Botox is still the most requested wrinkle relaxer treatment in the country, and for good reason: when it's done well, nobody can quite put their finger on why you look so good. I'm Dr. Valerie Erdman, and I do every injection myself — no rotating staff, no hand-offs to a nurse once you're in the chair.
What Botox Actually Does (and What It Doesn't)
Botox is a neuromodulator — it temporarily relaxes the muscles responsible for repetitive facial movements, which softens the lines those movements create over time. It doesn't freeze your face. It doesn't fill hollows or add volume. What it does is give your skin a break from the constant contracting that deepens forehead lines, frown lines between the brows, and crow's feet around the eyes.
The goal isn't to erase every line. It's to soften the ones that are making you look more tired or tense than you actually feel.
Treatment Areas I Commonly Address
- Forehead lines
- Frown lines (the "11s" between the brows)
- Crow's feet at the outer corners of the eyes
- Bunny lines across the nose bridge
- Lip lines and lip flip
- Chin dimpling
- Neck bands (platysmal bands)
- Brow lift
- Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
Every treatment plan is built around your facial movement patterns and what you're actually trying to change — not a standard unit count applied to everyone who walks in.
What to Expect: Results, Timing, and Downtime
Results from a neuromodulator treatment don't appear immediately. Most patients start seeing softening within 3–5 days, with full results visible around the two-week mark. From there, results typically last 3–4 months, though that window varies based on metabolism, muscle activity, and whether you've had prior treatments.
First-time patients sometimes find their results don't last quite as long on the first round — that's normal. Muscle memory runs deep, and it often takes a treatment or two before the longevity stabilizes.
Downtime is minimal. Most patients return to their day immediately after. I ask that you avoid lying flat, exercising intensely, or pressing on the treated areas for the first few hours, but there's no recovery period that requires you to clear your calendar.
First Time Getting Botox? Here's What the Visit Looks Like
First-time appointments start with a conversation — not a needle. Before anything else, we talk through what's bothering you, look at your facial movement together, and I walk you through exactly which areas I'd treat, how many units I'd use, and what you can expect the result to look like. Nothing happens until you're comfortable with the plan.
The injections themselves take about 10–15 minutes. Most patients describe the sensation as a small pinch — brief and very manageable. If you're particularly needle-averse, we can discuss options to make it more comfortable.
There are no packages to buy, no pressure to add on services you didn't ask about, and no upsell waiting at checkout. You came in for Botox — that's what we're focused on.
Results People Notice, but Can't Quite Place
The patients I hear from most often aren't the ones who got the most dramatic results. They're the ones whose friends asked if they'd been on vacation, or started sleeping better, or changed their skincare routine. That's the outcome I'm aiming for: refreshed, not renovated.
Treatment plans are customized to how your face actually moves. Some patients want full relaxation in an area; others want a softer effect that preserves more expression. Both are valid. We figure out which one fits your goals before the first unit goes in.
Questions After Your Appointment? Just Text Me
One thing that sets my practice apart from a franchise med spa or a larger clinic: you can text me directly after your appointment. Not a call center. Not a patient portal message that gets routed to a coordinator. Me.
If something feels off at day three, or you're not sure whether what you're experiencing is normal, or you just want to check in — text me. That kind of access doesn't require a follow-up appointment, and it doesn't cost anything extra. It's just how I practice.
Serving patients from Fairview Park, Rocky River, Westlake, and Avon — if you're in the western Cleveland suburbs and looking for a physician injector, I'd love to be the one you trust with this.
Frequently Asked Questions About Botox
How long does Botox last after your first treatment?
For most first-time patients, results last somewhere between 2–3 months. Longevity tends to improve with consistent treatments as the muscles gradually respond to regular relaxation. By the second or third appointment, most patients settle into a 3–4 month cycle.Does Botox hurt?
The injections feel like a small, brief pinch — most patients find it much more manageable than they expected. The needles used are very fine, and the treatment itself takes only 10–15 minutes. If you have significant needle sensitivity, let me know at your consultation and we can talk through options.What's the difference between Botox and dermal fillers?
Botox relaxes the muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles — the lines that form from repeated movement. Dermal fillers add volume to areas that have lost fullness over time, like the cheeks, lips, or under-eye hollows. They work differently and address different concerns, though many patients use both.
Can I get Botox if I've never had any cosmetic treatment before?
Yes — and honestly, a lot of my patients start here. Botox is one of the most studied cosmetic treatments available, and it's a low-commitment way to see how you respond to neuromodulator treatment before exploring anything else. We'll start with a full consultation so you know exactly what to expect before any injection takes place.Do you treat patients from Rocky River, Westlake, and Avon?
I do. My office is in Fairview Park, which puts me within easy reach of the western Cleveland suburbs. Patients come in from Rocky River, Westlake, and Avon regularly — and if you have questions before committing to an appointment, you're always welcome to text me first.Is there financing available for Botox?
Yes. I offer financing through Cherry, which lets you split the cost into manageable monthly payments. You can learn more on the financing page.
