If you’re considering Botox for the first time in New York City, you’re not alone. I treat everyone from young professionals to new parents and seasoned executives in Yorkville and across the Upper East Side who want to look rested, not “done.”
Here’s the beginner-friendly guide I wish every patient could read before their first appointment.
How Botox Works
Botox is a purified neuromodulator that temporarily relaxes targeted facial muscles. When we soften specific muscles, the overlying skin doesn’t crease as deeply with expression, which:
- Softens existing lines.
- Helps prevent new lines from etching in.
- Creates a more rested, approachable appearance.
Done well, you should still look like yourself, just slightly more refreshed and less stressed.
Common Areas Botox Treats
The most popular areas I treat include:
- Frown lines (the “11s” between the brows).
- Forehead lines from raising the brows.
- Crow’s feet around the eyes.
- Bunny lines on the nose.
- Downturned mouth corners.
- Chin dimpling (the “orange peel” chin).
- Jawline slimming and teeth grinding (masseter Botox).
We’ll decide which areas make sense for you based on your facial anatomy, natural expressions, and personal preferences.
How Much Botox Costs in NYC
Pricing varies by injector, practice, and whether you’re paying per unit or per area. I don’t believe in “race to the bottom” pricing, because your face is not the place to cut corners.
What actually matters is:
- Who is doing your injections.
- Their experience, especially in complex or subtle cases.
- Whether you’re getting a customized plan instead of a cookie-cutter “menu.”
During your consultation, I’ll walk you through exactly what we’re doing, how many units I recommend, and why. I want you to understand what you’re investing in and what kind of result you can reasonably expect.
What to Expect During Your First Botox Appointment
A typical first-time Botox visit looks like this:
- Consultation and photos so we can track your results.
- Makeup removal and cleansing of the treatment area.
- Marking injection points while you animate (frown, smile, raise your brows).
- A series of quick injections with a fine needle.
Most patients are surprised by how quick and tolerable it is. If you’re nervous, we can take everything slowly and talk you through each step.
Downtime, Side Effects, and Safety
There is very little true downtime with Botox. After your treatment:
- You may see small bumps at injection sites for 10–20 minutes.
- Mild redness or tiny bruises are possible and usually fade quickly.
- You can go back to work, errands, or school the same day.
Botox has an excellent safety profile when used appropriately by an experienced medical professional. The most important safety factors are:
- A detailed medical history review.
- Knowledge of facial anatomy.
- Appropriate dosing and injection depth.
- Conservative, incremental treatment when you’re new.
If you’ve ever felt “frozen” elsewhere, let me know. We can design a plan that preserves your natural expression.
When You’ll See Results and How Long They Last
You’ll start to see Botox working around 3–5 days, with full results visible at about 2 weeks. At that point, we’ll know how your muscles respond and can make a note of any adjustments to fine-tune for next time.
Most patients enjoy their results for about 3–4 months. Some prefer to maintain very consistently and return right as movement starts to return; others prefer to space visits further apart. We can tailor your schedule to your lifestyle and budget.
If you’re new to Botox and want an honest, educational first experience, I’d be glad to meet you. You can schedule a consultation at Koru Wellness Aesthetics in Yorkville/Upper East Side with me, Dr. Chin, or one of our aesthetic nurse injectors so we can review your goals, walk you through the process step by step, and create a plan that fits comfortably into your life.
