is required — the needle is very fine (30–32 gauge). Topical numbing cream is available on request.
- 3
Injection
Precise doses are placed into the targeted facial muscles. A full upper-face treatment typically takes 15 minutes.
- 4
Aftercare
Remain upright for 4 hours. Do not rub or massage the injection sites for 24 hours. Avoid heavy activity, alcohol, and excessive heat (saunas, hot tubs) for 24 hours. Resume normal activities immediately otherwise.
Initial muscle relaxation usually appears within 3 to 7 days. Full results develop by 2 weeks as nerve signals to the treated muscles gradually diminish. The effect lasts approximately 3 to 4 months before facial movement returns.
Aftercare and Recovery
Botox recovery is straightforward, but the first 24 hours matter. Post-care instructions provided at your appointment reduce the risk of toxin migration and bruising:
- Remain upright for 4 hours — do not lie down, bend forward, or press against the treated areas.
- Do not rub or massage the injection sites for 24 hours to prevent spread to adjacent muscles.
- Avoid heavy physical activity, alcohol, and excessive heat (saunas, hot tubs) for 24 hours.
- Avoid facial massages and extended dental work for 1–2 weeks if possible.
- A 2-week follow-up is available — recommended for first-time patients to assess symmetry and perform any minor adjustments.
Candidacy is not determined by age or gender. Some patients begin in their late 20s for prevention; others start in their 40s or 50s when lines have become more prominent. The right time depends on your anatomy, your concerns, and what you want treatment to accomplish.
“Not every wrinkle needs Botox. Not every request should be approved.”
Botox Results — Day by Day
Botox does not erase your face. It softens the specific lines caused by specific muscle movement. When performed well, the outcome is straightforward: you look like yourself — rested, less tense, less tired. People often notice something looks different; they rarely identify what.
Day 0
Treatment Day
Small bumps at injection sites fade within 30–60 minutes. Mild redness is possible. No visible wrinkle improvement yet — the product needs time to bind to nerve terminals.
Day 3–7
First Visible Results
Muscle movement in treated areas begins to decrease. Frown lines start to soften. Most patients notice changes within the first week.
Day 7–10
Noticeable Improvement
Significant smoothing visible. Dynamic wrinkles are markedly reduced. Some areas may still be settling. Minor bruising (if any) has typically faded.
Day 10–14
Full Effect
Full results develop by 2 weeks. This is when results should be evaluated. A 2-week follow-up is recommended for first-time patients.
Months 3–4
Gradual Return of Movement
Wrinkles begin to reappear as nerve terminals regenerate — often less severely than before treatment. Muscle activity returns gradually over several weeks.
How Long Does Botox Last?
Results typically last 3 to 4 months, depending on the treatment area, dosage, metabolism, and treatment history. The lip flip is shorter (6–8 weeks) because the muscles around the mouth are in constant use. Masseter treatment often lasts 4–6 months, in part because the muscle progressively atrophies with repeated treatment.
Both Botox and Dysport typically last 3–4 months. Daxxify lasts a median of 24 weeks — approximately six months — in pivotal Phase 3 trials (Carruthers et al., 2020). The ideal retreatment window is when some movement has returned but before the full effect has worn off.
What Botox Cannot Do
Botox addresses one thing precisely: wrinkles and fine lines driven by muscle movement. It does not correct volume loss, skin texture concerns, sun damage, or true skin laxity. Those concerns require different tools:
- RF microneedling — skin texture, fine lines from collagen loss, pore size, mild laxity
- Sculptra or dermal fillers — volume restoration in temples, midface, and jawline
- Non-surgical facelift with PDO threads — mild-to-moderate tissue descent
Botox vs. Dysport vs. Daxxify
Botox, Dysport, and Daxxify are all botulinum toxin type A products that work through the same mechanism. The differences are clinically meaningful — not marketing distinctions. Desert Bloom offers all three, and Dr. Borakowski recommends based on your anatomy and goals, not product loyalty.
| Feature | Botox | Dysport | Daxxify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | OnabotulinumtoxinA | AbobotulinumtoxinA | DaxibotulinumtoxinA |
| FDA Approval (Cosmetic) | 2002 | 2009 | 2022 |
| Onset | 3–7 days | 2–3 days | 1–2 days |
| Duration | 3–4 months | 3–4 months | 6-month median (up to 6 mo for some patients) |
| Diffusion | Moderate | Broader spread | More localized |
| Glabellar Dose | 12–20 units | 36–60 units | 40 units |
| Unit Ratio (to Botox) | 1× (reference) | ~3:1 | ~2:1 |
| Price at Desert Bloom | $10.50/unit | $3.50/unit | $6/unit |
| Best For | Precise, predictable — gold standard | Broader areas, faster onset, value | Precision placement + longer intervals |
Botox
- Active Ingredient
- OnabotulinumtoxinA
- FDA Approval (Cosmetic)
- 2002
- Onset
- 3–7 days
- Duration
- 3–4 months
- Diffusion
- Moderate
- Glabellar Dose
- 12–20 units
- Unit Ratio (to Botox)
- 1× (reference)
- Price at Desert Bloom
- $10.50/unit
- Best For
- Precise, predictable — gold standard
Dysport
- Active Ingredient
- AbobotulinumtoxinA
- FDA Approval (Cosmetic)
- 2009
- Onset
- 2–3 days
- Duration
- 3–4 months
- Diffusion
- Broader spread
- Glabellar Dose
- 36–60 units
- Unit Ratio (to Botox)
- ~3:1
- Price at Desert Bloom
- $3.50/unit
- Best For
- Broader areas, faster onset, value
Daxxify
- Active Ingredient
- DaxibotulinumtoxinA
- FDA Approval (Cosmetic)
- 2022
- Onset
- 1–2 days
- Duration
- 6-month median (up to 6 mo for some patients)
- Diffusion
- More localized
- Glabellar Dose
- 40 units
- Unit Ratio (to Botox)
- ~2:1
- Price at Desert Bloom
- $6/unit
- Best For
- Precision placement + longer intervals
There is no single “best” neurotoxin. Each has strengths depending on your priorities. Botox may be the right fit if you value the longest safety track record or need precise placement near delicate areas like the eyelids. Dysport may be preferred for faster onset or broader coverage on a larger forehead. Daxxify is worth considering if you want longer intervals between visits.
How Much Does Botox Cost in Scottsdale?
Botox at Desert Bloom is $10.50 per unit. Scottsdale’s market ranges widely; entry-level med spas may advertise lower per-unit pricing but often rely on less experienced injectors. At Desert Bloom, every injection is administered by Dr. Borakowski or a licensed nurse under her direct supervision.
| Area | Botox Units | Cost ($10.50/unit) |
|---|---|---|
| Forehead lines | 12–20 | $126–$210 |
| Frown lines (glabellar) | 12–20 | $126–$210 |
| Crow’s feet (both eyes) | 16–24 | $168–$252 |
| Full upper face (all three) | 40–64 | $420–$672 |
| Brow lift (both brows) | 4–8 | $42–$84 |
| Bunny lines | 4–8 | $42–$84 |
| Lip flip | 2–4 | $21–$42 |
| Chin (mentalis) | 4–6 | $42–$63 |
| Masseter (per side) | 18–24 | $189–$252 |
| Platysma (neck bands) | 20–24 | $210–$252 |
Botox Units
- Forehead lines
- 12–20
- Frown lines (glabellar)
- 12–20
- Crow’s feet (both eyes)
- 16–24
- Full upper face (all three)
- 40–64
- Brow lift (both brows)
- 4–8
- Bunny lines
- 4–8
- Lip flip
- 2–4
- Chin (mentalis)
- 4–6
- Masseter (per side)
- 18–24
- Platysma (neck bands)
- 20–24
Cost ($10.50/unit)
- Forehead lines
- $126–$210
- Frown lines (glabellar)
- $126–$210
- Crow’s feet (both eyes)
- $168–$252
- Full upper face (all three)
- $420–$672
- Brow lift (both brows)
- $42–$84
- Bunny lines
- $42–$84
- Lip flip
- $21–$42
- Chin (mentalis)
- $42–$63
- Masseter (per side)
- $189–$252
- Platysma (neck bands)
- $210–$252
Pricing
- Botox Treatment$10.50/unit
Allergan offers the Allē Rewards loyalty program for Botox patients. Points earned on Botox treatments and other Allergan products (Juvéderm SkinVive, Latisse, SkinMedica) are redeemable for savings on future treatments. Ask about enrollment during your consultation. Full pricing for all neurotoxins is on our price list.
Botox Calculator
Each treatment area requires a different number of units — and the cost depends on your anatomy, not a fixed menu. For a preliminary estimate of your personalized dose across all three neurotoxins, use our neurotoxin unit calculator. It reflects Dr. Borakowski’s actual dosing ranges by area and age group. Final counts are confirmed at your complimentary consultation.
Open Botox CalculatorCombination Treatments
Botox addresses muscle-driven lines. For most patients, it works best as one element of a personalized plan — not as a standalone fix. Common combinations at Desert Bloom:
Botox + Dermal Fillers
Botox softens dynamic lines; fillers restore the volume that accompanies aging in temples, cheeks, and the perioral area. Many patients combine both in a single visit (Sundaram et al., 2016).
Learn moreBotox + PDO Thread Lift
Botox is recommended two weeks before a PDO thread brow lift or neck thread lift. Relaxing opposing muscles allows threads to lift more effectively and last longer.
Learn moreBotox + RF Microneedling
Botox relaxes the muscles from above; RF microneedling improves skin texture, pores, and firmness from below. Schedule Botox first, RF microneedling 2–3 weeks later.
Learn moreBotox + Biostimulators (Sculptra)
For patients with significant volume loss — particularly those on GLP-1 weight-loss medications — combining a neurotoxin with a collagen biostimulator addresses dynamic lines and structural decline together.
Learn moreSafety and Side Effects
FDA-approved since 2002 for cosmetic use and decades earlier for therapeutic indications, Botox has the longest established safety profile of any neurotoxin, supported by large randomized clinical trials. Most adverse reactions are mild, localized, and temporary.
Common (mild, temporary): bruising at the injection site, minor redness or swelling that resolves within 24–48 hours, and mild headache. Bruising is more likely if you take blood thinners.
Less common: temporary eyelid ptosis or brow heaviness, typically resolving within 2–4 weeks; minor asymmetry correctable at follow-up; occasional dry or watery eye when crow’s feet are treated. Less frequent clinical-trial findings include nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, and sinusitis.
Risk is reduced significantly when treatment is performed by a skilled provider who understands the anatomy of the facial muscles. Tell Dr. Borakowski about all medications, supplements, and muscle relaxants you take so potential interactions can be reviewed before treatment.
Human Albumin and Theoretical Disease Transmission
Botox contains albumin derived from human blood. Donor screening and manufacturing controls make transmission of viral disease or variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease extremely unlikely, and no cases have ever been reported — but this theoretical risk is disclosed in the product label.
Resistance and Nonresponse
A small proportion of patients develop neutralizing antibodies that reduce Botox’s effect over time — a phenomenon called secondary nonresponse. Higher cumulative doses, shorter treatment intervals, and certain injection patterns are recognized risk factors (Kroumpouzos & Silikovich, 2025). If you have experienced diminishing results, Dr. Borakowski can review treatment history and consider switching products.
Why Choose Desert Bloom for Botox in Scottsdale
Many clinics offer Botox. What differs is who performs the injection, what products they carry, and whether they are willing to tell you when a different product — or no treatment at all — is the more appropriate choice.
At Desert Bloom, every injection is performed by Dr. Natalya Borakowski or a licensed nurse under her direct supervision. Dr. Borakowski has 17 years of experience in aesthetic medicine, advanced anatomy training through cadaver dissection (Dr. Chris Surek, 2022), and teaches aesthetic medicine as adjunct faculty at the University of Bridgeport. She presented a hands-on masterclass at IMCAS World Congress 2025 in Paris.
This is a clinical aesthetics practice, not a med spa. There is no assembly line. Every plan begins with an honest evaluation — and sometimes that evaluation leads to fewer units than expected, a different treated area, or a different product entirely.
“There is no universally better neurotoxin. Botox, Dysport, Daxxify — each has a clinical reason to exist. My job is to match the right product to your anatomy, not to push whatever is on promotion this month.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Botox last?
How long does Botox take to work?
How many units of Botox do I need?
How much does Botox cost?
What is the difference between Botox and Dysport?
Will Botox make my face look frozen?
What are Botox side effects?
What should I avoid after Botox?
Can I receive Botox if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Can Botox interact with other medications?
Medically reviewed by
Founder, Desert Bloom Skincare · 17 Years Experience
References
- 1.
Carruthers JD, Fagien S, Joseph JH, Humphrey SD, Biesman BS, Gallagher CJ. DaxibotulinumtoxinA for Injection for the Treatment of Glabellar Lines: Results from Each of Two Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 3 Studies (SAKURA 1 and SAKURA 2). Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; 2020;145(1):45-58.
DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000006327
Pivotal trials establishing Daxxify duration (24-week median) used here for the Botox vs Daxxify duration comparison
- 2.
Lemdani MS, Honig SE, Habarth-Morales TE, et al.. Comparison of Botulinum Toxin A Formulations for Glabellar Strain Treatment in Women: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Dermatology; 2025;161(7).
DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2025.1335
Head-to-head RCT confirming Dysport faster onset relative to Botox
- 3.
Jabbour SF, Kechichian EG, Awaida CJ, Tomb RR, Nasr MW. Botulinum Toxin for Neck Rejuvenation: Assessing Efficacy and Redefining Patient Selection. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; 2017;140(1):9e-17e.
DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000003429
Evidence base for platysmal band and Nefertiti-lift dosing
- 4.
Sundaram H, Liew S, Signorini M, Vieira Braz A, Fagien S, Swift A. Global Aesthetics Consensus: Hyaluronic Acid Fillers and Botulinum Toxin Type A — Recommendations for Combined Treatment and Optimizing Outcomes in Diverse Patient Populations. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; 2016;137(5):1410-1423.
DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000002119
Consensus guidance for combining neurotoxin with HA fillers
- 5.
Kroumpouzos G, Silikovich F. Exploring Nonresponse to Botulinum Toxin in Aesthetics: Narrative Review of Key Trigger Factors and Effective Management Strategies. JMIR Dermatology; 2025;8:e69960.
DOI: 10.2196/69960
Reference for secondary nonresponse and neutralizing antibodies discussion
- 6.
Ghatge SA, Ghatge SB, Mehta V. A review on bigonial width reduction by botulinum toxin injections in masseter. Bioinformation; 2023;19(3):272-276.
Evidence base for masseter dosing and jaw-slimming outcomes
- 7.
Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) — FDA Prescribing Information. Full Prescribing Information. Allergan/AbbVie; 2023.
FDA label — cosmetic and therapeutic indications, dosing, safety, boxed warning
Botox®, Dysport®, and Daxxify® are FDA-approved botulinum toxin products for specific cosmetic and medical indications. Some uses described on this page are off-label applications performed by a licensed medical professional. Individual results vary. This page is for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. A consultation is required to determine whether treatment is appropriate for you.
Content reviewed by Dr. Natalya Borakowski, NMD. Last updated: June 2026.
