The consult
Your first cosmetic visit is a consult with Dr. Ashdown. She asks what you would like to change, looks at how your face moves, and asks about your health and medicines.
Tell Dr. Ashdown if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a nerve or muscle condition such as myasthenia gravis, have had a reaction to a botulinum toxin, or have a skin infection where you would be treated. Some of these rule out treatment.
If an injection is not a good fit, she will say so.
The appointment
The injections take a few minutes, with a very fine needle. Most people go back to their day afterward, with written instructions for the rest of the day.
Side effects
Bruising, tenderness or a headache can follow an injection. Less often, a nearby muscle relaxes too, which can make an eyelid or eyebrow droop for a while.
Rarely, the medicine spreads and causes trouble swallowing, speaking or breathing, hours to weeks after the injection. If that happens, get medical care right away.
Dr. Ashdown goes through the side effects with you before any treatment. The effect is temporary; patients who want to keep it come back for repeat treatment.
Questions about wrinkle relaxer injections
Does insurance pay for cosmetic injections?
No. Cosmetic treatment is self-pay. You get the price at your consult, before any treatment. Cosmetic visits are on Tuesdays, including after 5.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Imogen Ashdown, MD, FAAD, October 7, 2026