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Botox®/Dysport®/Daxxify®
Botox®, Dysport® & Daxxify® in Northbrook, IL
You want to look rested, not “done.” You want your friends to say you look wonderful, not ask who your injector is. (Of course, if you’d like to volunteer that information anyway, we won’t stop you. We’d be honored.) Refreshed, natural, still unmistakably you: that’s exactly what we aim for.
At Dr. Julia Milman Aesthetic Medicine, every neuromodulator treatment follows a physician-led approach overseen by Dr. Milman, a board-certified physician with more than 15 years of experience in how nerves and muscles communicate. The result: softer lines, a fresher face, and expressions that still look like you.
Quick Facts
| Treatment time | About 15 minutes |
| Downtime | None. Most patients go right back to their day. |
| First results | 2 to 5 days, depending on the product |
| Full results | 2 weeks |
| Longevity | 3 to 4 months; Daxxify® up to 5 to 6 months when dosed for longevity |
| Who injects | Dr. Milman or Becki, RN |
| Investment | $14/unit with Dr. Milman, $13/unit with Becki, RN, $2 off per unit on your first visit |
| Consultation | Complimentary |
How Botox® Works
(the Short, Science-y Version)
Every time you frown, squint, or raise your eyebrows, a nerve sends a chemical signal to a muscle telling it to contract. Do that thousands of times a year and the skin above starts to crease.
Botox®, Dysport®, and Daxxify® are all neuromodulators: purified forms of botulinum toxin type A. They quiet that nerve-to-muscle signal in one small, targeted area. The muscle relaxes, and the skin above softens.
A few things worth knowing:
- It’s Local: Only the treated muscles relax. Everything else works as usual.
- It’s Temporary: Nerves gradually rebuild connections, so results fade over roughly 3 to 4 months (up to 5 to 6 months with Daxxify® dosed for longevity).
- It’s Preventive: Fewer deep frowns means fewer chances for lines to set in. As we like to say, “the best wrinkle is the one you never get.”
- It Targets Movement Lines: Neuromodulators soften lines caused by expression (dynamic wrinkles). Lines etched in at rest (static wrinkles) often need help from lasers, microneedling, or fillers too.
Why an anesthesiologist? The meeting point between nerve and muscle, called the neuromuscular junction, is exactly where neuromodulators work. It’s also where anesthesiologists work every day: managing medications that act on that junction is a core part of the specialty. That depth of understanding shapes how our whole team approaches every treatment.
Botox®, Dysport®, or Daxxify®:
Which Is Right for You?
Think of them as three brands of the same idea. All three are FDA-approved, all three relax targeted muscles, and all three deliver natural results in experienced hands. The differences are in the details.
| Botox® | Dysport® | Daxxify® | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maker | Allergan | Galderma | Revance |
| FDA approved (cosmetic) | 2002 | 2009 | 2022 |
| Typical onset | 3 to 5 days | 2 to 3 days | 2 to 3 days |
| Longevity | 3 to 4 months | 3 to 4 months | 3 to 4 months; up to 5 to 6 months when dosed for longevity |
| Rewards program | Allē Rewards | ASPIRE Rewards | REVA Rewards |
One simple price, whichever you choose: Dysport® is measured in different units than Botox®, which makes per-unit prices hard to compare at many practices. We prepare all three products so that one unit is equivalent and priced the same. No conversion math, no surprises.
Which one will we recommend? We’ll choose the best fit at your consultation, based on your anatomy, your goals, and how you’ve responded to treatment in the past. We use one product per session rather than mixing brands. If you notice your results wearing off sooner than you’d like, Dysport® is often our next recommendation.
My Approach: Less Is More
Dr. Milman says:
“Less is always more. We can always add, but we can never subtract. I would much rather see you back for a touch-up at two weeks than have you feel heavy or look unnatural. My goal is for your friends and family to tell you how well rested you look, and wonder how you’ve been sleeping so well.”
What that looks like in practice:
- Anatomy first. Every face is different. Muscle strength, brow position, and how you move when you talk all shape where (and how much) we inject.
- Conservative dosing. We start with what you need, not the maximum. A complimentary two-week check-in lets us fine-tune if needed.
- Expression stays. Smiling, surprise, concern: you keep them all. We soften the lines, not the personality.
- Physician-led, always. Every treatment follows the physician-led standards Dr. Milman sets for the practice, whether she or Becki, RN, is your injector.
- No pressure. A consultation is just a conversation. You’re welcome to go home and think it over.
Dr. Milman adds:
“Anatomy is the foundation of everything we do. But every face is different, so when we’re unsure, we’ll always go lighter rather than heavier. Needing a follow-up and a small touch-up the first time we meet is completely normal. That’s how we get to know your face.”
What Can Botox® Treat?
Forehead lines and the “11s” get all the attention, but neuromodulators can do a lot more.
Area | What it helps |
Forehead lines | Horizontal lines from raising your eyebrows |
Frown lines (the “11s”) | Vertical lines between the brows that can make you look tired or annoyed |
Crow’s feet | Lines at the outer corners of the eyes from smiling and squinting |
Brow lift | A subtle lift of the outer brow for a more open look |
Bunny lines | Wrinkles on the sides of the nose when you scrunch |
Lip flip and lip lines | Softens vertical lines above the lip; can gently turn the upper lip out |
Chin dimpling | Smooths the “orange peel” texture on the chin |
Neck bands | Relaxes vertical bands on the neck |
Masseter (jawline) | Slims a square jaw and can ease clenching and grinding |
Excessive sweating | Reduces underarm, hand, or foot sweating |
Several of these areas are “off-label,” meaning FDA approval covers other areas. Off-label use is common and well established in aesthetic medicine, and we’ll talk through it at your consultation.
Sweating Less
(Yes, Really)
Botox® is FDA-approved for excessive underarm sweating, a condition called hyperhidrosis. If you plan your wardrobe around sweat marks or dread raising your hand in a meeting, this one’s for you.
- How It Works: The same nerve-quieting effect that softens wrinkles also calms overactive sweat glands.
- Dose: 50 units per underarm.
- Investment: $900 for 100 units.
- Longevity: Typically 6 to 9 months, so one treatment can carry you through an entire summer.
We also treat the hands and feet; these are off-label uses of Botox®. Ask us at your consultation.
Your Botox® Appointment, Start to Finish
- Consultation (complimentary): We talk about your goals, look at how your face moves, and review your health history. You can treat the same day or book for later.
- Before Your Visit: When you book, you’ll get an email with everything to do (and skip) beforehand.
- The Treatment (about 15 minutes): A few quick, tiny injections. Most patients describe it as a brief pinch, if anything. Prefer to skip the pinch? We offer complimentary topical numbing; just plan an extra 20 to 30 minutes for your visit. Full disclosure: Dr. Milman, a board-certified anesthesiologist, has zero pain tolerance and numbs before her own neuromodulator treatments. The irony is not lost on her.
- Right After: Small bumps at the injection sites usually fade within about 30 minutes, and mild redness or a small bruise is possible. You can reapply makeup right away (with clean brushes) and get back to your day. For 24 hours, skip rubbing or pressing the treated areas, face-down massages, and heat like saunas or hot yoga. Very strenuous workouts, like a long run or an intense training session, can wait until tomorrow.
- Days 2 to 5: Things start to soften. You’ll notice it first when you try to frown.
- Week 2: Full results. Come in for your complimentary two-week follow-up. A small touch-up, especially after your first treatment, is completely normal as we get to know your face.
- Months 3 to 4: Movement gradually returns (or around months 5 to 6 with Daxxify® dosed for longevity). Most patients rebook around now to stay ahead of the lines.
Planning for a wedding or big event? Book at least 4 weeks ahead: two weeks for full results, plus two weeks for a touch-up if needed.
Real Patients, Real (Subtle) Results
These are our own patients, photographed in our office. Notice what you don’t see: frozen foreheads or surprised brows. Just smoother, fresher versions of the same faces.
Individual results vary. Photos shared with patient permission.
Pairs Well With
Dr. Milman says:
“Injections are wonderful, but skin health is always our priority. Medical-grade skincare at home, plus a DiamondGlow® on the same day as your neuromodulator, is the ideal recipe for an all-over glow.”
Botox® handles movement lines. For everything else (firmness, texture, glow), these are its favorite teammates.
Treatment | Why it pairs well |
Our favorite same-day pairing: facial first, injections second. Walk out smooth and glowing. | |
The daily foundation for healthy skin. We’ll recommend products for your skin type. | |
Stimulates your own collagen for gradual, natural-looking firmness and subtle support over the following months. Think healthier, more resilient skin, not a fuller face. | |
Deep hydration for a dewy glow and smoother skin texture. | |
Softens lines that are etched in even at rest, which Botox® alone can’t erase. | |
Builds collagen and tightens skin for longer-term improvement. |
Your Investment
Neuromodulators are priced per unit, so your total depends on which areas you treat and how strong those muscles are. Because of how we prepare our neuromodulators, these typical ranges apply to Botox®, Dysport®, and Daxxify® alike.
Area | Typical units |
Frown lines (the “11s”) | 12 to 20 |
Forehead lines | 10 to 16 |
Crow’s feet | 15 to 24 (both sides) |
Bunny lines | 3 to 5 per side |
Lower face (chin and downturned corners of the mouth) | About 12 total |
Masseters (jawline) | 20 to 25 per side |
Neck bands (platysma) | Varies greatly with anatomy |
New to neuromodulators? Most first-timers start with the upper face: frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet. It’s the classic trio, and a gentle introduction to how your face responds.
Your investment: $14 per unit with Dr. Milman, $13 per unit with Becki, RN. First visit? Enjoy $2 off per unit. The same price applies to Botox®, Dysport®, and Daxxify®.
You’ll get an exact quote at your complimentary consultation, before anything is injected. See our full pricing page, including new patient welcome pricing.
Earn rewards: We honor Allē (Botox®), ASPIRE Galderma Rewards (Dysport®), and REVA Rewards (Daxxify®). Not enrolled yet? Our front desk will set you up; all three programs are free.
FAQs
Does Botox® hurt?
Most patients say it’s much easier than they expected: a few quick pinches, over in minutes. We use very fine needles, and complimentary topical numbing is available if you can spare an extra 20 to 30 minutes.
Is Botox® safe?
Neuromodulators have been used in medicine for over 30 years and are among the most studied and well-documented cosmetic treatments available. In trained hands, serious side effects are rare. Your health history is reviewed before every treatment, so be sure to tell us if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, have a neuromuscular condition, are taking antibiotics, or have a cow’s milk protein allergy.
What are the side effects?
The most common are mild and short-lived: small bumps that fade within about 30 minutes; mild redness, tenderness, or swelling; and occasionally a small bruise, which can take up to a week to fade. A mild headache in the first day or two is also normal, and Tylenol® (acetaminophen) can help if you’re not allergic. Rarely, an eyelid or eyebrow can droop, or vision can blur. If you notice either, or any signs of an allergic reaction, call us right away at 224-282-2964.
What happens if I stop getting Botox®?
Nothing dramatic. Your muscles gradually return to their usual movement over a few months, and your lines settle back to where they would have been anyway.
How often will I need treatments?
Most patients come in every 3 to 4 months for Botox® or Dysport®, or every 5 to 6 months with Daxxify® dosed for longevity. Some patients find their results last longer over time.
Can men get Botox®?
Absolutely, and more do every year. Men often need more units because their facial muscles tend to be stronger. Learn more on our Men’s Aesthetics page.
Can I get Botox® if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Neuromodulators aren’t recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so we’ll focus on safe skin treatments for you until then.
Who performs the injections?
Dr. Milman or Becki, RN. Both follow the physician-led approach Dr. Milman oversees for the practice.
What is the difference between a static wrinkle and a dynamic wrinkle?
Dynamic wrinkles are lines that appear during facial expressions, such as smiling or frowning, and disappear when the face is at rest. Over time, these can develop into static wrinkles, which are visible even when the face is relaxed. Static wrinkles result from the natural aging process, loss of skin elasticity, and repeated facial movements. Neuromodulators are effective in treating dynamic wrinkles by relaxing the underlying muscles. For static wrinkles, we offer other modalities, such as laser treatments, to help soften their appearance. We can discuss the best options for you during your consultation.
Will I look frozen after treatment?
No, neuromodulator treatments aim to relax targeted muscles without compromising your natural facial expressions. The goal is to achieve a refreshed appearance while preserving your ability to convey emotions naturally.
How do I know which product is best for me?
During your consultation, we will assess your facial anatomy and discuss your aesthetic goals to recommend the most suitable treatment option.
How do I know how many units I need?
The number of units required varies based on factors such as the treatment area, muscle strength, and desired outcome. During your consultation, we will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Can I get a DiamondGlow® or Glow Trifecta facial the same day as a neuromodulator treatment?
Yes, you can. When scheduled in the same appointment, you will have the facial first, followed by the neuromodulator injections administered by Dr. Milman or Becki, RN, before finishing products are applied. This sequence helps maintain the effectiveness of both treatments.
What should I do or avoid before and after the treatment?
Upon scheduling your appointment, you will receive an email with comprehensive guidelines to ensure the best possible outcome.
What if I try Botox®/Dysport® and do not like it?
If you’re not satisfied with the results, rest assured that the effects of Botox®/Dysport® are temporary, typically lasting 3 to 4 months. There are no permanent changes to muscle activity, so any effects will wear off over time. While most of our patients love the results, it’s comforting to know that there’s no long-term commitment with your first treatment.
Do you accept Allē, ASPIRE, and REVA Rewards points?
Yes, we do. Our front desk staff will be happy to assist you in setting up these complimentary rewards programs if you haven’t enrolled yet. Allē is the loyalty program by Allergan Aesthetics, covering treatments like Botox® and JUVÉDERM®, while ASPIRE Rewards is offered by Galderma for products such as Dysport® and Restylane®. REVA Rewards are for Daxxify®, the RHA® Collection of fillers, and SkinPen® microneedling. These programs allow you to earn points on qualifying treatments and redeem them for future savings.
Do I have to get Botox® on the same day as my consultation?
Absolutely not. We understand that deciding on a treatment is a personal decision. You’re welcome to have a consultation to discuss your options and then take the time you need to consider before scheduling the actual injections on a different day.
When is a good time to start getting Botox®? At what age?
The ideal age to start Botox® varies based on individual factors such as skin type, genetics, and lifestyle. Many experts suggest that individuals in their late 20s to early 30s may benefit from preventative Botox® treatments, especially if they are prone to developing fine lines due to expressive facial movements or other factors. Starting treatments during this period can help delay the formation of deeper wrinkles. However, the decision to begin Botox® should be personalized, taking into account your unique skin concerns and aesthetic goals. Remember that the best wrinkle is one you never get.
When should I get Botox®/Dysport®/Daxxify® prior to an event?
At least four weeks before. That allows two weeks for full results, plus two weeks for a touch-up if needed.
Ready to rejuvenate your appearance? Schedule a consultation with us today to determine the best treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Get in touch
Feel free to reach out and ask us anything!