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.
Learn more about our Botox with Benefits program. Schedule your next Botox treatment within 4 months to get $1 off/unit discount the next time you get your Botox. Save anywhere from $10-$60+ depending on how much Botox you receive. Call 858-224-2281 to take advantage of this program today!
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.
What happens at my San Diego Botox 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 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. After a treatment plan is established, you will be able to receive treatment that day in the office.
Is the cost of Botox expensive?
The cost of Botox is calculated in “units,” which cost $15 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.
Our pricing for Botox reflects our years of experience and precise knowledge of the 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 that is obtained overseas.
Will Botox injections hurt?
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.
How does Botox work to reduce wrinkles?
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. The effects of Botox wear off after about 4-6 months.
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.
I am considering Botox for the first time. What do I need to know before my appointment?
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! 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. Finding the right balance of dosage, frequency of treatment, and treatment areas can take a couple of visits as part of your ongoing maintenance plan. Consider becoming a member of our patient loyalty program and get the inside scoop on special offers and priority scheduling.
You will also 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.
How long do the effects of Botox last?
The effects of Botox usually last four to six months.
What is the difference between Botox and Dysport?
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.
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 at Restore SD Plastic Surgery for my Botox?
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.
