Your first Botox consultation should feel like a conversation, not a sales pitch. But if you’ve never done this before, you might not know what to ask. And the questions you ask (or don’t ask) can be the difference between results you love and results you regret.

I’ve been injecting Botox since 2018, and I can always tell when someone has done their homework before walking in. They get better outcomes. Not because I treat them differently, but because we’re able to have a real discussion about their goals, and that leads to a more thoughtful treatment plan.

Here’s what I’d want you to ask if you were sitting across from me.

Start with Their Experience

“How long have you been doing Botox injections, and how often?”

This is the most important question, and you shouldn’t feel awkward asking it. Botox is a skill. Someone who injects five patients a week has very different hands than someone who does it once a month. You want someone with volume and consistency. At Lavish Beauty RN, I inject regularly, and that repetition is what keeps my technique sharp.

“Can I see before and after photos?”

Specifically, ask for patients with similar concerns to yours. If you’re worried about crow’s feet, seeing forehead results isn’t as helpful. And if they don’t have photos to show you, take note. Documentation is a sign of a practice that takes results seriously.

Get Specific About Your Treatment

“What exactly are you planning to inject, and why?”

A good injector should be able to point to specific muscles and explain the reasoning. “We’ll do 12 units in your corrugator to soften that frown line” is what you want to hear. “We’ll smooth things out” is too vague.

“How did you decide on the number of units?”

Unit counts aren’t one-size-fits-all. Your forehead muscles might be stronger or weaker than someone else’s. Your lines might be deeper or more superficial. The number should be calculated based on your anatomy, not pulled from a standard menu. If every patient gets the same 20 units regardless, that’s a problem.

“What results should I actually expect?”

Here’s where honesty matters. Botox works beautifully on dynamic lines, the ones that show up when you raise your eyebrows or squint. But if you have deep lines that are visible even when your face is completely relaxed, Botox alone probably won’t erase them. A good injector will tell you that upfront and may suggest combining treatments.

Safety Questions You Need to Ask

“What side effects should I watch for?”

Minor bruising at the injection site is common. Temporary heaviness in the forehead can happen. Actual drooping is rare when Botox is injected correctly, but you should know the signs and when to call. Your injector should walk you through all of this without you having to drag it out of them.

“What are the aftercare instructions?”

The basics: don’t lie flat for four hours, skip intense workouts for 24 hours, avoid rubbing the treated areas. But every practice has slightly different protocols, and you should leave with clear written instructions. If they hand you nothing and say “you’re good to go,” that’s not enough.

“When will I see results, and how long do they last?”

You’ll start noticing changes around day three to five. Full results settle in around two weeks. Most people get three to four months before they need a touch-up. If someone tells you it’ll kick in overnight or last six months, they’re not being straight with you.

Talk About Money

“How do you price your Botox?”

Per-unit pricing is the most transparent approach. Area-based pricing can work too, but make sure you understand exactly what’s included. Ask whether a follow-up adjustment is included if you need a few extra units at your two-week check.

Don’t be shy about this. You’re making a decision about your face and your budget. You deserve clear numbers.

Living in Arizona Changes Things

Our Tempe sun is no joke. I see it in my patients’ skin every day. All that squinting in the bright desert light actually strengthens the muscles around your eyes and forehead, which can mean you need Botox a little sooner or a touch more frequently than someone living in Seattle.

Heat can also increase bruising risk right after treatment. I usually tell my patients to avoid sitting in direct sun or doing hot yoga for the first day or two. If you’re someone who walks Tempe Town Lake every morning or hikes on weekends, we’ll plan your appointment timing around that.

Warning Signs to Walk Away From

If your injector can’t answer these questions clearly, seems rushed, or pushes you to commit on the spot, leave. Good Botox requires thoughtfulness and precision. Pressure tactics have no place in it.

Be cautious about prices that seem dramatically low. Authentic Botox from Allergan costs what it costs. If someone in the Phoenix area is charging half of what everyone else charges, you should ask what product they’re actually using.

The Bottom Line

A great consultation should leave you feeling informed and confident, not confused or pressured. You should walk out understanding exactly what’s going to happen, what it will cost, and what to expect afterward.

The right injector won’t be annoyed by your questions. They’ll welcome them. It means you care about your results, and that makes their job easier too.

If you’re thinking about Botox and want to have that kind of thorough, no-pressure conversation, I’m here for it. Come in with your questions. I’ll give you honest answers.