Med spa questions, answered for Portland and Vancouver patients
What people ask us before they book, answered plainly: first visits, timing before an event, prices, payment, safety and aftercare. Every answer starts with the short version and names its source.
Quick answers
- Two clinics
- 10735 SE Stark St, Suite 206, Portland, and 12000 SE Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver. Laser and XERF at Vancouver, serving Portland clients.
- Hours
- Tuesday to Friday 9am to 4pm and Saturday 10am to 5pm at both clinics.
- Pricing
- Botox $12 a unit ($11 Glow, $10 Elite). Lip filler $650 and dermal filler $750 a syringe.
- Booking
- Book Portland, book Vancouver or call or text (503) 572-2675.
Your first visit
5 questions
What happens, how long it takes and how to get ready.
What happens at a first visit to a med spa?
A first visit at Cosmetiq Medicine starts with a consultation, not a needle. Your provider reviews your goals, health history, medications and past treatments, explains your options and what each costs, and recommends a plan. Many patients are treated the same day, and you can also go home and book treatment for a later date.
How long does a first appointment take?
A first Botox visit usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes, assessment included. Filler appointments take longer, because numbing and careful placement take time. Arrive a few minutes early to finish your health history forms.
How should I prepare for Botox or filler?
Tell us about every medication and supplement you take, and arrive with clean skin. Blood thinners and some supplements raise the chance of bruising, so ask your prescribing provider before stopping anything prescribed. If you bruise, the American Academy of Dermatology notes it usually lasts about a week, so leave room before photos or events.
Can I get treated the same day as my consultation?
Usually, yes. Most patients are treated the same day once the assessment and quote are done. Nobody is required to commit on the spot, and if the assessment points to a different treatment than the one you booked, we adjust the plan with you.
Is a med spa the same as a dermatologist's office?
No. A dermatology practice focuses on medical skin conditions such as rashes, acne and skin cancer checks. A med spa like Cosmetiq Medicine focuses on cosmetic treatments such as Botox, filler, skin tightening and laser hair removal, performed under a medical director. For a changing mole or a rash, see a dermatologist; for cosmetic goals, a med spa is built for that.
Choosing a treatment
5 questions
Which treatment fits which concern, and what can be combined.
I've never had anything done. Where should I start?
Start with the concern that bothers you most, not a product. Lines that appear when you move, such as frown lines and crow's feet, usually respond to Botox or Dysport. Lost volume or thinning lips usually call for filler. Loose skin along the jaw and neck points toward skin tightening. A consultation sorts this out in one visit.
What is the difference between Botox and filler?
Botox relaxes muscles; filler adds volume. Botox and Dysport soften lines caused by movement and wear off in about three to four months. Hyaluronic acid filler restores shape to lips, cheeks, chin and under-eyes and usually lasts 6 to 12 months or longer, depending on the area and product.
Can I get Botox and filler in the same appointment?
Often, yes, after your provider assesses both areas. Many patients pair the two, and our menu includes one lip filler syringe with 20 units of Botox for $900. The FDA notes that combining fillers with neuromodulators hasn't been studied in controlled trials, so your provider plans dose and placement with that in mind.
What can I do about jowls or neck laxity without surgery?
Options include XERF radiofrequency, PDO thread lifts, Sculptra and strategic filler. XERF heats deeper layers to tighten skin over time, threads lift tissue mechanically, and Sculptra rebuilds collagen gradually. Which one fits depends on how much laxity you have and how quickly you want to see change.
Which treatments let me go back to work the same day?
Botox, Dysport and most facials usually fit into a workday. Filler can cause swelling or bruising for a few days, especially in the lips, and RF microneedling leaves the skin pink for a short time. If you have a meeting or event coming up, tell us so we can time the treatment around it.
Timing and results
4 questions
When results show, how long they last and when to book before an event.
| Treatment | First changes | Full result | Typically lasts | Book before an event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Botox and Dysport | 3 to 7 days | About 2 weeks | 3 to 4 months | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Lip filler | Right away, with swelling | About 2 to 4 weeks | 6 to 12 months | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Cheek and chin filler | Right away | About 2 weeks | Up to 2 years | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Sculptra | Gradual, over weeks | A few months | Up to about 2 years | Start months ahead |
Sources: AAD, FDA and product labeling summarized on our treatment pages.
How far before a wedding or event should I get Botox and filler?
Book two to four weeks ahead. Botox takes about two weeks to reach its full effect, and filler swelling and any bruising need time to settle. That window also leaves room for a follow-up if you want a small adjustment. For a first-ever treatment, try it a few months earlier so you know how your face responds.
How often can I get Botox?
No more often than every three months. The Botox Cosmetic label says dosing more frequently than every three months hasn't been clinically evaluated. Most people return when movement comes back, usually around three to four months.
Will I look frozen or overdone?
Not if the dose is matched to your face. A frozen look usually comes from more units than an area needs. You can ask for a lighter first treatment and add more at a follow-up, which is often the easier way to find your amount.
Can filler be reversed if I don't like it?
Hyaluronic acid filler can usually be dissolved. An enzyme called hyaluronidase breaks it down, often within days. Other materials, such as Sculptra or Radiesse, can't be dissolved this way, and the FDA notes that removing some filler materials can be difficult, which is why the product choice matters at consultation.
Safety and candidacy
6 questions
Regulation, real products, and who should wait.
Are med spas regulated in Oregon and Washington?
Yes. In Oregon, the Medical Board holds a med spa's medical director responsible for the procedures performed there. In Washington, WAC 246-919-606 sets rules for evaluation, delegation, written protocols and informed consent for cosmetic injections and prescription devices.
How can I tell if my Botox is real?
Ask to see the carton and vial. In 2024 the FDA warned that counterfeit Botox reached clinics in several states. Real Botox lists "OnabotulinumtoxinA" as the active ingredient and Allergan Aesthetics or AbbVie as the maker. Warning signs include "Botulinum Toxin Type A" on the carton, a 150-unit vial, which Allergan doesn't make, or packaging that isn't in English.
Can I get Botox or filler while pregnant or breastfeeding?
We recommend waiting. The Botox Cosmetic label states there are no adequate data on its developmental risk in pregnancy and no data on its presence in breast milk. The FDA also says the safety of dermal fillers is unknown during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Skin treatments that suit this time can be discussed at a consultation.
Is there a minimum age for Botox or filler?
These products are studied and approved for adults. The Botox Cosmetic label says its safety and effectiveness haven't been established in pediatric patients, and the FDA says the safety of dermal fillers is unknown in patients under 22. Your provider reviews age and candidacy at the consultation.
What warning signs after filler need urgent care?
Seek immediate care for unusual pain, vision changes, skin that turns white, gray or blue near the injection site, or any sign of stroke. The FDA says the most serious filler risk is accidental injection into a blood vessel. It is rare, but it needs prompt treatment, so call us right away and go to an emergency room for vision or stroke symptoms.
What should I ask any injector before treatment?
Ask what product is being used, where it will go, and what happens if something goes wrong. The FDA advises knowing the exact product and injection sites, never buying filler sold directly to the public, and choosing an experienced injector who explains risks and benefits first. In Washington, the consent form must also list foreseeable side effects and who will perform the procedure.
Cost and payment
5 questions
Prices, memberships, financing and gift cards.
| Treatment | Regular | Glow member | Elite member |
|---|---|---|---|
| Botox, per unit | $12 | $11 | $10 |
| Dysport, per unit | $4 | $3.70 | $3.40 |
| Lip filler, per syringe | $650 | 10% or 15% off regular-priced services | |
| Dermal filler, per syringe | $750 | 10% or 15% off regular-priced services | |
| Sculptra, per vial | $850 | 10% or 15% off regular-priced services | |
Your total is confirmed at consultation before any treatment. Compare memberships
How much does a typical med spa visit cost?
It depends on the treatment and amount, so your total is quoted before anything is done. For example, the FDA-labeled 20-unit dose for frown lines is $240 in Botox at $12 a unit, and one syringe of lip filler is $650. Most first plans fall somewhere between those, and many patients spread larger plans across visits.
Why do Botox prices vary so much between clinics?
Because clinics price differently: by unit, by area or by package. A low per-area price may include fewer units than you need, and a low per-unit price means little if the product isn't authentic. When you compare, ask how many units are included and see the vial, as the FDA advises after its counterfeit warning.
Do you offer payment plans or financing?
Yes. You can finance through CareCredit or pay over time with Allē Cherry, and payment plans are available for larger treatment plans. Glow and Elite memberships also lower the per-unit cost of Botox, starting at $100 a month.
Can I use my HSA or FSA for Botox or filler?
Usually not for cosmetic treatment. IRS Publication 502 says cosmetic procedures generally aren't qualified medical expenses, with exceptions for treatment of a deformity from a congenital condition, an injury or a disfiguring disease. Check with your plan administrator before using account funds.
How do memberships work?
Glow is $100 a month and Elite is $200 a month, and each payment is banked toward treatments at either clinic. Members pay $11 or $10 a unit for Botox and save 10% or 15% on regular-priced services, and Elite includes a free treatment worth up to $350 each year.
Locations
4 questions
Which clinic offers what, and how to book.
Which treatments are offered at each clinic?
Injectables and facials are offered at both clinics; laser and energy treatments are performed at our Vancouver clinic. That includes XERF, Potenza RF microneedling, IPL, Erbium resurfacing, laser hair removal and spider vein treatment, with Portland clients served at our Vancouver location at the same prices and membership benefits.
Do I need to live in Washington to use the Vancouver clinic?
No. Patients from Portland, Gresham, Camas and across the metro area book at either clinic. Memberships, gift cards and pricing work the same at both, so many patients see us in Portland for Botox and in Vancouver for XERF.
What are your hours, and is there parking?
Both clinics are open Tuesday to Friday 9am to 4pm and Saturday 10am to 5pm, and both have on-site parking. They are closed Sunday and Monday. Call or text (503) 572-2675 to reach either clinic.
How do I book an appointment?
Book online through the clinic you want, or call or text (503) 572-2675. Online booking shows open times for each treatment, and every new patient starts with a consultation before treatment. Both clinics are accepting new patients.
Aftercare
4 questions
What to do, and avoid, in the first few days.
What should I avoid after Botox?
Don't rub or massage the treated areas, and wait a couple of hours before a hard workout. The American Academy of Dermatology also advises applying makeup gently without pressing it in. Your written aftercare sheet covers the rest, and we go through it with you before you leave.
What should I avoid after filler?
For 24 to 48 hours, skip hard workouts, saunas, alcohol and pressing on the area. Swelling usually peaks in the first day or two and settles over about two weeks. Tell us about dental work or vaccinations planned soon after, since the FDA notes these can trigger swelling near filler sites.
When should I call you after a treatment?
Call or text (503) 572-2675 for anything that feels unusual, and seek emergency care for vision changes or stroke symptoms. The Botox Cosmetic label warns that its effect can rarely spread beyond the injection site, causing trouble swallowing, speaking or breathing, which needs medical help right away. After filler, watch for worsening pain or color changes in the skin.
Do I need a follow-up appointment?
A follow-up about two weeks after your first Botox or filler treatment is a good idea. That is when Botox reaches its full effect and filler swelling has settled, so it is the right time to judge the result and make small adjustments if needed.
Sources we cite
8 references
Medical answers on this page cite federal agencies, state regulators and the product's own labeling. Prices come from the Cosmetiq Medicine menu.
- U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationDermal Fillers (Soft Tissue Fillers)Filler risks, warning signs, pregnancy and age
- U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationDermal Filler Do's and Don'tsQuestions to ask, removing filler
- U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationCounterfeit Version of Botox Found in Multiple StatesHow to spot counterfeit Botox
- U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationBotox Cosmetic prescribing informationRetreatment interval, pregnancy, age, spread of effect
- Centers for Disease Control and PreventionHarmful reactions linked to counterfeit BotoxAsking for an approved product
- American Academy of DermatologyBotulinum toxin therapy: FAQs and overviewResults timing, bruising, aftercare
- Internal Revenue ServicePublication 502, Medical and Dental ExpensesHSA and FSA use for cosmetic treatment
- Oregon Medical Board and Washington State LegislatureMedical directors of med spas; WAC 246-919-606Med spa regulation in both states
Still wondering? Ask us before you book.
Call or text (503) 572-2675, send a message, or book a consultation in Portland or Vancouver. We'll answer honestly, including when a treatment isn't the right fit.
Answers reviewed November 4, 2026. They are general information, not a substitute for a consultation; your provider reviews your health history before any treatment. All treatments carry risks. Individual results vary. Prices are from the Cosmetiq Medicine treatment menu and subject to change.
