Forehead Lines, Frown Lines, and Crow's Feet
Soften the lines that show up when you raise your brow, furrow, or smile. Our injectors place neuromodulators with a light hand and an aesthetic eye, so you look rested, not frozen.
Causes and Treatment
Forehead lines, frown lines (the "11s" between your brows), and crow's feet (the fan of lines at the outer corners of your eyes) are dynamic wrinkles. They form because the muscles underneath your skin contract every time you raise your brow, concentrate, or smile. Over years, the skin above those muscles creases, then eventually stays creased even when your face is relaxed.
Three things make dynamic lines worse:
- Repeated muscle movement. The same expressions, day after day, fold the skin in the same places.
- Collagen and elastin loss. After your mid-twenties, you lose roughly 1% of your collagen each year. Skin loses the spring that lets it bounce back from a fold.
- Sun exposure. UV breaks down collagen faster than aging alone. Chicago summers and reflected snow glare both count.
The fix for dynamic lines is to relax the muscle just enough that the skin stops folding while still letting your face move naturally. That's what neuromodulators do.
Better Med Spa's Recommended Treatments
Better offers four FDA-approved neuromodulators. They all work by temporarily relaxing muscle activity, but they differ in onset speed, duration, and the protein structure around the active molecule. Your injector matches the product to your face, your concerns, and how often you want to come back.
Botox
The most-prescribed neuromodulator in the world. Predictable, well-studied, results show in 7 to 14 days and last 3 to 4 months.
Dysport
Onset in 2 to 5 days, sometimes faster than Botox. Spreads slightly more, an advantage for broad forehead treatment.
DAXXIFY
The longest-lasting neuromodulator on the market. Results last 6 months on average and up to 9 months for some patients.
Xeomin
A "naked" formulation with no surrounding proteins, which can mean less risk of building resistance over time.
First time at Better? Our New Patient Tox Special is the easiest way to get started. All neuromodulator treatments at Better are part of our injectables service, supervised by Dr. Brechner.
How to Choose Between Them
The honest answer: most patients are great candidates for two or three of these. The differences come down to onset, duration, and personal history.
| If you want | Choose |
|---|---|
| The most-studied option, predictable results | Botox |
| Faster onset (2 to 5 days) | Dysport |
| Longest duration (up to 9 months) | DAXXIFY |
| Clean formulation, lower resistance risk | Xeomin |
| Lowest cost per visit | Botox or Dysport |
| Fewest visits per year | DAXXIFY |
If you've used Botox for years and noticed it wearing off faster, that's a reason to consider Xeomin (no surrounding proteins) or DAXXIFY (different molecule structure entirely). If you're prepping for a wedding or photo-heavy event in under 10 days, Dysport is your best bet for fast onset.
For patients trying neuromodulators for the first time, we usually start with Botox or Dysport on a small area (typically the 11s between the brows) so you can see how your face responds before committing to a full upper-face treatment.
What to Expect at Better Med Spa
Every neuromodulator visit at Better starts with a consultation. Your provider studies your face at rest and in motion, asks about your goals, and maps the injection points based on your specific muscle anatomy. We don't follow a one-size-fits-all template.
The injection itself takes 10 to 15 minutes. You'll feel a series of small pinches. Most patients describe it as easily tolerable. You can return to work or your day immediately.
Better Med Spa is a physician-supervised practice under Dr. Brechner. Our injectors are trained in advanced facial anatomy, including K-Beauty informed techniques that prioritize natural movement and avoid the over-treated look common to faster, higher-volume practices. We schedule a complimentary 2-week follow-up so any small adjustments can be made before your treatment fully sets.
Ready to talk to one of our providers?
A 30-minute consultation maps your goals and dose without any pressure to commit.
Before and After
See real Better Med Spa patient results in our gallery. Individual results vary based on starting point, dosage, and skin quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Botox cost in Chicago?
Pricing at Better Med Spa starts at approximately $314 per session for upper-face treatment. Final cost depends on the number of units used, which depends on your muscle strength and the areas treated. Our New Patient Tox Special is the most affordable way to try us for the first time.
How long does Botox last?
Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin typically last 3 to 4 months. DAXXIFY lasts 6 months on average, with some patients seeing 9 months of effect. Frequency of treatment can be tapered down over time as muscles adapt.
Does it hurt?
Most patients describe the injections as a series of small pinches. We use the smallest needles available and can apply topical numbing cream on request. The whole appointment is typically under 30 minutes including the consultation.
Most patients describe the injections as a series of small pinches. We use the smallest needles available and can apply topical numbing cream on request. The whole appointment is typically under 30 minutes including the consultation.
When will I see results?
Dysport: 2 to 5 days. Botox and Xeomin: 7 to 14 days for full effect. DAXXIFY: similar to Botox, around 7 to 14 days. We schedule a 2-week follow-up so any uneven settling can be touched up.
What's the difference between Botox and fillers?
Neuromodulators (Botox, Dysport, DAXXIFY, Xeomin) relax muscles to soften dynamic wrinkles. Fillers add volume to areas that have lost it. Read our Botox vs Fillers guide for a deeper comparison.
Related Reading
Where We Serve
Better Med Spa is located in Lincoln Park and serves patients across Chicago, including Old Town, Lakeview, Bucktown, Gold Coast, DePaul, West Loop, and River North.
Ready to soften the lines that bother you?
Schedule a consultation and we will build a plan that fits you, your timeline, and your budget.