BOTOX® Cosmetic remains the most popular minimally invasive cosmetic procedure in the country, with millions of treatments performed every year. At Old Town Med Spa in Chicago, BOTOX treatments are guided by Drs. Shazel and Nael Gharbi—the MD Brothers—board-certified physicians with over a decade of experience and advanced certifications through the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and the International Association of Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine. Their expertise, artistry, and commitment to natural-looking results have made them two of the most trusted aesthetic providers in the city.
What Is BOTOX?
BOTOX is a neuromodulator approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat frown lines. It is a non-surgical, safe, and effective treatment that can smooth any moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet, or forehead lines, refreshing your profile for a youthful look.
The formula mainly consists of small amounts of purified botulinum toxin protein (Type A), which blocks the nerve signals that cause muscles to contract. This effect relaxes and smooths the appearance of lines and wrinkles caused by repetitive facial movements—most commonly between the brows, crow’s feet around the eyes, and horizontal forehead creases. Botulinum toxin is also used cosmetically to balance facial asymmetry and relax tight neck bands.
How Does BOTOX Work?
BOTOX Cosmetic targets one of the underlying causes of frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet—the repeated muscle contractions from frowning, moving the forehead muscles, and squinting over the years. Your specialist will inject these muscles with BOTOX® Cosmetic to temporarily reduce muscle activity. You will begin to notice a visible smoothing of your crow’s feet lines and frown lines between your brows.
We will identify your problem areas and determine where the injections should be placed to achieve the effect you are looking for. Once the locations are set, we will inject the BOTOX solution. This solution prevents the muscles from contracting, which eliminates the look of wrinkles and other signs of aging.
One side effect you may experience is numbness and loss of muscle function, but these effects are temporary. Treatment is also temporary, so you will need to receive new injections every few months. However, if you are happy with the results, getting new injections is harmless and the ideal option to keep your face looking younger. We will discuss this procedure with you before we start and help you determine if it is the right solution for your needs.
BOTOX Cosmetic Results
Results are typically seen within a few days, but full results are typically seen at two weeks. Aesthetic results typically last 3-4 months, and treatments for excessive sweating can last up to a year.
The results vary depending on a lot of factors, such as body metabolism, activity, and body habits, which play a big role.
A Fast, Effective, and Safe Treatment
Many people hesitate to move forward with Botox in Chicago because they don’t know how it works. Getting Botox injections is a fast, effective way to smooth out wrinkles. We can perform most procedures in under 30 minutes, allowing you to get back to your daily life.
While you may experience minor discomfort or minor side effects, the treatment is relatively safe and can provide the amazing results you are looking for. You won’t have to worry about whether you will have a natural look when you are done. You can return to work or continue your daily activities immediately after your treatment.
Do Not Take BOTOX Cosmetic if:
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You are allergic to any of the ingredients in BOTOX Cosmetic or have had an allergic reaction to any other botulinum toxin product, such as Myobloc® (rimabotulinumtoxinB), Dysport® (abobotulinumtoxinA), or Xeomin® (incobotulinumtoxinA)
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You have a skin infection at the planned injection site.
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You have muscle or nerve conditions, such as ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, or other neuromuscular disorders.
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You are pregnant (it is not known if BOTOX Cosmetic can harm your unborn baby), or breastfeeding (it is not known if BOTOX Cosmetic passes into breast milk).
Please tell your doctor about your medicines and medical conditions, including any plans for surgery, any surgery on your face, weakness of the forehead muscles, trouble raising your eyebrows, drooping eyelids, and any other abnormal facial changes.
Why Choose Old Town Med Spa for BOTOX in Chicago, IL?
At Old Town Med Spa, your BOTOX treatment is performed under the expert care of Drs. Nael and Shazel Gharbi—board-certified physicians with over a decade of experience in aesthetic medicine. As founders of one of Chicago’s premier medical spas, the MD Brothers combine advanced injector training with a deep understanding of facial anatomy to deliver natural, refreshed results. We take a personalized approach, tailoring every treatment to your unique features and goals. With multiple convenient Chicago locations serving Bucktown, Lincoln Park, and Old Town, plus a commitment to safety, comfort, and lasting results, you’re in trusted hands every step of the way.
FAQs
Before your BOTOX appointment, let your provider know about any medical conditions, medications, supplements, blood thinners, muscle relaxants, or recent botulinum toxin treatments. Do not stop prescription medications unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Arriving with a clean face can also make the process easier. Our team will review your concerns and goals before placing any injections.
After BOTOX, avoid rubbing, pressing, or massaging the treated areas, as this could cause the product to move beyond the intended muscles. You may return to most normal daily activities right away, but follow any aftercare instructions your injector provides. If you notice unusual weakness, vision changes, trouble swallowing, or difficulty breathing, seek medical care promptly.
Many patients can return to normal activities soon after BOTOX. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends waiting about two hours before strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or other activities that significantly raise your heart rate. Your injector may provide additional guidance based on your treatment areas and individual needs.
You can generally apply makeup soon after BOTOX. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that you may apply makeup after leaving the treatment room. When applying cosmetics, use a gentle touch and avoid rubbing or pressing firmly on the injection sites. Mild redness or small bumps might be visible temporarily, but these effects typically settle shortly after.
It is generally recommended that you remain upright for about two to four hours after BOTOX injections. After that initial period, you can usually lie down and sleep normally unless your injector gives you different instructions. Avoid rubbing or putting unnecessary pressure on the treated areas shortly after your appointment, and follow the aftercare guidance provided during your visit.
There is no single ideal age for starting cosmetic BOTOX. Treatment is intended for adults, and the right time depends more on your facial movement, visible lines, skin condition, and personal objectives than your age alone. Some people consider neuromodulators when expression lines begin lingering at rest. We can evaluate your facial anatomy and discuss whether BOTOX makes sense for you.
BOTOX temporarily reduces the muscle activity that contributes to expression lines, including forehead lines, crow’s feet, and frown lines. Because repeated facial contractions contribute to these lines, some patients choose BOTOX before they become more noticeable. Results and treatment needs vary, so your injector can recommend an approach based on your facial movement, existing lines, and cosmetic goals.
Schedule Your Botox Consultation
Are you ready to move forward with BOTOX injections? Make an appointment at Old Town Med Spa, proudly serving Bucktown, Lincoln Park, and River North, today.
