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BOTOX Overview

Why Patients Trust Dr. Anu Antony for BOTOX

Most BOTOX in the Raleigh area is administered by a nurse injector working from a standard dosing chart. What sets our practice apart is that Dr. Anu Antony personally injects every BOTOX treatment, using the same facial anatomy training she relies on in the operating room. She trained at Stanford and Harvard, holds board certification in plastic surgery, and has spent more than 20 years learning how much a muscle needs to relax, and how much movement it should keep, to look like you rather than like "BOTOX." That surgical eye is the reason patients drive past med spas to see her.

woman with wet hair with hands on neck and head

What BOTOX Actually Does

BOTOX is a non-surgical injectable made from botulinum toxin type A, a purified protein used cosmetically and medically for decades. A tiny amount placed into a specific muscle briefly interrupts the nerve signal that tells it to contract. The muscle relaxes, and the lines that form when you frown, squint, or raise your brows soften with it. BOTOX treats dynamic wrinkles, the lines created by repeated expression, rather than the static wrinkles caused by lost volume or sun damage. Starting treatment before those lines become etched into the skin also serves as prevention, delaying the point at which they become permanent creases. To learn more, the American Academy of Dermatology has a helpful overview of how neuromodulators fit into a broader skin care routine.

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BOTOX vs. Dermal Fillers: Which Do You Need?

BOTOX and dermal fillers solve two different problems, and confusing them is the most common reason patients end up disappointed with a treatment plan.

Here’s what each does:

  • BOTOX relaxes the muscles that cause expression lines
  • Dermal fillers replace volume lost to aging, restoring fullness in the cheeks, lips, or under the eyes 

Many patients need both: BOTOX to soften a furrowed brow, filler to restore a flattened cheek. Dr. Antony maps out which areas actually need muscle relaxation versus volume during your consultation, rather than defaulting to one treatment for every concern. Learn more on the dermal fillers page.

Areas Dr. Antony Treats

Every face expresses differently, so treatment is tailored rather than templated. Common areas include:

Upper face

  • Frown lines, the vertical creases between the brows
  • Forehead lines that appear when you raise your eyebrows
  • Bunny lines across the top of the nose

Eye area

  • Crow's feet radiating from the outer corners of the eyes
  • A subtle brow lift that opens hooded or heavy upper lids

Lower face and neck

  • Lipstick lines around the mouth
  • Chin dimpling for a smoother chin
  • A softer, slimmer jawline when BOTOX is placed in the masseter muscle, which also eases jaw clenching for some patients
  • Vertical neck bands
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BOTOX Lip Flip: What It Is and What It Pairs Well With

Some patients inquire about a BOTOX lip flip, which involves a small dose of BOTOX injected at the border of the upper lip. This technique relaxes the muscle that pulls the lip inward, creating the appearance of a fuller lip without adding volume through fillers. Dr. Antony will provide honest advice on whether a lip flip, fillers, or a combination of both would be better suited to help you achieve your goals.

Because BOTOX addresses muscle movement rather than lost volume, many patients pair it with dermal fillers to restore fullness, or with chemical peels or CO2 laser resurfacing to improve tone and texture. You can also explore our full range of neuromodulators here.

BOTOX for Migraines, TMJ, and Excessive Sweating

BOTOX is FDA-approved for more than cosmetic use. Beyond softening expression lines, the FDA has approved botulinum toxin for chronic migraines, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), overactive bladder, and certain muscle spasticity disorders.

Patients who clench or grind their teeth often find relief when BOTOX is injected into the masseter muscle in the jaw, which can ease tension headaches and jaw soreness alongside a cosmetic slimming effect. Dr. Antony discusses these medical applications during consultation for patients who mention jaw pain, migraines, or sweating concerns alongside their cosmetic goals.

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BOTOX Before and Afters

Woman touching her neck

Am I a Candidate?

BOTOX in Raleigh & Cary, NC suits most healthy adults who want to soften moderate-to-severe expression lines. You are likely a good candidate if forehead lines, frown lines, or crow's feet bother you and you want a natural result with little downtime.

BOTOX is generally not recommended if you:

  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Have a neuromuscular condition
  • Have a known allergy to any of BOTOX's ingredients
  • Have an active skin infection at the injection site (treatment should wait until it clears)

A consultation is the honest way to know for sure, with Dr. Antony reviewing your history and confirming the treatment is right for you.

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Your BOTOX Treatment, Step by Step

Your BOTOX visit follows a simple sequence:

  • A conversation about what you want to change
  • An assessment of how your muscles move
  • Small doses placed through a very fine needle into the mapped areas
  • A total appointment time of about 10 to 20 minutes

Most patients describe the sensation as a quick pinch, and a topical numbing cream is available if you would like it. There is no general anesthesia or recovery period, so most people return to work or run errands the same day.

What to Expect From Recovery and When You'll See Results

BOTOX requires little to no downtime. A few simple aftercare steps protect your result:
Stay upright for about four hours

  • Skip strenuous exercise for the rest of the day
  • Avoid rubbing the treated areas so the product stays where it was placed

Results appear gradually. Most patients notice softening within three to five days, with the full effect around two weeks. Results typically last three to six months, depending on dosage, muscle strength, and metabolism. Scheduling maintenance before movement fully returns keeps your look consistent over time.

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Is BOTOX Safe? What to Know About Risks

BOTOX has one of the longest track records of any cosmetic treatment, and in the hands of a qualified injector, side effects are usually minor and short-lived. The most common are temporary:

  • Small bruises
  • Redness
  • Slight swelling at the injection sites
  • Occasionally, a mild headache

These typically fade within a day or two.

Less common effects, such as a temporarily uneven brow or a heavy eyelid, are almost always related to injection technique and placement, and they resolve on their own as the product wears off.

This is the single biggest reason to choose an experienced, board-certified provider rather than the lowest price. Dr. Antony's precision with dosing and muscle mapping is what keeps results looking natural and complications rare.

During your consultation, you will have time to ask questions and review your full history so any concerns are addressed before treatment. You can read the FDA's patient information on BOTOX Cosmetic for additional background.

doctor holding marker near patient's forehead

Why North Carolina Patients Trust Dr. Anu Antony

Dr. Anu Antony is a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience and training at institutions including Harvard and Stanford. Her background as a surgeon gives her a deep understanding of facial anatomy, and her artistic eye turns that knowledge into results that enhance your features rather than freeze them. Beyond BOTOX, the Antony Institute of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery offers a full range of surgical and non-surgical options, so if BOTOX alone will not get you where you want to go, Dr. Antony will say so and walk you through the alternative. From consultation through follow-up, the priority is a comfortable experience and a result that looks like you on a good day. Ready to talk about BOTOX in Raleigh & Cary, NC? Contact the Antony Institute of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery to schedule your consultation with Dr. Anu Antony.

"Dr. Antony is truly the best of the best. She did my Botox with such expertise and care. She takes the time to educate you and genuinely cares about your comfort and results."

A.S.

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BOTOX FAQs

Will my expressions look frozen?

How much does BOTOX cost?

How is BOTOX different from other neuromodulators like Dysport or Xeomin?

At what age should I start BOTOX?

Do men get BOTOX, too?

Does BOTOX interact with any medications?

How soon before an event should I schedule BOTOX?

Will my expressions look frozen?

No, when treatment is done well. Dr. Antony's goal is to soften lines while preserving natural movement, so you still look like yourself.

How much does BOTOX cost?

BOTOX is priced per unit, and the number of units depends on the areas treated and your muscle strength. Dr. Antony provides an exact quote during consultation once she has assessed your goals.

How is BOTOX different from other neuromodulators like Dysport or Xeomin?

All neuromodulators use botulinum toxin type A and work the same way, but they differ slightly in onset and diffusion. Dr. Antony will discuss which product fits your anatomy and goals during your consultation.

At what age should I start BOTOX?

There is no set age. Some patients start in their late twenties or early thirties as a preventive measure, softening muscle movement before lines become etched, while others begin later to treat lines that have already formed. Dr. Antony will recommend timing based on your skin and goals rather than a number.

Do men get BOTOX, too?

Yes. Men make up a growing share of BOTOX patients, often seeking to soften forehead and frown lines while maintaining a strong, natural brow shape. Dosing for men typically differs from that for women due to greater muscle mass, which Dr. Antony accounts for during treatment.

Does BOTOX interact with any medications?

Certain medications, including blood thinners and some antibiotics, can increase the risk of bruising or affect how BOTOX behaves. Share your full medication list with Dr. Antony during consultation so she can plan around it.

How soon before an event should I schedule BOTOX?

Plan for at least two weeks before a big event, since that is when the full effect is visible. Scheduling a month out gives Dr. Antony time to adjust if you want more subtle refinement before the occasion.

Sources

  • American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Botulinum Toxin Type A
  • American Academy of Dermatology, How Botulinum Toxin Smooths Wrinkles
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration, BOTOX Cosmetic Patient Information

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.

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