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BOTOX® Cosmetic

Wrinkles are a fact of life, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept them as permanent fixtures on your face. Years of smiling, squinting and expressing yourself have left their mark, and while you wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything, you’d love to minimize their visible impact.

BOTOX offers a proven solution that goes beyond surface-level treatments to address the root cause of these pesky wrinkles. At The Ottawa Clinic, our experienced injectors combine medical expertise with an artistic eye to deliver natural-looking results that smooth away crow’s feet, frown lines and forehead wrinkles while preserving your unique features and expressive personality.

What Is BOTOX?

BOTOX is an injectable treatment designed to minimize the appearance of expression lines and wrinkles caused by repetitive facial movements. Originally developed to treat crossed eyes (strabismus) and eyelid spasms (blepharospasm), BOTOX was FDA-approved for cosmetic use in 2002 and has a long track record of safety and success. With millions of treatments performed each year worldwide, it is considered by many to be the gold standard in nonsurgical wrinkle reduction, delivering results that last for up to four months after just a single treatment.

How Does BOTOX Work?


BOTOX contains botulinum toxin, a potent neurotoxin derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When injected into overactive muscles, it works by blocking the release of an important neurotransmitter (acetylcholine) that tells the muscles when to contract. Without this neurotransmitter, the muscles relax, causing the overlying skin to stay smooth with every wink, smile or furrowed brow. Untreated muscles are not affected for natural facial expressions and a look that is always refreshed and never stiff or overdone.

BOTOX Treatment Areas

BOTOX Cosmetic is FDA-approved for moderate to severe crow’s feet, forehead creases and frown lines in the upper face. However, it is often used “off-label” to treat wrinkles in other areas, including around the lips, nose and jawline. At The Ottawa Clinic, our experienced nurse injectors use BOTOX throughout the face to improve the appearance of:

BOTOX is also an effective treatment for various medical conditions, including chronic migraines, teeth clenching or grinding, an overactive bladder and excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) in the underarms, hands and feet. With such a wide range of applications, treatment plans are tailored to each individual’s needs and goals. During your consultation, our team will evaluate your concerns and recommend the best approach for your situation.

Is BOTOX Right for Me?

BOTOX works well for most adults who want to reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles. The best candidates are those looking to smooth away existing lines or prevent new ones from forming, rather than those seeking dramatic facial transformation.

You may be an ideal candidate for BOTOX if you:

During your consultation at The Ottawa Clinic, we’ll discuss your concerns and goals to determine if BOTOX is right for you. We’ll also explain what you can realistically expect and create a personalized treatment plan. If BOTOX isn’t the best fit, we offer other solutions like dermal fillers or skin resurfacing treatments that might better address your specific needs.

BOTOX for Men

Men are increasingly discovering the confidence-boosting benefits of BOTOX. However, when seeking BOTOX treatments, it’s important for men to choose a provider who understands their facial anatomy and how to achieve the best results. Men’s facial muscles are larger, often requiring higher doses to achieve the desired effects, and the treatment areas may differ to ensure a masculine look. When done correctly, BOTOX can restore a youthful look that gives men the competitive edge to land that big promotion or attract that special someone.

At The Ottawa Clinic, our experienced injectors understand the nuances of male facial anatomy and focus on subtle enhancements to create a strong, confident appearance, effectively softening unwanted expression lines and wrinkles without revealing your anti-aging secret.

What to Expect During Your BOTOX Treatment

BOTOX is a simple in-office procedure that takes just 10-15 minutes to complete — many of our patients come in on their lunch breaks for a quick midday glow-up! Your treatment begins with a brief consultation, during which our dermatologist, a nurse injector or one of our plastic surgeons will evaluate your needs and develop a personalized treatment plan just for you.

Once your concerns and goals have been discussed, your provider will use an ultra-fine needle to inject small amounts of BOTOX into specific areas to soften the appearance of dynamic wrinkles. You may be asked to make a series of facial expressions for enhanced precision. Each injection takes just a few seconds to complete and feels like a small pinch. The process is generally well-tolerated, but ice and numbing cream are available to ensure your comfort.

Afterward, you’ll be able to go home or back to work and immediately resume your normal routine with little to no downtime. For the best results, you’ll be asked to avoid excessive heat and sun exposure, limit strenuous exercise and refrain from touching or rubbing the treated area until the following day. We also recommend waiting at least 24-48 hours before consuming alcohol to minimize potential side effects like bruising or swelling.

BOTOX Recovery & Results

Downtime following BOTOX injections is typically minimal. You may experience temporary redness and swelling at the injection sites immediately after treatment, but cold compresses can help alleviate these side effects. Most patients can resume their normal activities within a few hours of their treatment, making the injections a simple, convenient solution to facial aging.

After your treatment, the effects of BOTOX start to “kick in” in as little as two days, with full results visible after two weeks. Once your final results have developed, you can expect them to last for three to four months, at which time you can return for touch-up injections to maintain your youthful look. While some patients worry about a stiff or “frozen” appearance, we focus on creating subtle results that soften the appearance of wrinkles without compromising your ability to make natural facial expressions, leaving you beautifully refreshed and never overdone.

Preventive BOTOX

Starting BOTOX treatments before deep wrinkles form can prevent them from developing in the first place. This proactive approach, often called preventive BOTOX or “prejuvenation,” works by training your facial muscles to contract less forcefully over time. Beginning treatments in your mid-to-late 20s or early 30s can significantly reduce the formation of expression lines, meaning you’ll need fewer units and less frequent treatments as you age. Preventive BOTOX is particularly effective for people with expressive faces or those who spend significant time in the sun. By addressing dynamic wrinkles early, you’re investing in smoother skin for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between BOTOX and fillers?

BOTOX and dermal fillers are both anti-aging injectables, but they target different types of wrinkles and work through different mechanisms. BOTOX relaxes treated muscles to reduce dynamic wrinkles that appear with every facial expression, while fillers add volume in areas that have lost fullness to minimize static lines and creases that are visible even when the face is at rest. Fillers can also be used for lip augmentation and facial contouring. Many patients combine both treatments for comprehensive results that address multiple signs of aging simultaneously.

When should I start BOTOX treatments?

There is no “right age” to begin BOTOX injections, but patients who start earlier — in their late 20s or early 30s — often need fewer treatments and smaller doses to delay the signs of aging and maintain smooth, wrinkle-free skin. This approach, often called preventive BOTOX or baby BOTOX, can “train” the facial muscles to stay relaxed, even after it wears off. That being said, BOTOX can still reduce the appearance of existing wrinkles in your 40s, 50s and beyond.

Can BOTOX be combined with other treatments?

Absolutely! BOTOX works well with other treatments, letting you address multiple concerns at once and achieve comprehensive results. The most popular treatment combinations include pairing BOTOX with dermal fillers, biostimulators like Sculptra®, laser resurfacing and BroadBand Light (BBL™) therapy. Your treatments will be appropriately timed to ensure a safe and effective outcome.

How long does BOTOX last?

BOTOX typically lasts for three to four months, but this can vary from person to person depending on factors such as the severity of the wrinkles being treated, metabolism, lifestyle and treatment history. Areas with a lot of movement and patients who exercise frequently may see the effects wear off sooner. Regular treatments may help extend your results as the muscles weaken over time, and there is evidence that zinc may prolong the effects of BOTOX.

Is BOTOX reversible?

While BOTOX isn’t reversible like dermal fillers (which can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase), its effects are temporary and will naturally wear off within three to four months. If you’re unhappy with your results, time is your best friend — the botulinum toxin will gradually leave your system and your muscle movement will return to normal. However, choosing an experienced injector like those at The Ottawa Clinic significantly reduces the risk of unwanted results. Proper technique, appropriate dosing and an understanding of facial anatomy are key to achieving natural-looking results you’ll love from the start.

Will people be able to tell I’ve had BOTOX?

When performed by skilled injectors, your BOTOX results should look completely natural. People will notice you look refreshed and rested, but won’t be able to pinpoint exactly why. The goal is to soften expression lines while maintaining your ability to show emotion and personality through facial expressions. Over-treatment or poor technique can create a stiff or “frozen” look, which is why choosing an experienced provider is essential for beautiful, subtle results.

How much does BOTOX cost?

The cost of BOTOX Cosmetic and other neurotoxins performed by one of our experienced physicians is $13-15 per unit. When performed by one of our registered nurses, the cost is $11.50 per unit. The total amount you can expect to pay for your BOTOX injections will be influenced by how many units you require to effectively address your concerns. This will vary for each patient based on which areas are being treated and their unique facial anatomy. Our team will provide you with an accurate cost quote prior to your treatment to ensure you know what to expect and can budget accordingly.

How many units of BOTOX will I need?

The number of BOTOX units required varies significantly based on your facial anatomy, expressiveness, muscle strength, treatment areas and desired results. Typically, forehead lines need 10-30 units, crow’s feet require 5-15 units per side, and frown lines between the brows use 10-25 units. Men generally need more units than women due to stronger facial muscles. At The Ottawa Clinic, your injector will assess your needs during your consultation, starting conservatively with the lowest possible dose and adjusting in follow-up appointments, if needed.

Wrinkles? Not on Our Watch — Book Today

Stop letting fine lines and wrinkles define how you feel about your appearance. BOTOX Cosmetic treatments at The Ottawa Clinic offer quick, effective results with minimal downtime — perfect for your busy lifestyle. Whether you’re just starting to notice expression lines or you’re looking to soften deeper wrinkles, our experienced team can create a personalized treatment plan just for you. Schedule your consultation and learn why our patients love their BOTOX results. Get started by calling us at 613-232-7777 or completing our online contact form.