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Facials Guide

The Signature Botox Facial: What It Is, and Why There Are No Injections

Published September 2026 · 8 min read

Let's clear this up first, because it is the question we get asked most: the Signature Botox Facial has no injectables or injections. There are no needles, and there is no botulinum toxin. Lavish Beauty does not offer injectables. The name describes what clients come to it for: a face that looks smoother, firmer and more lifted, without going near a needle. It is our longest facial, 90 minutes, and it combines a full lifting massage facial with an Esthemax Argireline peptide contouring mask. This article walks through every step, explains what the research on Argireline does and does not show, compares it honestly with real Botox, and helps you decide whether it suits your skin.

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Why It's Called a “Botox” Facial

“Botox facial” has become a common name in the beauty industry for facials built around peptides like Argireline. People search for it because they want the look Botox is known for, smoother expression lines and a rested face, without injections, cost or commitment.

We think clients deserve to know exactly what they are booking, which is why the words “no injectables or injections” appear everywhere this facial does. If you are looking for actual Botox, that is a medical treatment given by a physician or a qualified injector under medical direction, and it is not something we provide.

In one sentence

A 90-minute lifting facial with a peptide contouring mask, for skin that looks firmer and smoother, with no needles and no downtime.

What Happens in the 90 Minutes

The Botox Facial includes everything in our Signature Massage Facial, then adds the contouring mask, a longer sculpting massage and a finishing mask. Your esthetician adapts each step to your skin, but a typical appointment runs like this:

  1. 1

    Consultation and skin check

    Your esthetician looks at your skin, asks about your routine and any recent treatments, and adapts the facial.

  2. 2

    Double cleanse and steam

    Removes makeup, sunscreen and oil, and softens the skin.

  3. 3

    Exfoliation

    Clears dead skin so the later steps and products reach fresh skin.

  4. 4

    Extractions

    Gentle clearing of congested pores, where needed.

  5. 5

    Microcurrent

    Low-level current applied along the facial muscles, used in facials for a toned, lifted look.

  6. 6

    Percussive therapy

    Rhythmic pressure to relax tension in the jaw, neck and shoulders.

  7. 7

    LED light therapy

    Light therapy to calm the skin and support a healthy glow.

  8. 8

    Hot and cold therapy

    Alternating temperature to soothe the skin and reduce puffiness.

  9. 9

    Lifting and sculpting massage

    Upward massage techniques along the cheekbones, jaw and brow.

  10. 10

    Esthemax Argireline contouring mask

    The signature step: a peptide mask that sets firm on the face for a smoother, plumper-looking finish.

  11. 11

    Finishing mask and moisture

    Hydration, then sunscreen before you leave.

Most clients find it deeply relaxing. The percussive therapy and massage release a lot of tension that builds up in the jaw from clenching and screen time, which is part of why the face looks more rested afterwards.

Argireline: What the Research Says

Argireline is the trade name of acetyl hexapeptide, a small peptide used in skincare. It was designed to interfere with the chain of signals that tells facial muscles to contract, which is why it is often called “Botox-like”. The difference is that it is applied to the skin, not injected into the muscle.

What does the evidence show? A controlled study in 60 adults found that applying Argireline around the eyes twice a day for four weeks improved the look of wrinkles compared with a placebo. A recent review of the research was more cautious. It concluded that the peptide may improve the appearance of wrinkles, but that studies measure results in different ways, that products combining it with other ingredients show more consistent results, and that it has never been shown to equal botulinum toxin.

That matches what we see. The mask leaves skin looking smoother and plumper, and fine lines look softer, especially in the days after your facial. It is one part of a treatment where the massage, microcurrent, hydration and exfoliation all contribute. It is not a replacement for injectables.

Botox Facial vs Botox Injections

Signature Botox FacialBotox injections
NeedlesNoneYes
How it worksSkin care, massage, microcurrent and a peptide mask on the skin's surfaceBotulinum toxin temporarily relaxes targeted muscles
What you seeSmoother, plumper, more lifted-looking skin and a glowReduced expression lines while the muscle is relaxed
How long it lastsDays, building with regular facialsAbout 3–4 months, per the AAD
Who performs itLicensed estheticianPhysician or qualified medical injector
Also gives youCleansing, extractions, hydration, relaxation—

Many women who get injectables also have regular facials, because the two do different jobs. If you do both, book your facial before your injection appointment, or wait as long as your injector advises afterwards, since massage on freshly injected areas is usually discouraged.

Who It Suits (and Who Should Wait)

A good fit if you

  • ●Are in your 30s, 40s, 50s or beyond and notice fine lines, dullness or a tired look.
  • ●Want a firmer, more lifted appearance but do not want needles.
  • ●Have an event, family photos or a wedding coming up and want your skin at its best.
  • ●Carry tension in your jaw and would like the facial to double as real relaxation.

Tell us first if you

  • ●Are pregnant (check with your prenatal care provider; we will adapt the facial).
  • ●Have a pacemaker or other implanted electronic device, or epilepsy, since microcurrent may be skipped.
  • ●Have an active breakout, cold sore, rash or broken skin.
  • ●Have had injectables, fillers, microneedling or other facial treatments in the past few weeks.

How It Compares With Our Other Facials

Signature Massage Facial, $149 (60 min)

The same core ritual in less time, without the Argireline mask. A good monthly facial if relaxation and glow are the main goals.

Signature Botox Facial, $200 (90 min)

Everything above plus the contouring mask and a longer sculpting massage. Our facial for fine lines and firmness.

HydraFacial Platinum, $375 (90 min)

Deep cleansing, extraction and hydration with a lymphatic massage, a booster, LED and a hydrojelly mask. Better if congestion and dehydration are your main concerns. See our HydraFacial page.

Microneedling, from $300

A course of treatments for texture, acne scars and deeper lines, with some downtime. A different kind of treatment, for different goals. See microneedling.

Every price is on our pricing page. Clients come to our Cornerstone studio from across the north, including Panorama Hills, Evanston and Airdrie, and many book the Botox Facial on a Sunday as their monthly reset.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Signature Botox Facial contain Botox?

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No. There are no injectables or injections, and no botulinum toxin. The name describes the goal: softening the look of expression lines and giving the face a firmer, more lifted appearance. It does this with a lifting massage facial and an Esthemax Argireline peptide contouring mask applied to the skin.

Is the Botox Facial as effective as Botox injections?

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No, and we will never say it is. Botox injections relax the muscles that cause expression lines, and the American Academy of Dermatology notes the effect usually lasts about three to four months. A facial works on the skin's surface and appearance. You can expect skin that looks smoother, plumper and more lifted, especially in the days after, but it will not stop muscle movement or match the results of injectables.

What is Argireline?

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Argireline is the trade name for acetyl hexapeptide, a peptide used in skincare. It is sometimes described as working in a similar direction to Botox because it is thought to interfere with the signals that make muscles contract. Small studies have found improvement in the look of fine lines with regular topical use, but reviews describe the evidence as limited and note it has not been shown to match botulinum toxin.

How long does the Botox Facial take, and what does it cost?

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The Signature Botox Facial is 90 minutes and costs $200. It includes everything in our Signature Massage Facial plus the Argireline contouring mask, a sculpting massage and a finishing mask.

Is there downtime?

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No. Some pinkness after extractions or temperature therapy usually settles within a few hours. You can go straight back to your day. Wear sunscreen and skip strong actives like retinoids for a day or two.

Can I have the Botox Facial if I already get injectables?

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Yes, with timing in mind. Massage and pressure on recently injected areas are usually discouraged, so book your facial before your injection appointment or wait for the period your injector recommends afterwards. Tell your esthetician when your last injections were.

Who should not have this facial?

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Tell us if you are pregnant, have a pacemaker or other implanted electronic device, have epilepsy, have active skin infections or cold sores, or have had recent cosmetic procedures on your face. Some steps, such as microcurrent, may be skipped or the facial adapted. If you are pregnant, check with your prenatal care provider first.

How often should I book it?

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For ongoing results, most clients book every four to six weeks, in line with the skin's natural renewal cycle. Before an event, book it three to seven days ahead so your skin is at its best on the day.

References

  1. American Academy of Dermatology. Botulinum toxin therapy: FAQs.
  2. The anti-wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese subjects. PubMed 23607739.
  3. Acetyl hexapeptide-8 in cosmeceuticals: a review of skin permeability and efficacy. PubMed Central.

Clinical review

Reviewed by the Lavish Beauty clinical team (certified laser technicians and licensed estheticians). Last reviewed September 25, 2026.

Ninety Minutes, No Needles

Book the Signature Botox Facial (no injectables or injections) at our women-exclusive studio. Your esthetician will tailor each step to your skin.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The Signature Botox Facial contains no botulinum toxin and involves no injectables or injections. Results vary from person to person and are not guaranteed. Lavish Beauty Laser Med Spa treatments are performed by certified laser technicians and licensed estheticians.

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