If you've been thinking about Botox for a while but haven't booked yet, you're not alone. Most first-time clients tell us the hardest part wasn't the treatment — it was not knowing what to expect. So here is exactly how a first appointment works at Essenza, from the moment you sit down to your two-week follow-up.
It starts with a conversation, not a needle
Every new client begins with a consultation. We talk about what bothers you (and what doesn't), review your health history and medications, and make sure Botox is actually the right tool for your goal. Some situations call for waiting — for example, during pregnancy or breastfeeding — and sometimes a different treatment is a better fit. An honest "not yet" is part of the process.
The consultation fee is $50, and it's applied as a credit toward any treatment within 30 days of your visit.
Mapping your face, not following a template
We look at your face both at rest and in motion: how you frown, smile and raise your brows. Muscle strength and placement vary from person to person, which is why there's no "standard" dose. This assessment is how we decide where to treat, how many units you're likely to need, and how to keep your natural expressions.
Botox and Dysport at Essenza are priced per unit, starting at $11 per unit. You'll know your estimated total before anything begins.
The goal isn't to stop your face from moving. It's to soften the lines you don't love while you still look like yourself.
The treatment itself
The injections take only a few minutes. We use a very fine needle, and most clients describe the feeling as a quick pinch. Small raised spots at the injection points are normal and usually settle within minutes. Most people go straight back to their day.
Aftercare: the simple version
Your aftercare instructions will be personalized, but they typically include:
- Staying upright for a few hours after treatment.
- Not rubbing, massaging or pressing on the treated areas that day.
- Skipping strenuous workouts, saunas and facials for the rest of the day.
- Reaching out to us if anything feels unexpected — we're a message away.
When will I see results?
Botox doesn't work instantly. Many clients begin to notice softening within a few days, and the full effect usually settles in around two weeks. Results commonly last about three to four months, though this varies with the area treated, your muscle strength and your metabolism.
Your two-week follow-up
Botox and lip filler treatments at Essenza include a complimentary follow-up assessment at about two weeks. It's our chance to review your result together and make sure it's balanced — and your chance to ask anything that came up along the way.
Is Botox right for you?
Botox is one option for expression lines on the forehead, between the brows and around the eyes, and it's also used for concerns like a gummy smile, jaw clenching or excessive sweating. Whether it's right for you depends on your goals, your anatomy and your health history — which is exactly what your consultation is for.
Questions we hear often
Does Botox hurt?
Most clients describe a brief pinch. The needle is very fine and the treatment takes only a few minutes. Let us know if you're nervous — we'll walk you through every step.
Will I look frozen?
Our approach is to soften lines while keeping natural movement. Dosing is planned around your anatomy and your goals, and your two-week follow-up lets us fine-tune if needed.
How long does Botox last?
Results commonly last about three to four months, but this varies from person to person. We'll talk about a maintenance rhythm that makes sense for you.
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Treatments, results and timelines vary from person to person; your consultation is where we discuss what's appropriate and realistic for you.
