BOTOX® in Marin & San Francisco, CA

To help turn back the hands of time and to prevent lines and wrinkles from forming on the upper section of the face, Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology San Francisco is proud to offer BOTOX to local patients. This nonsurgical procedure provides gorgeous results and is extremely popular among both men and women. BOTOX was designed to provide dramatic improvements to dynamic lines and wrinkles, which are created when facial muscles contract to make facial expressions. Over time, these lines will remain in your skin even when your expression has relaxed. BOTOX is a filtered strain of botulinum toxin (type A) that temporarily blocks the movements of the muscle and allows the skin to smooth out. BOTOX is most commonly injected between the brows, on Crow's feet, and along furrows in the forehead. If you've been considering trying BOTOX, schedule a consultation with Tracy Evans, MD to learn more.

Before considering BOTOX, it is important to understand the difference between dynamic and static wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles are caused by repetitive muscle contractions (facial expressions) while static wrinkles are those that develop from simple aging and sagging.

BOTOX is ideal for individuals who want to smooth the appearance of dynamic lines on their face nonsurgically. BOTOX can also be used as a preventive treatment even if you are younger — keep in mind how often you tend to make facial expressions. It is a great nonsurgical approach if you have forehead lines or noticeable furrows between the brows. It's also a solution for certain lines that form around the eyes. If you have very deep dynamic lines, an injectable filler may be recommended as well. 

BOTOX injections are performed as an outpatient procedure at our Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology office in San Francisco, CA. Depending on scheduling and your preference, you may receive your BOTOX injections during your initial consultation, or you may schedule another appointment for the treatment. You can request a numbing cream to make the procedure more comfortable, but it generally is not necessary.

At your appointment, you will be asked to make a number of facial expressions using the upper face, such as squinting and frowning, which will allow us to see where the injections need to be placed. We will cleanse your skin, and Dr. Evans will inject the BOTOX using a very fine needle. This will be followed by a cold compress to help prevent bruising and discomfort. BOTOX injections typically take about 10 – 15 minutes, and you can return to most of your normal activities almost immediately.

After your injections, you can resume your normal activities, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least 24 hours. You will be asked to sleep upright for the first night and to not touch your face, which may accidentally spread the treatment to other areas. The treated areas of the face may be slightly red, swollen, or bruised for a few days, but you will not experience any serious or lasting side effects. In most cases, it takes 5 – 7 days before the full effects of BOTOX are visible, and they will typically last 3 – 4 months. You should speak to Dr. Evans about how often to schedule touch-up appointments at Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology San Francisco to maintain your results.

How much does BOTOX cost?
Your cost for a BOTOX treatment will depend on how much product is used. This will vary based on your needs and goals. Dr. Evans will need to create your personal treatment plan during your consultation before she can estimate your costs. To save money, ask about the Brilliant Distinctions Rewards Program so you can earn points for BOTOX treatments and other Allergan products, like Juvéderm.

How long will my results last?
The results from BOTOX can last up to four months. Most patients schedule an appointment every season to refresh their results, but you may want to come back sooner. If you are getting BOTOX while you are younger as a preventive treatment, you may be able to schedule appointments further apart. After listening to your goals and creating your treatment plan, Dr. Evans will be better able to estimate when you should schedule your next appointment.

Should I get a wrinkle relaxer or a dermal filler?
Wrinkle relaxers (like BOTOX) and wrinkle fillers (like Juvéderm and Restylane) are both popular cosmetic treatments that decrease wrinkles and smooth fine lines. BOTOX addresses dynamic wrinkles, like frown lines and forehead wrinkles, by relaxing the facial muscles that cause them. Dermal wrinkle fillers add volume under the skin to improve the appearance of hollow areas and fill up creases on the surface. Some patients opt for a "liquid facelift," which is a combination of both.

How are BOTOX, Dysport, and Xeomin different?
BOTOX, Dysport, and Xeomin are all injectable wrinkle treatments that use botulinum toxin (type A). All three relax facial muscles to soften dynamic wrinkles, but each formula is designed to suit specific areas and needs. There are subtle differences between them, including the recommended dosage, treatment spread, and length of results. Dr. Evans will choose the best brand or brands to match your needs.

Does BOTOX have any side effects?
When administered properly, BOTOX rarely causes any complications. With that said, it is still very important to find someone who has experience in handling this medication, like Dr. Evans. Too much of the product can cause an undesirable outcome. A skilled doctor will use just enough of the medication to effectively freeze the facial muscles that cause wrinkles while leaving nearby muscles unaffected. BOTOX is safe and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In addition to cosmetic applications, BOTOX is also used to treat medical conditions, such as facial spasms, excessive sweating, uncontrollable blinking, and migraines.

BOTOX has become one of the most popular cosmetic treatments available among both men and women. These safe and noninvasive injections can wipe years off of your face in just a matter of days, and they can even help prevent your dynamic lines from deepening. Contact Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology San Francisco & Marin soon to set up your consultation with Dr. Evans and say goodbye to frown and laugh lines.