Injectables
A complete guide to how Botox softens dynamic wrinkles, the average unit ranges per facial zone, downtime, and what to expect, from the cosmetic nurse injectors at New Skin YYC.
Botox is a purified neuromodulator made from botulinum toxin type A that temporarily blocks the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, relaxing targeted facial muscles and softening dynamic wrinkles such as forehead lines, frown lines (glabellar 11s), and crow’s feet. Manufactured by Allergan Aesthetics, Botox Cosmetic is Health Canada approved and remains the most studied wrinkle-relaxing injectable in the world. Our Botox Cosmetic injections are administered by board-certified cosmetic nurse injectors under medical-director oversight.
Table of Contents
Botulinum toxin type A is a 150-kilodalton protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In cosmetic doses, the toxin binds to SV2 receptors on motor nerve terminals, cleaves the SNAP-25 protein, and prevents vesicles from releasing acetylcholine. Without acetylcholine, the muscle fiber cannot contract. The overlying skin stops folding, so dynamic wrinkles fade and new etched lines are prevented from deepening.
The effect is local, dose-dependent, and reversible. Nerve terminals sprout new functional endplates over 12 to 16 weeks, which is why Botox results typically last three to four months.
All four products are botulinum toxin type A neuromodulators approved in Canada, but they differ in molecular structure and onset time.
900 kDa complex. Onset 3 to 5 days, peak at 14 days, duration 3 to 4 months.
500 kDa. Faster onset (2 to 3 days), wider diffusion, often preferred for large forehead surfaces.
150 kDa “naked” toxin with no accessory proteins, theoretically lowering antibody resistance.
Peptide-stabilized formulation marketed for 6-month duration in some patients.
Unit conversions are not 1:1. Approximately 2.5 to 3 Dysport units equal 1 Botox unit.
The number of units depends on muscle mass, sex, and desired motion. Male patients usually require 25 to 50% more units due to larger frontalis, corrugator, and masseter muscles.
Frontalis muscle.6 to 20 units
Corrugator + procerus.18 to 25 units
Orbicularis oculi.10 to 24 units total
Nasalis.4 to 10 units
Orbicularis oris.2 to 6 units
Levator labii superioris.4 to 8 units
Mentalis.4 to 8 units
For bruxism and slimming.20 to 50 units per side
Neck rejuvenation.25 to 60 units
Sweat reduction.50 to 100 units per axilla
Soften Lines, Keep Expression
Reserve a complimentary injectables consultation with our board-certified cosmetic nurse injectors.
Visible relaxation begins 3 to 5 days post-injection. Peak effect is reached at day 14, which is also the standard window for a touch-up assessment. Duration averages 3 to 4 months and can extend with consistent re-dosing because the treated muscles atrophy slightly from disuse.
Preventative or “baby Botox” uses smaller doses (4 to 12 units in the glabella, for example) to slow the formation of static lines before they etch into the dermis. Studies published in JAMA Dermatology on identical twins demonstrated that the twin receiving regular Botox over 13 years had visibly fewer static wrinkles than the untreated twin.
Common, transient effects include pinpoint bruising, mild headache, and a temporary heavy-brow sensation. Rare effects include eyelid ptosis (drooping) from diffusion into the levator palpebrae superioris muscle, which resolves spontaneously or with apraclonidine 0.5% drops.
Botox is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in clients with neuromuscular disorders such as myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, or ALS, and in those with active skin infection at the injection site.
Botox addresses dynamic motion. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers restore lost volume in static folds, cheeks, and lips. The combination is often called “liquid facelift.” Botox can be performed the same day as a collagen induction microneedling session (injected first), and one to two weeks before or after laser treatments such as Laser Genesis skin rejuvenation.
Botox Cosmetic has been used clinically since 1989 and approved for cosmetic use by the FDA in 2002. It has one of the longest safety records in aesthetic medicine.
Modern dosing favors a natural, expressive result. Skilled cosmetic nurse injectors tailor unit count to preserve motion.
Most clients notice softening at day 3 to 5, with full effect at day 14.
Every 3 to 4 months is standard. Stretching to 6 months may cause static lines to reappear.
Wait 24 hours. Elevated heart rate and head-down positions (yoga, weightlifting) can diffuse the product.
First-time clients typically start with a conservative dose. A two-week follow-up allows the injector to add 2 to 6 units if motion is still detectable.
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