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 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, we feel it is of the utmost importance to entrust your care to our certified and experienced injectors.
What does Botox 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.
Am I a good candidate for Botox Cosmetic?
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.
Your neuromodulator options: Botox and Dysport
There are multiple formulas of neuromodulators, each with very slight differences. At Restore SD Plastic Surgery, Dr. Gallus offers Botox and Dysport—the two most commonly injected neuromodulators. Both are FDA-approved for treatment of fine lines and wrinkles of the face.
Neuromodulator vs. alternative treatments
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.
What can I expect from my Botox treatment?
Botox injections are performed in the office setting. On the day of your consultation, Dr. Gallus will talk with your concerns and goals for treatment. She will examine your facial anatomy and create a tailored approach to your facial rejuvenation plan.
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. It typically takes 3 to 10 days before effects are visible.
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!
Treatment plans for first-time patients
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. 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 a maintenance plan.
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.
Will I feel pain during Botox?
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.
Can I combine Botox with other treatments and facials?
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.
Finally, 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. In our office, we offer medical grade skin care products from AlumierMD and ZO® Skin Health. 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.
Schedule your Botox consultation at Restore SD Plastic Surgery in San Diego
To learn what Botox can do for you, 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.
