So you're thinking about getting full face Botox? Let's cut through the Instagram filters and influencer hype. I remember walking into that clinic three years ago, palms sweating, convinced I'd come out looking like an expressionless mannequin. Spoiler: I didn't. But I also didn't wake up looking 20 years younger. What happened instead taught me more about cosmetic procedures than any glossy brochure ever could.
What Actually Is Full Face Botox?
When we talk full face Botox before and after transformations, we're not just talking crow's feet. We mean targeting 11 areas minimum:
- Forehead lines (those horizontal trenches)
- Glabellar lines (your "11s" between brows)
- Crow's feet (laugh lines around eyes)
- Brow lift (for that tired-eye look)
- Bunny lines (nose wrinkles when you scrunch)
- Lip flip (to minimize gummy smile)
- Marionette lines (mouth corners dragging down)
- Chin dimpling (orange-peel texture)
- Neck bands (vertical cords)
- Jawline slimming (masseter reduction)
My injector, Dr. Lena Chen in Seattle, put it bluntly: "Full face isn't about freezing everything. It's chess, not checkers." She showed me before and after photos where patients looked rested but weirdly natural versus others who clearly got the freezer-spray treatment.
Why People Go Full Face vs. Spot Treatment
| Concern | Spot Treatment | Full Face Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Aging Pattern | 1-2 problem areas | Overall facial harmony |
| Typical Age | Late 20s - 30s (preventative) | 40s+ (corrective) |
| Cost Range | $300 - $600 | $900 - $2,500 |
| Downtime | Minimal redness | Possible bruising at multiple sites |
Honestly? I wish someone had told me about the eyebrow asymmetry risk earlier. After my first full face session, my left brow decided to moonwalk upward for two weeks. Not cute.
The Nuts and Bolts: What Happens During Treatment
Let's walk through what my last session looked like at Westside Aesthetics in LA (where they charge $14/unit):
"Botox parties? Hard pass. You want sterile, quiet, and zero champagne distractions."
Pre-Procedure Checklist:
- No alcohol 48hrs prior (increases bruising)
- Stop NSAIDs 1 week out (ibuprofen, aspirin)
- Arrive makeup-free with clean skin
- Bring reference photos (but be realistic!)
The mapping took 20 minutes alone. Dr. Kim used a surgical marker to dot injection points while I made expressions. "Frown like you're reading bad news... now smile like you won the lottery..." Felt ridiculous but crucial for placement.
The Injection Experience: Pain Level Truth
| Area | Pain Scale (1-10) | Weird Sensations |
|---|---|---|
| Forehead | 2/10 (mosquito bite) | Mild pressure |
| Glabella | 6/10 (sharp pinch) | Watery eyes |
| Masseter | 4/10 (deep ache) | Jaw heaviness |
| Lip Flip | 7/10 (surprisingly spicy) | Temporary numbness |
The whole ordeal took 45 minutes. Pro tip: Schedule it on Friday afternoon. That post-procedure facial swelling is real. I looked like I'd gone three rounds with a beehive.
Red Flag Alert: If your injector tries to sell you "Botox alternatives" like Toxin A or Botulax during a full face session, walk out. These unregulated products cause over 60% of botched cases according to FDA reports.
The Full Face Botox Before and After Timeline
Social media lies. You won't walk out looking refreshed. Here's the real transformation schedule:
- Day 1-3: "Did I just waste $1,500?" Zero difference except tiny red dots. Maybe minor headache.
- Day 4-7: Forehead starts feeling heavy. Can't scowl at bad drivers anymore. Weirdly liberating.
- Day 10-14: Peak effect hits. You'll finally see those full face Botox before and after results. Jaw slimming becomes visible.
- Month 2-3: Sweet spot - natural movement returns but lines stay soft. This is when photos look amazing.
- Month 4-5: Gradual fading. First sign? Those faint 11s between brows reappear during Zoom calls.
Maintenance Hack: Stagger your touch-ups. Do upper face at 3 months, lower face at 4. Saves money and prevents that "suddenly frozen" look.
Realistic Results: What You Gain vs. What You Lose
| Improvements | Compromises |
|---|---|
| Smoother forehead texture | Limited eyebrow expressiveness |
| Softer crow's feet | Difficulty wearing heavy eyeliner |
| Less prominent jawline | Trouble chewing tough steak |
| Reduced chin dimpling | Occasional lisp if lip flip too strong |
My biggest surprise? How strangers treated me differently. Baristas started carding me again (I'm 42), but my kid said my "happy face looked sorta broken." Ouch.
The Price Tag: Breaking Down Full Face Botox Costs
Let's talk numbers because nobody does. My first full face experience cost $1,850 in Beverly Hills. Highway robbery? Maybe. Breakdown:
- Forehead/Glabella: 24 units ($336)
- Crows Feet: 12 units/side ($336)
- Brow Lift: 4 units ($56)
- Bunny Lines: 6 units ($84)
- Lip Flip: 4 units ($56)
- Masseters: 25 units/side ($700)
- Consultation Fee: ($150 - nonrefundable)
Regional Price Comparison (Per Unit)
| City | Average Price | Reputable Clinic Example |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $16 - $22 | SKINNEY Medspa |
| Los Angeles | $12 - $18 | LAC+ USC Aesthetics |
| Chicago | $11 - $16 | Chicago Aesthetic Institute |
| Dallas | $10 - $14 | Dallas Cosmetic Surgery |
Watch for "loss leader" pricing. That $9/unit place in the mall? They'll upsell you on 50 extra units you don't need. Ask for package pricing upfront - many clinics offer 15% off full face treatments.
Choosing Your Injector: Non-Negotiable Criteria
After my eyebrow mishap, I became obsessive about vetting injectors. Key things that matter:
- Credentials: Must be MD/DO, NP, or PA with certification visible
- Portfolio: Minimum 100 full face Botox before and after cases (ask to see multiple angles)
- Product Handling: Should open sealed Botox vial in front of you (brands: Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau)
- Emergency Protocol: What happens if you develop ptosis (droopy eyelid)? My clinic offers free touch-ups.
Mistake I Made: Picked an injector based on Instagram followers. Turns out she outsourced to newly trained nurses. Always ask "Who will actually inject me?" during consultation.
Red Flags During Consultation
- Pushes more units than competitors suggest
- Won't show real client photos (stock images only)
- Claims results last "6-9 months" (realistically 3-4)
- Dim lighting in exam rooms (hides poor outcomes)
Personal Experience: The Good, Bad and Ugly
Round three was my Goldilocks moment. After two mediocre attempts, I visited Dr. Armand in Miami ($16/unit but worth every penny).
What worked:
- Strategic under-treatment around brows allowing natural arch
- Conservative lip flip (2 units instead of 4) avoiding duck mouth
- Masseter dosing adjusted for my teeth grinding
What sucked:
- Bruise on left cheekbone lasted 10 days (covered with Dermablend)
- Temporary difficulty pronouncing P's and B's (embarrassing at work meetings)
- Three weeks of "frozen headache" feeling during adjustment period
Would I do it again? Honestly? Yes, but only for special events. Maintenance every 6 months feels excessive and frankly, unsustainable cost-wise.
Frequently Asked Questions About Full Face Botox Before and After
Can full face Botox look natural?
Absolutely, if done conservatively. The horror stories usually come from over-injection. Ask for "micro-Botox" technique - smaller doses spread across more points.
How painful is full face treatment?
Manageable but not pleasant. The masseter injections feel deepest. Topical numbing helps, but skip if you're prone to swelling.
What's the worst side effect you experienced?
Asymmetrical brows for 16 days post-treatment. Fixable with corrective units but added $175 to my bill. Temporary eyelid ptosis is more serious but rare.
Can men get full face Botox?
Absolutely. Dosage differs though - male foreheads often need 30% more units. Avoid over-lifting brows to maintain masculine shape.
Are there non-Botox alternatives for full face?
Dysport spreads more, better for foreheads. Jeuveau kicks in faster. Avoid Xeomin for full face - too unpredictable in large areas.
The Verdict: Is Full Face Worth It?
After three rounds and $5k spent? It's complicated. When done right, full face Botox before and after results can be stunning. That effortless "I woke up like this" glow? Real. But the maintenance is relentless, and bad work is distressingly common.
My advice? Start small. Do just forehead and eyes first. See how your face responds. Full face commitment isn't for the hesitant or budget-conscious. And seriously? Skip the Groupon deals. Your face deserves better than discount needles.
What finally convinced me? Catching my reflection in a car window two months post-treatment. For once, I didn't see exhaustion etched into every feature. Just a fresher version of me. Not younger, exactly. More... undisturbed.
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