Botox in St. Cloud, MN
Botox is a staple in cosmetic dermatology, renowned for its wrinkle- and fine-line-smoothing benefits. It’s a potent drug designed to reduce the appearance of existing wrinkles and prevent the development of new wrinkles, so it’s no surprise that it’s highly sought-after by people from all walks of life.
Whether you want to smooth the appearance of smile lines or kick crow’s feet to the curb, Botox might be an excellent solution. Our Botox services in St. Cloud, MN, are here to help, regardless of what your skin-smoothing goals might be.
Clarus Dermatology Otsego
16201 90th St NE, #201, Otsego, MN 55330
(612) 213-2370
Hours:
| Monday | 7:30 AM–3:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30 AM–3:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30 AM–3:30 PM |
| Thursday | 7:30 AM–3:30 PM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM–3:30 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
**Please also note that you cannot directly book for procedures. All procedures (surgeries, cosmetic treatments) need to be booked on the phone or by email.
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Understanding Botox: The Basics
Botox is a powerful paralyzing drug made from a purified toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The purified form of this toxin is FDA-approved for use in multiple medical subspecialties, helping treat various health problems, including:
- Severe underarm sweating
- Chronic migraines
- Uncontrollable blinking (blepharospasm)
- Misaligned eyes (strabismus)
- Cervical dystonia
However, it’s best known for its prowess in dermatology, where it helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles one injection at a time.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox is a neurotoxin that can temporarily paralyze muscles in the injection site. It achieves the “freezing” effect by blocking the transfer of certain chemicals from reaching specific muscles. The lack of chemical communication effectively prevents the muscles from contracting, in turn limiting the facial expressions that cause fine lines and wrinkles.
For example, suppose you get Botox injections for crow’s feet. The “freezing” effect impacts the muscles in that area, preventing the skin from wrinkling by limiting the movement in that area. So, when you squint or smile, those muscles don’t contract, effectively reducing the appearance of wrinkles in that area.
While Botox is a powerful solution, it isn’t a permanent one. Over time, your body will metabolize the drug and make new neurotransmitters. At this point, those chemical signals will reach the muscles again, allowing the muscles to contract once more. So, to preserve the effect, more doses of Botox in those areas will be necessary.
What to Expect From the Cosmetic Botox Procedure
Your first cosmetic Botox procedure might seem overwhelming, but with a better idea of what to expect, you can feel more confident when you arrive for your appointment. Most of our Botox appointments at Clarus Dermatology are quick and easy, requiring no more than 15 minutes to complete.
When you arrive for your appointment, we’ll escort you back to a treatment room and thoroughly cleanse your skin to reduce the risk of infection. After prepping your skin, we’ll complete the injections based on your skin-smoothing goals.
In the hours and days following your appointment, you might notice tenderness and red dots at the sites of the injection. This is completely normal and usually dissipates within a few days of the appointment. In rare instances, some patients experience minor bruising around the injection site, but this, too, usually dissipates within a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cosmetic Botox in St. Cloud, MN
In addition to its uses in other medical subspecialties, Botox can be used to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face and neck, including:
- Forehead furrows
- Droopy eyebrows
- Frown lines, often called the “11s”
- Lip or smile lines
- Droopy smiles
- Gummy smiles
- Crow’s feet
- Sharp jawlines (to create a softer appearance)
- Chin dimples
- Neck bands
- Facial asymmetry
The injection procedure for cosmetic Botox is quick and streamlined. Most patients don’t need any recovery time before returning to their normal daily activities, and most can return to work within hours of the appointment. While some soreness is normal, most people don’t need any downtime after their injections.
The effects of Botox usually last between three and four months, as the treatment isn’t permanent. However, since each person is different, the effects may last as little as two months or as long as six months before they begin to wear off.
Generally, cosmetic Botox is excluded from health insurance coverage. Most health insurance policies cover medically necessary treatments and procedures, and since Botox is an elective cosmetic procedure, it isn’t usually covered by health insurance. However, since coverage can vary from one policy and provider to the next, it doesn’t hurt to check with your health insurance provider.
The costs of cosmetic Botox vary based on the specifics of your injections, including the number of units required to achieve the desired effect and the area you want to treat. The more units necessary to achieve your goals, the higher the cost.
The cost of cosmetic Botox depends on factors specific to you and your goals, including the areas you want to treat and the number of units necessary to achieve the desired result. We can offer more information after learning about your Botox goals.
Most of our patients at Clarus Dermatology report little to no pain with their Botox injections. It feels like a regular shot at the doctor’s office—a quick pinch and a slight burn during the injection, but beyond that, it’s fairly painless. We do our best to minimize discomfort, such as using smaller needles.
Like any medical treatment or procedure, cosmetic Botox injections can have side effects. Many of these risks occur due to improper administration of the injections. With proper administration by a licensed and experienced healthcare professional, these injections are generally considered safe.
Achieve More Youthful, Radiant Skin With Clarus Dermatology
Botox can be a powerful tool in helping achieve smoother, younger-looking skin. Its “freezing” effects can help reduce the appearance of existing wrinkles and prevent the development of new ones. If you’re ready to take the first step on your Botox journey, we can help.
At Clarus Dermatology, we’re dedicated to helping patients like you achieve their skin goals and navigate skin concerns. Whether you need help finding a solution for your acne or want to achieve smoother, younger-looking skin with Botox, our skilled dermatology team is here to help.
We strive to deliver high-level, comprehensive dermatological care for every patient, helping them feel happier and more confident in their own skin. So, if you want to begin your Botox journey, our team is here to help! Book an appointment with us today!