Botox® San Diego | Your Trusted San Diego Botox Provider, Dr. Katerina Gallus
Your facial expressions are a natural and essential part of communication, but repeated use of certain muscles can leave permanent lines and wrinkles in the forehead and around the eyes and mouth. Neuromodulators, of which BOTOX® Cosmetic has the most name-brand recognition, temporarily inactivate those muscles to smooth the lines in your face. Other similar neuromodulator formulas work the same way, including Dysport®, which we also offer at our San Diego office.
Although Botox® is the most commonly performed procedure in the United States, it is important to ensure your provider is well-versed in facial anatomy and skilled as an injector. Although rare, complications can occur, and at Restore SD Plastic Surgery in La Jolla, we feel it is of the utmost importance to entrust your care to our certified and experienced injectors.
What is Botox Cosmetic and what does it treat?
Botox smoothes fine lines and wrinkles in a number of common areas of the face:
- Prominent forehead creases or furrows
- Frown lines or “11s” between the brows
- Crow’s feet around the eyes
- A permanent scowl
- Downturned corners of the mouth
Even beyond treating these common concerns, there are many effective uses for neuromodulators that are a cost-effective means to facial rejuvenation. Botox may even help to postpone surgical intervention in the aging process.
Botox minimizes the appearance of certain fine lines and wrinkles by blocking the nerve signals that tell a muscle to contract, temporarily relaxing the muscle that forms the wrinkle. By stopping the muscle from contracting as strongly, the wrinkles are softened or smoothed. Learn more about how cosmetic injections work on Dr. Gallus’ blog.
Am I a good candidate for Botox?
You may be a good candidate for Botox if you see some of the above concerns in your face, and you wish for your appearance to reflect your inner positive self. A good candidate for Botox injections should also be in good health and not taking (or able to pause) any blood thinning medications, which include various prescription drugs, fish oil, ibuprofen (Advil), and aspirin.
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Gallus is a board certified plastic surgeon and Castle Connolly Top Doctor. She will partner with you to develop a tailored surgical plan that prioritizes your safety and results.
“I have been going to Dr. Gallus since 2019 for treatments including Botox, fillers, IPL, and microneedling with radio frequency. My results since switching to Dr. Gallus have been better than my previous aesthetic doctor. I look much more natural and have very little, if any bruising after injectables. Also, I love the office staff! It’s a very down to earth, relaxed and fun atmosphere.”
—Actual patient of Dr. Gallus
What can I expect from my first Botox treatment?
Your Consultation: During your initial Botox consultation, your Restore SD provider will perform a detailed facial and skin examination, review your medical history, and look at any medications you are taking.
We will take photos of your facial anatomy using our Vectra 3D imaging system, and we will discuss your goals, treatment areas, and treatment options together. Our state-of-the-art Canfield software allows us to view potential results, helping you to understand potential outcomes from treatment. We provide a tailored approach to your facial rejuvenation plan.
Your Treatment: Botox injections are performed in the office setting so you will be able to receive treatment that day.
Once we have determined the areas to be treated and the amount of Botox to use, we will apply a gentle cleanser and an antiseptic to the areas of injection. Dr. Gallus will then inject the neuromodulator using a very small needle. Shortly after, you can re-apply makeup and go about your day.
To help make the process as comfortable as possible, many patients like to apply ice packs before and after treatment. Botox treatments are generally repeated at regular intervals of 4 to 6 months. We can help you avoid hectic scheduling by setting up your next visit before you leave!
Your Results: If you are getting Botox for the first time, it is important to know that you won’t see the results right away; it can take several days to a week to see the effects! It typically takes 3 to 10 days before effects are visible.
For our first-time patients, we recommend that you come back to the office in a week to assess your results and see if there are any little areas that need touching up to optimize your results.
Your Follow-up Treatments: After your first Botox session with Dr. Gallus, most patients return after one week for a re-assessment to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment plan. Finding the right balance of dosage, frequency of treatment, and treatment areas can take a couple of visits.
Once you have an established plan with Restore SD Plastic Surgery, regular follow-ups for additional treatments can be scheduled every 4 to 6 months as part of an ongoing maintenance plan.
How much does BOTOX cost in San Diego?
The cost of Botox is calculated in “units,” which start at $13.50 each. The number of units you need varies from person to person. For example, treating forehead lines and the glabella (between the eyebrows) may require anywhere from about 30 to 40 units, depending on your personal anatomy and goals. In general, most patients can expect to spend about $300-$600+ on their Botox treatment.
We’re excited to offer tiered Botox pricing for your customized treatment plan:
- Less than 25 units: $15.50 per unit
- 25–45 units: $14.50 per unit
- More than 45 units: $13.50 per unit
Our pricing for Botox reflects our years of experience and precise knowledge of anatomy necessary to provide you with a safe, reliable, and consistent experience. We believe in safety, training, and proper credentials for every injector. Proper, strategic use of Botox to create a natural result also prevents extra costs from touch-ups or corrections. We also stand by our products, and the cost reflects the use of genuine products obtained from U.S. manufacturers. We will not sacrifice the safety of our patients by using cost-cutting measures such as counterfeit Botox, over-diluted Botox, or a product obtained overseas.
Can I combine Botox with other facial skin rejuvenation treatments?
To restore youth and vitality to your appearance, Botox is an ideal complement to other facial rejuvenation procedures. Neurotoxin is often combined with fillers such as JUVÉDERM VOLUMA® XC, JUVÉDERM®, or Restylane®, as well as laser skin rejuvenation. We use a “BFF approach” that combines Botox, filler, and fractionated laser resurfacing to thwart the aging process. The BFF approach will maximize your non-invasive facial rejuvenation results.
Skin care is a vital foundation for every facial rejuvenation program. A complimentary skin care evaluation is offered at every Restore SD consultation in which our Restore SD team will make individualized recommendations for your skin type to ensure you have the healthiest and youngest-looking skin possible.
You will want to invest in your skin outside of your office visits; treatment with Botox is a wonderful way to look and feel younger, and treatment results may be maximized by combining in-office treatments with an individualized skin care program at home.
In our office, we offer medical-grade skin care products from AlumierMD. These products use active ingredient concentrations that are not available in retail stores and are ideal complements to your results from Botox and other in-office procedures. Consider becoming a member of our Patient Loyalty Program and get the inside scoop on special offers and priority scheduling.
“I had a procedure and some Botox at Restore SD Plastic Surgery a few months ago and I couldn’t be happier with the results! I’m new to injections and it was even better than I expected. The team at Dr. Gallus’s office is so friendly and put me at ease from the moment I came in.”
—Actual patient of Dr. Gallus
To learn about your facial rejuvenation options, schedule your consultation with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Katerina Gallus at Restore SD Plastic Surgery in San Diego.
Dr. Gallus partners with you to understand your goals and achieve them safely, with proven treatments and procedures. Call 858-224-2281 or contact us online to schedule your appointment today.
- Key Benefits
- Glossary
- Reduces appearance of wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing the underlying muscles
- Prevents the formation of new wrinkles by restricting the muscle movements that contribute to wrinkle development
- Offers a non-invasive alternative to surgical procedures for facial rejuvenation
- Quick treatment session with no downtime
- Botulinum Toxin: The scientific name for Botox, a neurotoxic protein used to treat certain muscular conditions and cosmetically to remove wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing muscles.
- Crow’s Feet: The fine lines and wrinkles that form around the outer corners of the eyes, often treated with Botox to smooth out the skin.
- Daxxify: A newer type of neuromodulator injectable used for cosmetic purposes, similar to Botox, known for its longer-lasting effects in reducing facial wrinkles.
- Dynamic Wrinkles: Wrinkles that appear due to facial movements or expressions, such as smiling or frowning, which can be minimized with Botox injections.
- Glabellar Lines: The vertical frown lines found between the eyebrows, effectively treated with Botox to achieve a smoother appearance.
- Hyperhidrosis: Excessive sweating in areas like the underarms, hands, and feet, which Botox can treat by blocking nerve signals to sweat glands.
- Injection Sites: The specific locations on the face or body where Botox is injected to achieve desired cosmetic or therapeutic results.
- Migraine Relief: A benefit of Botox involving the reduction of migraine frequency in some patients through muscle relaxation and nerve signal interruption.
- Non-Surgical: Referring to treatments that do not require surgical incisions, such as Botox injections, which are minimally invasive.
- Preventive Botox: The strategy of using Botox injections early to prevent the onset or deepening of wrinkles by inhibiting muscle movement.
- Recovery Time: The minimal to nonexistent downtime required after Botox treatments, allowing patients to quickly resume daily activities.
- Static Wrinkles: Wrinkles that are visible even when the face is at rest, resulting from skin aging and loss of elasticity, not directly treatable with Botox but may benefit from other cosmetic procedures.
- Temporary Effects: The nature of Botox results, which typically last 3 to 6 months, after which additional treatments are necessary to maintain improvements.
- Units: The measurement used for Botox dosage, with the required amount varying based on treatment goals, the area being treated, and individual patient characteristics.
Your Safety = Beautiful Results
Botox at Restore SD
At Restore SD Plastic Surgery, patient safety comes first. Board-certified plastic surgeon and former Navy plastic surgeon Dr. Katerina Gallus operates in a private, on-site Quad A-accredited surgery center, with state-of-the-art equipment and LED surgical lighting. She proudly works with a board-certified anesthesiologist and holds privileges at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla.
More Frequently Asked Questions about BOTOX in San Diego
Pain from the injection is minimal. Aside from an occasional small amount of bruising, you can expect to immediately return to daily activities or work.
Rest assured that most patients report the discomfort from neurotoxin injections as being very minimal. Your comfort is our top priority at Restore SD Plastic Surgery, so we provide your treatment in a calming environment and provide you with a cooling pack for the treatment areas before and after the injections to minimize any pain or bruising. We also offer Pro-Nox, a patient-controlled pain management system that allows you to administer your own pain relief during your treatment. Learn more about Pro-Nox here»
What are the side effects of Botox?
Most side effects from Botox are limited to the injection area and may include swelling, redness, soreness, or bruising. Visible side effects are easily concealed with makeup, as needed, and tend to resolve within a week of your treatment.
How long does Botox last?
The effects of Botox wear off after about 4-6 months.
When should I schedule Botox if I have an event coming up?
Remember that it takes 3 to 10 days to see the effects of Botox: if you have an important event or just want to freshen up, you should allow yourself enough time for the treatment to take effect and any subtle bruising to subside.
What is the difference between Botox and Dysport?
There are multiple formulas of neuromodulators, each with very slight differences. At Restore SD Plastic Surgery, Dr. Gallus offers both Botox and Dysport—the two most commonly injected neuromodulators. Both are FDA-approved for treatment of fine lines and wrinkles of the face.
Both Botox and Dysport are purified Botulinum toxin, type A. There is a very slight difference in each formulation: Botox is onabotulinum, and Dysport is abobotulinum. Both have a shelf life of 24 months, are reconstituted in the same way, and are effective for treating fine lines and wrinkles through the same mechanism. They are made by different manufacturers and sold by different companies—they could be compared to the Coke and Pepsi of neuromodulators.
Botox and Dysport are well-researched, safe, and effective treatments for fine lines and wrinkles of the face. Still, they may not be the right choice for every line and wrinkle. Certain individuals’ concerns may respond better to dermal fillers, fat grafting, laser skin tightening, or microneedling. In many cases, these other non-surgical procedures can complement the effects of Botox. We also advise all of our patients to maintain their results and prevent aging with an at-home skin care regimen.
To determine the solution(s) for your facial rejuvenation concerns, Dr. Gallus will thoroughly evaluate your areas of concern. We partner with you to develop a comprehensive facial rejuvenation plan that may include Botox, skin care, laser skin treatments, and/or injectable filler.
Some of our patients swear that either Botox or Dysport works better for them. We encourage you to try both botulinum toxin types as part of your ongoing maintenance plan and see if you notice a difference. Both neuromodulators are comparably priced, so you don’t need to worry about changing products to manage cost.
While the product you choose will have an effect on your result, it’s much more important to choose a highly qualified provider who will make customized, astute choices in regards to where to inject, how much to inject, and their injection technique.
I got Botox last week, but I don’t see results. Can I get more Botox in order to achieve my desired look?
Yes, you can. By all means, come into the office and let us have a look. Your results and happiness are important to us. It is normal that finding the right balance of dosage, frequency of treatment, and treatment areas can take a couple of visits as we establish your ideal ongoing maintenance plan. Ask us about becoming a member of our patient loyalty program to receive priority scheduling and get the inside scoop on special offers.
Why should I choose Dr. Katerina Gallus for my Botox treatment?
Getting Botox from a provider who took a weekend course and wants to make a quick buck may be cheaper, but you may not be getting authentic Botox and your provider may not be well-versed in the details of facial anatomy—or prepared to take care of you if any complications arise.
Dr. Katerina Gallus is a fully board-certified plastic surgeon with a successful career as a navy plastic surgeon and, at Restore SD in San Diego, full focus on aesthetic procedures. She takes the time to listen to your goals and partners with you—rather than prescribing a plan—to achieve the best possible results that are in line with your aesthetic preferences and desired appearance.
At Restore SD Plastic Surgery, we stand by our products, techniques, and experience. We are here to deliver a safe, quality, and age-appropriate facial rejuvenation that will leave you looking and feeling younger and more self-confident.
Restore SD Plastic Surgery: Your Destination for San Diego BOTOXTo learn what Botox Cosmetic can do for you, check out Dr. Gallus’ plastic surgery blog for more answers, schedule a consultation at our San Diego office by calling 858-224-2281 or simply shoot us a quick message—we’re here to help!
Call to schedule your consultation today »
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References »
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Satriyasa BK. Botulinum toxin (Botox) A for reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles: a literature review of clinical use and pharmacological aspect. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2019 Apr 10;12:223-228. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S202919. PMID: 31114283; PMCID: PMC6489637.
Beer KR, Shamban AT, Avelar RL, Gross JE, Jonker A. Efficacy and Safety of PrabotulinumtoxinA for the Treatment of Glabellar Lines in Adult Subjects: Results From 2 Identical Phase III Studies. Dermatol Surg. 2019 Nov;45(11):1381-1393. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000001903. PMID: 30893162; PMCID: PMC6819028.
Rivkin A, Binder WJ. Long-term effects of onabotulinumtoxinA on facial lines: a 19-year experience of identical twins. Dermatologic Surgery. 2015 Jan;41 Suppl 1:S64-6. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000000193.
Gart MS, Gutowski KA. Overview of Botulinum Toxins for Aesthetic Uses. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2016 Jul;43(3):459-71. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2016.03.003.
Wu Y, Fang F, Lai W, Li C, Li L, Liu Q, Lu J, Pang X, Sun J, Shi X, Picaut P, Prygova I, Andriopoulos B, Sun Q. Efficacy and Safety of AbobotulinumtoxinA for the Treatment of Glabellar Lines in Chinese Patients: A Pivotal, Phase 3, Randomized, Double-Blind and Open-Label Phase Study. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2023 Feb;47(1):351-364. doi: 10.1007/s00266-022-03164-3. Epub 2022 Dec 19. Erratum in: Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2023 Jun;47(3):1243. PMID: 36536093; PMCID: PMC9944721.
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Medically reviewed by Dr. Katerina Gallus — Updated on Aug 1, 2025
