Have you seen “Baby Botox” all over your social media pages lately? Have you ever brought up “Baby Botox” to a friend, only for their response to be, “Can you DO that to a baby?!” You’re not the only one. So, what is it, actually? Rest assured, it has nothing to do with infants.
“Baby Botox” refers to “using lesser units of botulinum toxin for the prevention of dynamic wrinkles,” explains New York dermatologist Elaine Kung, MD. While not brand-new, the trending treatment has recently captured the attention of Gen-Zers and Millennials alike—even Simone Biles has tried it. Here’s everything you need to know about the “tweakment.”
What Is ‘Baby Botox’ and Who Should Get It?
The low-dose injection of a neuromodulator such as Botox, Jeuveau, Dysport, Xeomin or Daxxify is “more preventative than therapeutic,” says West Palm Beach, FL dermatologist Kenneth Beer, MD. “When doing this, my goal is to prevent lines from forming.”
In other words, “you are just injecting a smaller dose of neurotoxin than typically used,” says New York dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD.
In addition to employing significantly fewer units, “Baby Botox” differs from a traditional neuromodulator in that it is a “primarily preventative measure most beneficial for people in their 20s and 30s,” says Dr. Kung. Think of it as preserving what you have. By getting “Baby Botox” at a younger age, patients can help “prevent early signs of aging and achieve subtle, natural-looking results,” Dr. Kung explains.
Baby Botox Benefits and Side Effects
Just like with other neuromodulator injections, “Baby Botox” will “decrease the habit of frowning, diminishing the probability that the lines become etched in,” says Dr. Beer.
Despite feeling more approachable and boasting a cute name, “Baby Botox” still comes with the same potential side effects you may see from a typical neuromodulator injection. After being injected, common side effects include “temporary bruising or swelling,” said Dr. Kung. Post-injection, you may also experience discomfort or headaches, Dr. Beer adds. In rare occasions, “slight asymmetry can occur, but it usually resolves spontaneously or is easily correctable,” explains Dr. Kung.
Where Can You Get ‘Baby Botox’ Injected? And How Long Does It Last?
According to Dr. Beer, “Baby Botox” can be injected in the following areas with this approximate number of units (though this can vary):
- Frown lines (glabella): 12-15 units
- Forehead: 10 units
- Lip area: 2 units
- Crow’s-feet: 12 units
As for how long the effects will last, this is “very variable, but usually 12 weeks [about three months],” says Dr. Beer.
How Much Does Baby Botox Cost?
It varies, but you can expect the cost of “Baby Botox” to “range from $200 to $600 per session, depending on factors such as the number of areas treated, the injector’s experience and the geographic location of the clinic,” says Dr. Kung.
What to Expect Before, During and After ‘Baby Botox’
The very first step will be setting up a consultation “with your dermatologist, plastic surgeon or injector to discuss your goals and determine what works best for you,” says Dr. Engelman.
Once you and your provider have decided the best course of action, there are a few precautions to take. “Prior to the procedure, avoid blood thinners to reduce the risk of bruising,” advises Dr. Engelman. And for at least 24 hours beforehand, “refrain from treatments such as microneedling, lasers and chemical peels,” she adds. Bonus: “Try to avoid putting makeup or sunscreen before your injections,” Dr. Beer recommends.
During the procedure, expect a quick appointment “with minimal discomfort from the injections,” says Dr. Engelman. “The actual procedure lasts only 15-30 minutes.”
After your injections, “avoid lying down, touching, or massaging your face for several hours afterward,” Dr. Engelman says.
The best part? According to Dr. Engelman, “There is almost no downtime, and you’ll begin to see results within the first few days of your procedure.”
