Center of Dermatology and Laser Surgery of Philadelphia
Written by Dr. Ringpfeil
Expert Injections by Board-Certified Dermatologists
With time, the face naturally evolves, shaped by gravity, sun exposure, and the gradual loss of collagen and elastin. Some people experience only minimal visible change, while others notice more dramatic shifts in their appearance. Although surgical procedures like a facelift can address these concerns, not everyone is prepared for the downtime or cost involved. Botox® in Philadelphia offers a simple, non-surgical alternative. It is a quick treatment that helps restore a smoother, more refreshed look with virtually no recovery time.
Botox® is an injectable neuromodulator made from a purified form of botulinum toxin type A. When used in precise, controlled doses, it temporarily relaxes the small facial muscles responsible for expression lines, such as frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead wrinkles.
By reducing the repeated muscle contractions that crease the skin over time, Botox® smooths existing lines and helps prevent new ones from forming. The result is a more rested, natural-looking appearance without altering facial expression.
| Area | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Forehead | 8-12 units | 10-18 units |
| Glabella | 15-25 units | 20-35 units |
| Crows Feet | 10-20 units | 12-20 units |
| Brow Lift | 10-20 units | 10-20 units |
| Lower Lid Lines | 2-4 units | 2-4 units |
| Vertical Upper Lip Lines | 4-8 units | 4-8 units |
| Vertical Lower Lip Lines | 4-8 units | 4-8 units |
| Pebbly Chin | 4-6 units | 4-6 units |
| Vertical Neck Bands | 10-40 units | 10-40 units |
(*)90% of people will fall within this range
Direct pricing comparison across different provider types in the Philadelphia metropolitan area.
Dr. Ringpfeil: “In this short video, I will touch on the difference between Botox & Xeomin and other facial fillers, explain which facial muscles can benefit from Botox & Xeomin injections, and mention where people usually get the treatment done. I will also talk about the safety and differences between the various anti-wrinkle products currently available on the market.
Botox® injections require anatomical precision and a deep understanding of how facial muscles interact. Dr. Franziska Ringpfeil, a board-certified dermatologist, has more than two decades of experience performing neuromodulator treatments with a focus on subtle, predictable results.
Every Botox® treatment at Ringpfeil Dermatology is administered by Dr. Ringpfeil or a dermatology-trained physician assistant under her supervision, never by unlicensed or part-time injectors. This ensures that dosing, placement, and muscle mapping are based on medical training rather than routine technique.
Dr. Ringpfeil personalizes each injection plan to the patient’s unique facial dynamics, accounting for muscle strength, asymmetry, and expression patterns. Her goal is control, not paralysis: smoother skin, softer lines, and natural movement. Patients choose Dr. Ringpfeil for Botox® in Philly because of her diagnostic precision, conservative dosing philosophy, and commitment to outcomes that look authentic in motion as well as at rest.
Your Botox® appointment typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. After a brief consultation and facial assessment, the skin is cleansed and the injection sites are precisely marked. A fine needle is used to place small amounts of Botox® into targeted muscles; most patients describe the sensation as a quick pinch with minimal discomfort.
There is no required downtime. Mild redness or small bumps may appear for 10–15 minutes, and light makeup can be applied soon after. You can return to normal activities the same day, avoiding strenuous exercise or pressure on the treated areas for the first few hours.
Frequent brow movement over time can cause horizontal forehead lines. Small, evenly placed doses of Botox® relax the frontalis muscle to smooth these lines and reduce the habit of overusing it. In patients prone to a “Spock” or peaked eyebrow, additional units may be placed in the lateral lower forehead, either during the initial treatment or at a follow-up about two weeks later, to maintain balanced results.
As the eyelids begin to feel heavier with age, the forehead often compensates, lifting more to help open the eyes. In this situation, treating the forehead directly isn’t ideal. Instead, small injections placed at the corrugators and the tail of the brow can create a subtle chemical brow lift, easing heaviness and improving balance. When eyelid laxity is more advanced, surgical options such as a brow or eyelid lift may be more appropriate.
The frown lines between the eyebrows, often called “11s,” form from repeated contraction of the procerus and corrugator muscles. Targeted injections at three to five points in this area relax these muscles, softening the vertical creases and creating a smoother, more relaxed appearance without altering natural expression.
Repeated smiling and squinting can lead to fine lines around the outer corners of the eyes, known as crow’s feet. Treatment here works by relaxing the orbicularis oculi muscle, which allows the skin to smooth without affecting normal movement. In patients with more sun exposure, where these lines tend to be deeper, the improvement is still noticeable, offering a softer, refreshed look that preserves a natural smile.
Fine lines or a small muscular ridge beneath the lower eyelid, known as a “jelly roll”, can make the area look tired. A minimal, precisely placed dose of Botox® under the lash line softens this ridge and smooths the skin, provided the muscle contracts cleanly before treatment.
Botox® can subtly adjust brow shape and position. Small injections along the glabella, lateral brow, or upper lid can lift or level the brows, depending on facial anatomy and aesthetic goals. This allows women to achieve a gentle arch or men to maintain a straighter contour, all while preserving natural expression.
Though most commonly used on the upper face, Botox® can refine the lips by targeting small perioral muscles. Injections along the upper lip reduce vertical lip lines from aging, sun exposure, or smoking. When placed just beneath the nostrils, Botox® can lower a high-cutaneous lip to minimize gum show during smiling.
Downturned mouth corners can convey fatigue or sadness. Botox® relaxes the depressor anguli oris muscle, the one that pulls the corners downward, allowing the opposing elevator muscle to restore a neutral or slightly lifted appearance. When volume loss contributes to the downturn, pairing treatment with a small amount of dermal filler can further enhance balance.
A hyperactive mentalis muscle can cause dimpling or puckering of the chin at rest. A few units of Botox® relax this muscle, smoothing surface irregularities while preserving natural movement and contour.
Vertical neck bands, caused by contraction of the platysma muscle, become more prominent with age or in leaner individuals. Botox® can relax these bands in over half of patients, softening the neck’s appearance. Results vary, but the treatment is a low-risk option worth considering before surgical correction.
For patients with a wide or squared jawline due to enlarged masseter muscles, Botox® can be injected to gently reduce bulk in this area. Over time, this creates a slimmer, more oval facial contour without surgery or downtime.
Cosmetic Botox® has an excellent safety profile. You should not receive Botox® during pregnancy or while nursing a baby. It is contraindicated in anyone with neuromuscular disorders or a first-degree relative with a neuromuscular disorder. You should not receive Botox & Xeomin when you are sick. In addition to this, Dysport should be avoided with a cow milk allergy.
Tired of looking at droopy, sagging skin but don’t want to undergo surgery? Schedule a Botox® consultation with Dr. Ringpfeil in Philadelphia today.
Both Botox® and Xeomin® use botulinum toxin type A to relax targeted facial muscles and smooth wrinkles. The difference lies in formulation:
Botox® and Xeomin® treat dynamic wrinkles, lines caused by repeated facial movement, such as frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead creases. They work by relaxing the underlying muscles that form these expressions.
Fillers, by contrast, address static wrinkles and volume loss caused by thinning skin, fat, and bone. They restore contour rather than limit muscle motion.
Many patients benefit from combining both treatments: neuromodulators to prevent new lines and fillers to correct deeper creases that remain even at rest.
Results typically last 3 to 6 months, depending on muscle strength, dosage, and treatment area.
Treatments are spaced to allow full recovery of normal muscle activity before reinjection, maintaining effectiveness and preventing over-relaxation.
Discomfort is minimal. The injection is delivered with a very fine needle, and most patients describe the sensation as a brief pinch or pressure lasting only a few seconds. No anesthesia is needed, and any minor redness or swelling typically resolves within minutes.
When fine lines occur just below the eyes or in those with a muscular ridge beneath the eye known as a “jelly roll,” a small amount of Botox & Xeomin (point to the mid pupillary line) can make quite a difference as long as the muscle shows perfect contraction before the start of treatment.
Most patients see visible improvement after a single session. To maintain results, treatments are typically repeated every three to six months, depending on the individual’s muscle activity and aesthetic goals. Over time, as muscles adapt, some patients may need fewer units or less frequent maintenance.
Always seek treatment from a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon—specialists trained in the anatomy of facial expression. While many non-medical providers offer Botox®, outcomes and safety depend on precise technique, sterile handling, and anatomical expertise.
At Ringpfeil Dermatology, injections are performed only by dermatologists or dermatology-trained physician assistants under direct medical supervision. This ensures accurate dosing, symmetry, and natural results tailored to your facial structure.
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