Relaxing wrinkles and smoothing skin: 8 tips for Botox beginners
December 4, 2025
If you’ve been thinking about trying to enhance your appearance with cosmetic procedures, you’re in good company.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, nearly 10 million people got wrinkle-relaxing injections such as Botox and Dysport in 2024, a 4% increase from the year before.
There are many reasons for this boost in popularity:
- People view more images of themselves on social media and video calls and don’t always love what they see.
- Cosmetic procedures have become more mainstream and less stigmatized.
- More younger adults view injectables as a way to prevent wrinkles and address early signs of aging.
The goal of such procedures is not to make you look like a different person, but instead to enhance your natural appearance. And yes, Botox and other similar products smooth wrinkles. But they can also do something more powerful: Boost self-confidence and help make people look as vibrant as they feel.
Whether you’re curious about what injectables could do for you or you’re ready to give it a try, here are few things we like our patients to know before their first appointment.
The basics about injectables
1. Wrinkle relaxers and fillers aren’t the same thing
You may hear the terms “wrinkle relaxers” and “dermal fillers” used interchangeably, but they work differently:
- Wrinkle relaxers such as Botox and Dysport are neurotoxins that temporarily block the nerves that trigger muscle movement. Basically, these neuromodulators relax the muscles that cause wrinkles and frown lines.
- Dermal fillers are substances injected into the skin or just under the skin that add volume to enhance facial features such as the lips or to fill in wrinkles and depressions.
Neither wrinkle relaxers nor fillers are “better.” Wrinkle relaxers treat wrinkles caused by muscle contraction, while fillers restore shape and plump up areas that have lost volume due to aging. You and your doctor can decide which option or combination best fits your goals.
2. It’s not just for the forehead
Many people think injectables are only for forehead lines, but that’s just one of many areas we treat. Crow’s feet around the eyes, frown lines, and small wrinkles around the mouth are also common targets. Every face is different, so we always design a personalized plan to highlight your unique features.
3. There’s no ‘right’ age to start using injectables
People often assume cosmetic procedures are only for those in their 40s or 50s, but I see patients of all ages.
Some of my patients in their 20s or early 30s chose to start early to prevent fine lines from setting in. Others come to see me in their 50s, 60s, or beyond, looking to soften wrinkles that have already formed.
Both approaches can work. Starting early can help prevent lines from becoming permanent. For these patients, we try to use a very small amount of product; this can reduce the chances of developing a tolerance to the neurotoxin so they can continue using it in the future if they wish.
4. The procedure is quick and (mostly) painless
If you’re nervous about needles, you’re not alone. But don’t worry. The needles we use for injections are very thin and fine, similar to what people with diabetes use to check their blood sugar levels.
You’ll feel a quick pinch, like a tiny bee sting, at each injection site. Applying ice to the treatment zone before and after can reduce discomfort. If you’re nervous about the potential pain, we can apply lidocaine cream about 15 minutes before treatment to numb the area.
The injections are quick, taking only 15 to 20 minutes depending on how many sites we are targeting. You can return to normal activities right away.
Related: Read "How to treat ‘Ozempic face’ and other effects of significant weight loss"
5. Men get Botox, too
Over the past decade, we’ve seen a significant increase in men being interested in cosmetic procedures. While only 6% of people who received neuromodulator treatments such as Botox in 2024 were men, the number has seen year-over-year growth, jumping over 4% from 2023 to 2024.
In some places, “Brotox” has become a playful marketing term for male Botox treatments. We love seeing men embrace self-care and making steps toward feeling confident in their appearance.
6. Plan far in advance for big events
Getting the full effect from injectables can take a week or two. You should notice the start of a smoother look within a few days. Results usually last three to six months, depending on how fast your body metabolizes the product.
If you have a special event coming up, such as a wedding or reunion, schedule your cosmetic procedure three to six months in advance. This gives us time to fine-tune and refresh your results to make sure everything looks natural.
7. Looking ‘frozen’ is not the goal
It’s not uncommon for patients to worry that their face will look frozen or emotionless after using an injectable. How much movement you have will depend on how much is injected and where.
When performed by an experienced physician, wrinkle relaxers should result in a natural appearance where you can still make facial expressions, just with fewer wrinkles. UT Southwestern experts use the least amount of neurotoxin necessary to achieve your goal.
8. Insurance usually doesn’t cover cosmetic procedures
If you’re seeking injectables to smooth out wrinkles, you will likely pay out of pocket. However, there are some conditions for which insurance companies will cover Botox treatment. Those include treating migraines or correcting asymmetrical facial musculature caused by an injury.
Before you get treatment, talk with the doctor about the cost and all the options to achieve the results you want.
What to expect at your first appointment
Before administering any injectable, your UTSW plastic surgeon with talk with you about what you hope to achieve. Are you looking to prevent wrinkles? Smooth frown lines? Erase crow’s feet? Lift the brows?
We’ll explain that wrinkle relaxers work by temporarily paralyzing nerves in the treatment area that help control certain muscles of the face. This minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a few months. We’ll also explain potential complications, such as infection at the treatment site or temporary paralysis of the wrong nerve, resulting in an asymmetric eyebrow or smile.
Next, we perform a facial analysis and make recommendations based on your goals. After these discussions, we can proceed to the injection if you’re ready.
It’s not unusual for patients to want to go home and think about it. We’ll provide reading material with additional information and are always available to answer questions. If you decide an injectable is right for you, you can just make an appointment.
Safety comes first – always
There is no shortage of places offering cosmetic procedures, but not all offer the same level of safety and expertise.
UT Southwestern specialists who administer injectables are board-certified plastic surgeons and dermatologists with advanced training in facial cosmetic procedures. We have the largest multidisciplinary dermatology group in Texas and one of the largest, most highly regarded academic medical center-based plastic surgery programs in the world.
This level of knowledge and experience is extremely rare in a spa or salon setting. Don’t hesitate to ask for the credentials of the person who will administer your treatment.
We follow strict safety protocols; each patient gets their own vial of medication to prevent cross-contamination and reduce the risk of infection. Clinics or spas that offer cosmetic procedures for a significantly lower price may be using the same vial or other equipment for multiple patients. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
When provided by an experienced professional, injectables can help you maintain a fresh, youthful look. Our goal is not to make you look “different” but to help you feel confident and vibrant in your appearance.
To talk with an expert about whether injectables are right for you, make an appointment by calling 214-645-2353 or request an appointment online.
