Botox® Houston, TX

Botox® is in the top five popular cosmetic procedures in the United States, with 4.4 million patients receiving Botox injections in 2020, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons®. Botox is popular for a reason, as it offers patients a quick, easy way to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging without having to undergo surgery.

Dr. Leo Lapuerta, a plastic surgeon with over two decades of experience in Houston, Katy, and Pearland, Texas, is an expert in dealing with the complex anatomy of the face. Dr. Lapuerta’s expertise has helped him build a reputation as the best plastic surgeon to visit for Botox injections in Houston, TX, with many of his patients returning time and time again to get incredible results that turn back the clock to reveal a more youthful appearance.

Botox is an FDA-approved agent effective in the cosmetic treatment of frown lines, crow’s feet, and other wrinkles and signs of aging. It is a skin rejuvenation procedure that allows people to have younger-looking skin without having to undergo surgery. Botox works by temporarily relaxing the muscles surrounding the injection site, resulting in smoother and more beautiful skin.

Botox is sold per unit with a typical patient requiring 35 units. However, each patient has different needs and aesthetic goals, which may require anywhere from 20 to 50 units. Men will typically require a greater number of units than women. Patients can expect a single unit of Botox to cost somewhere between $10 and $15, so for 35 units of Botox, a patient can expect to pay between $350 and $525. 

During the initial consultation for Botox treatment in Houston, Dr. Lapuerta will be able to assess how many units are needed to attain the patient’s desired results. Once a treatment method is determined, Dr. Lapuerta can provide an updated, accurate cost estimate. Dr. Lapuerta is very upfront about the anticipated Botox cost, communicating with the patient so they know exactly what to expect.

Botox is a safe, easy, and effective treatment, as long as it is administered by an expert. Dr. Lapuerta has over 20 years of experience with Botox in Houston, TX, providing patients with safety, security, and the results they desire. Unlike many other practices in the Houston area, Dr. Lapuerta personally performs all of his injections, using his surgical knowledge of facial anatomy that other non-plastic surgeon injectors lack to help patients achieve the best possible results. 

Before administering Botox, Dr. Lapuerta will schedule a consultation with the patient. During this consultation, he will discuss the patient’s goals, describe the treatment plan, and answer any and all questions. It is this partnership with patients that has led many to declare Dr. Lapuerta the plastic surgeon who offers the best Botox in Houston. 

To begin, patients are first marked with ink prior to the injection so that the practitioner can accurately inject the targeted areas. Depending on the needs of the patient, a numbing cream may be applied to help with possible discomfort. Then, small doses of Botox are injected into the skin in the desired areas. Treatment is usually administered in the doctor’s office and can last anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. The number of injections and dose amounts administered depends on the location and the severity of the case. This procedure does not create any discomfort other than a normal prick that comes with a small needle, and patients will be able to go home right after treatment with no downtime after receiving Botox injections in Houston.

Before considering Botox, patients should discontinue the use of aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Naproxen (Alleve), fish oil, and supplements that contain garlic, ginseng, or ginkgo for a period of two weeks prior to treatment. All of these products tend to “thin” the blood and increase the risk of bruising from the treatment. 

Botox Aftercare and Recovery

One of the reasons Botox is so popular is because there is minimal recovery time. Many patients return to work the same day as receiving their injections. You may notice a little bruising and swelling at the injection sites, but that is easily disguised with makeup.

Patients will be provided a small cool pack to use to reduce any puffiness, redness, or bruising at the injection sites. The redness and swelling will only last for a few hours, but some patients may experience bruising for several days. There are bruising medications, such as Arnica, that patients can take a week prior to treatment to help minimize bruising. 

It is recommended that you avoid exercise or other activities that place pressure on your face right after the procedure. Patients are advised to limit physical exercise for 24 hours following treatment. It can take three or four days for the results from the Botox injections to be noticeable and up to a week to get the full results. You will need to schedule follow-up appointments to maintain your new look about every three to four months.

The results from a Botox treatment can be enhanced by performing frequent facial exercises for the 24 hour period following treatment, and Dr. Lapuerta will instruct patients on how to perform these exercises. At two weeks post-injection, patients will enjoy the natural, refreshed, youthful appearance they can expect from their Botox injections.

Botox is incredibly versatile, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of age in a variety of areas on the face. Botox injections in Houston, TX, administered with expertise and precision by Dr. Lapuerta, can treat the following areas:

Frown Lines

Frown lines are common with age, as over time the facial contortions required to frown results in vertical lines appearing both between and above the eyebrows. Botox administered by an experienced specialist can reduce the appearance of frown lines.

Marionette Lines

Marionette lines are wrinkles that travel from the side of the mouth to the jawline. They can make an individual look significantly older, but Botox injections can treat these unsightly wrinkles.

Crow’s Feet

Laughing, smiling, and being out in the sun are all pleasant activities. Over time, however, these joyful acts result in wrinkles extending from the eyes toward the side of the head. Botox is the best treatment for crow’s feet, reducing the appearance of the wrinkles.

Under-Eye Wrinkles

Wrinkles under the eyes can make individuals look constantly tired and worn out. Botox injections by an expert like Dr. Lapuerta can safely soften under-eye wrinkles, resulting in a refreshed and revitalized appearance.

The “Scowl” Brow

Applied to various areas of the forehead, Botox works wonders to reduce and often eliminate the resting appearance of a furrowed brow. Not only do you appear more youthful, but it projects a more welcoming and pleasant demeanor.

Tired, Aging Eyes (a.k.a “Chemical Brow Lift”)

Under the guidance of a skilled, experienced injector like Dr. Lapuerta in Houston, Texas, Botox can do more than just eliminate wrinkles. Botox can be strategically applied to provide what is considered a chemical brow lift. When applied correctly, Botox works to activate and deactivate certain muscles in the forehead to produce a subtle to moderate brow lift. By doing this, the eyebrows are elevated slightly and the sagging skin is lifted to reveal an eye that is brighter and more open. The overall effect is a refreshed, youthful appearance that is subtle to the observer. You will look rested, younger, and more vibrant, without appearing “fixed” or “frozen.”

Facial Contouring (a.k.a “Chipmunk Cheeks”)

Patients with cheek muscle hypertrophy (cheek muscles that are larger) often have a round face shape. The full, round face shape can cause patients to appear heavier than they may be in reality. Often they have been told or think of themselves as having “chipmunk cheeks.” Botox, when skillfully applied by an experienced injector like Dr. Lapuerta, can be successfully used to contour the cheeks. Patients enjoy a more sculpted appearance with a more defined jawline. The face will appear to be more oval in shape than round and often appear to be thinner in general due to the reduction of the cheek muscles. Botox for facial contouring is a safe and highly effective same-day procedure.

Off-Label Treatments: Botox for Hair and More 

The FDA has approved Botox and similar injectables for treating wrinkles, but there are a number of “off-label” Botox treatments that are becoming increasingly popular. It’s wise to speak with a trusted doctor and do your research before pursuing Botox for undertreated conditions. Some off-label treatments using Botox include:

• Botox for hair – stimulate growth and density 
• TMJ – relax painful jaw muscles
• Gummy smile – lower the upper lip line for a more balanced smile showing less gumline
• Lip lift – project the lips for a fuller pout; also called a “lip flip” 
• Acne – reduce oil production in active acne lesion sites to minimize breakouts

How Much Botox Do You Actually Need?

One of the questions you may have when considering Botox is how much you will need. Botox injections are figured per unit, which is also how they are priced. How many units are needed will depend on the area being treated and how much it takes for the muscles to relax in that area.

Treating areas around the eyes, eyebrows, and mouth require fewer units than around forehead and cheeks. You can expect around two to six units for around the lips and the corners of the mouth. If you are having the area alongside your nose treated, it could take up to ten units. You may need from ten to 20 units to treat frown lines or even more. Most of the time, a patient will treat multiple areas at once to maintain a natural look.

When you schedule your consultation with Dr. Lapuerta, as your Botox plastic surgeon, he will discuss your goals for the Botox injection. He will also determine the number of units he expects it to take to get those results.

Getting Natural Results with Botox

Many patients worry about looking fake or frozen after receiving Botox injections. This won’t be a problem if you have the work done by a board-certified plastic surgeon. The frozen look happens because the injections weren’t performed correctly and your wrinkles were “over treated” with too many units. Less is more. When the right amount is used in the correct location, the results are more natural and relaxed. Your face will appear refreshed, not frozen.

Botox Injection Cost in Houston, TX

Botox is sold per unit with a typical patient requiring 35 units. However, each patient has different needs and aesthetic goals, which may require anywhere from 20 to 50 units. Men will typically require a greater number of units than women. Patients can expect a single unit of Botox to cost somewhere between $10 and $15, so for 35 units of Botox, a patient can expect to pay between $350 and $525.

During the initial consultation for Botox treatment in Houston, Dr. Lapuerta will be able to assess how many units are needed to attain the patient’s desired results. Once a treatment method is determined, he can provide an updated, accurate cost estimate. Dr. Lapuerta is very upfront about the anticipated Botox cost, communicating with the patient so they know exactly what to expect.

Get Botox with Triple Board Certified Dr. Leo Lapuerta

Botox can help you fight the aging process, resulting in more self-confidence with how you look. You can contact us today to schedule a free consultation to determine if Botox is right for you. Dr. Lapuerta will answer your questions to help you feel confident about using injections to help you look younger.