Everything You Need to Know About “Baby Botox”

Turns out this treatment just got even buzzier

In the world of cosmetic procedures and treatments today—fillers, injectables, implants—the focus is on the face. It seems that in every magazine we pick up and in every reality show we watch, someone has just received botox or plumped their lips with a hyaluronic acid based filler.

Among the most popular procedures still on the rise is Botox. In the past five years, the number of people undergoing Botox treatment has increased by over 40%. But the newest emergence in the facial cosmetic realm is the new, more subtle version of Botox—baby Botox.

What is baby Botox?

Actually first, a quick refresher on what Botox itself is. Botox is a drug doctors have been using for years to treat wrinkles and facial creases.

The term ‘Botox’ is actually a brand name of a toxin made by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. There are other brands that produce this toxin in an injectable form, such as Dysport and Xeomin, but Botox is the term you hear most often because it was the first injectable version of the drug. Basically, calling any injectable botulinum toxin ‘Botox’ is like calling a tissue a ‘Kleenex.’

The most common use of Botox injections is to temporarily relax the facial muscles that cause wrinkles in the forehead and around the eyes. The injection relaxes the injected muscle so that it can’t contract. This softens the muscles and makes the area much smoother and tighter. The effects usually last somewhere between 3-6 months. So, maintenance is needed,

So, let’s dive into baby Botox. The difference between traditional Botox and baby Botox is that it only uses smaller doses of the toxin. The effects are limited and more minimal, with less dramatic and more natural-looking results.

Baby Botox is used on facial areas that are more prone to wrinkles or fine lines. These targeted areas include the wrinkling at the forehead, crow’s feet, brow furrows, jawbone, lips, lip fillers, frown lines and neck.

Instead of using 35 units of the toxin, for example, you can use 10 units in targeted micro-injections. A good candidate for baby Botox is someone who may not have had Botox before and wants to try it out. Another reason someone might get baby Botox is if they are in their twenties and want to prevent fine lines before they start to appear.

The Cost of Baby Botox

In 2018, the average cost of Botox was $311 per procedure in the United States, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Since micro-Botox uses diluted “microdroplets” of the Botox cosmetic, it may cost less than this traditional average. In addition, the maintenance for baby Botox is less than that of traditional, requiring less follow up appointments (which = less $$$).

Before You Go

No cosmetic procedure is a ‘one size fits all’ deal. It’s important to discuss your individual concerns and goals with your doctor before any treatment. It can be helpful to ask to see a portfolio of before-and-after images of the specific doctor to compare and confirm that you like their work. On the day of your appointment, remember to arrive makeup-free.

The Bottom Line

Baby Botox is a great alternative to traditional Botox injections, offering a more natural and less dramatic result. Both want to achieve the same goal—a smooth and fresh complexion. Sounds like the best of both worlds, so it’s no wonder it’s the hottest cosmetic trend on my Instagram feed.

+Have you gotten Botox? Did you maintain it? Let us know your experience below!