Botox has become one of the most popular cosmetic treatments for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and for good reason. When administered by licensed medical professionals, this FDA-approved neurotoxin can smooth expression lines and prevent new ones from forming. At 18 Spa in Loveland, CO, our RN-led team provides medically supervised Botox treatments that deliver natural-looking results.
If you’re considering Botox for the first time, understanding the process helps set realistic expectations and reduces anxiety about your appointment.
Botox contains botulinum toxin type A, which temporarily blocks nerve signals to specific facial muscles. When these muscles can’t contract as forcefully, the overlying skin appears smoother.
The treatment targets dynamic wrinkles—lines that form from repeated muscle movements like:
Botox works best on expression lines that haven’t yet become deeply etched into your skin. Static wrinkles (visible even when your face is relaxed) may require additional treatments like dermal fillers or skin resurfacing.
Before any injections, you’ll meet with our registered nurse for a thorough consultation. This isn’t a sales pitch—it’s a medical assessment to determine if Botox suits your goals and skin condition.
During your consultation, we’ll cover:
Your Treatment Goals
Medical History Review
Treatment Plan Development
Realistic Expectations
Your skin will be cleansed with an antiseptic solution. We may apply a topical numbing cream if you’re particularly sensitive, though most patients find Botox injections quite tolerable.
You’ll be positioned comfortably in our treatment chair, and our nurse will mark the injection sites based on your facial anatomy and muscle movement patterns.
The actual injection process typically takes 10-15 minutes. Using an ultra-fine needle, our nurse will make precise injections into the targeted muscles.
You’ll feel small pinpricks—most patients describe the sensation as less uncomfortable than a typical vaccination. The needle penetrates only a few millimeters into the muscle.
Right after treatment, you can resume most normal activities. However, follow these guidelines for the first 4-6 hours:
Understanding the Botox timeline helps manage expectations and reduces post-treatment anxiety.
Days 1-3: Initial Period
Days 4-7: Early Effects
Days 10-14: Peak Results
Months 3-4: Gradual Return
Most Botox side effects are mild and temporary. Common experiences include:
Normal Side Effects (24-48 hours)
Less Common Effects (1-2 weeks)
When to Contact Us
The skill and experience of your injector significantly impacts your results and safety. When selecting a Botox provider in Northern Colorado, consider these factors:
Medical Credentials
Facility Standards
Treatment Philosophy
Our Botox treatments at 18 Spa combine medical expertise with spa-like comfort, ensuring you receive both excellent results and a pleasant experience.
Botox pricing typically follows one of two models:
Per Unit Pricing
Per Area Pricing
Most patients need touch-up treatments every 3-4 months initially. With consistent treatment, some find they can extend the time between appointments as muscles become trained to move less forcefully.
To get the most from your treatment:
Before Your Appointment
After Treatment Care
Long-term Maintenance
How long does Botox last for first-time patients?
First-time Botox patients typically see results lasting 3-4 months. Your body needs time to process the neurotoxin, and initial treatments may metabolize slightly faster than subsequent ones. With regular treatments, many patients find their results last longer as facial muscles become accustomed to reduced movement.
Can I get Botox if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
No, Botox is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. While there’s no definitive evidence of harm, insufficient safety data exists for these populations. We recommend waiting until after you’ve finished breastfeeding to begin or resume Botox treatments.
Will Botox make me look frozen or unnatural?
When administered properly by experienced medical professionals, Botox should not create a frozen appearance. The goal is to reduce muscle activity while maintaining natural facial expressions. Our conservative approach focuses on achieving subtle improvements that enhance your natural features rather than dramatically altering your appearance.
Ready to explore how Botox can help you achieve smoother, more youthful-looking skin? Our experienced team at 18 Spa provides personalized consultations to determine if Botox aligns with your aesthetic goals.
During your appointment, we’ll assess your facial anatomy, discuss realistic expectations, and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. No pressure, no sales tactics—just honest, professional guidance to help you make an informed decision.
Book your consultation today and take the first step toward refreshed, natural-looking results.
