Are BOTOX® & Wrinkle Relaxers Painful?

Patients typically describe the injections as relatively painless, like small “mosquito bites.” Recovery can be slightly uncomfortable, and you may experience some redness, swelling, and bruising. These symptoms are generally well tolerated, and patients rarely require over-the-counter painkillers.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Most patients only need one session to achieve their desired results, though touch-ups are occasionally required within the first 2 weeks. You can return to our office every 3-6 months for maintenance appointments as the results subside and signs of aging begin to return.

How Long Until I See the Results?

Most patients notice their results within 2-4 days, though full effects take about 1 week.

What Are the Risks Associated with BOTOX® & Wrinkle Relaxers?

Some risks related to BOTOX or wrinkle relaxers include the following: Mild swelling or redness Bruising at the injection site Uneven results Headache Tenderness or sensitivity Itchiness Allergic reaction Infection Dissatisfaction with results Migration of BOTOX affecting other areas, such as the eyelid BOTOX is contraindicated in individuals with certain neuromuscular diseases, such as myasthenia gravis and Lambert-Eaton syndrome. Always consult with your doctor prior to any medical treatments.

BOTOX® & Wrinkle Relaxers

BOTOX® & Wrinkle Relaxers In Berkeley, CA

Smooth Wrinkles. Refresh Expression.

Expert BOTOX® & Wrinkle Relaxers
In Berkeley, CA

BOTOX is one of the most recognized brands in the medical, aesthetic, and beauty industry. The treatment is extremely popular in the San Francisco Bay Area and has been used worldwide for decades to address age-related concerns such as wrinkles and fine lines.

If you are considering ways to address some of these natural signs of aging, visit us at Redwood Facial Plastic Surgery in Berkeley, where Dr. David Chou can discuss options to achieve your anti-aging goals. With BOTOX treatments, a facial refresh is just a few days away, so that you can enjoy subtle anti-aging benefits with minimal downtime.

Two professionals having an engaged conversation in modern office setting, one wearing glasses gesturing while speaking

What are BOTOX® & Wrinkle Relaxers?

BOTOX is an active ingredient of the neuromodulator botulinum toxin. Neuromodulators are FDA-approved injectable medications that temporarily relax facial muscles by blocking nerve signals, preventing the muscle contractions that cause dynamic wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles include frown lines, forehead creases, and crow’s feet. Reducing these wrinkles results in smoother skin texture, leading to a more youthful appearance.

In addition to addressing dynamic wrinkles, BOTOX and wrinkle relaxers can also address facial muscle spasms, facial synkinesis (a side effect of Bell’s palsy), and uncontrolled blinking. During a consultation with Dr. Chou, you can share which concerns you’d like to address so he can personalize your BOTOX and wrinkle relaxer treatment.

Rustic brown wood grain texture with natural knots and weathered finish for flooring or paneling

Combining My BOTOX® & Wrinkle Relaxers with Other Treatments

Many of our patients in San Francisco enhance their results by combining their BOTOX or wrinkle relaxer treatment with other treatments. Some popular treatments combined with BOTOX and wrinkle relaxers include:

Dermal fillers add or restore volume in areas that have lost fullness due to aging, medical conditions, and genetics. While BOTOX and wrinkle relaxers reduce wrinkles by relaxing facial muscles, dermal fillers can add volume and contour to the cheeks, lips, under-eye area, jawline, chin, and temples.

Who Are the Best Candidates for BOTOX® & Wrinkle Relaxers?

If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area, have good overall health, and meet the following criteria, you could be a great fit for BOTOX and wrinkle relaxers at Redwood Facial Plastic Surgery in Berkeley.

Wrinkles and fine lines around the face
Prefer a minimally invasive treatment
Crow’s feet or lines around the eyes, forehead, and neck
Glabellar lines
Your expectations are reasonable
You don’t smoke

What Are the Benefits of BOTOX® & Wrinkle Relaxers?

BOTOX and wrinkle relaxers are versatile and address several concerns. Our patients in the San Francisco Bay Area can enjoy the following benefits:

Smoother facial lines, wrinkles, and creases
A more energetic, yet rested, facial expression
Temporary results that last approximately 3 months
Combinable with other aesthetic facial treatments
Accessible for men and women

Kitchen designer consulting with client about cabinetry selection in modern showroom

How to Begin Your BOTOX® & Wrinkle Relaxers Journey

Individuals seeking BOTOX and wrinkle relaxers must schedule a consultation with Dr. Chou as the first step of their journey. The consultation will take place at our state-of-the-art office 20 minutes outside San Francisco in Berkeley.

Clearly explain to Dr. Chou why you want to get BOTOX or wrinkle relaxers, including your goals, facial concerns, and preferences.
Dr. Chou will examine your face by assessing specific areas of concern and your overall facial features to evaluate your skin quality and facial anatomy.
Review your medical history.
Establish expectations for the procedure.
Time for questions and answers throughout the consultation.
Create a treatment plan tailored to your personal goals, concerns, and preferences.
If you are a good candidate, BOTOX treatment can often be performed on the same day.

What to Expect on the Day of BOTOX® & Wrinkle Relaxers Treatment

Your BOTOX or wrinkle-relaxer treatment will take place at our Berkeley office. You will go over the treatment plan to ensure you are on the same page as Dr. Chou before beginning the procedure. The injection sites will be mapped out with a surgical pen to ensure precise administration.

If desired, a topical numbing cream can be applied to the targeted areas before injections to ensure your treatment is comfortable and relatively pain-free. When the numbing effect takes place, a small amount of BOTOX or a wrinkle relaxer will be injected into the muscles between the eyebrows (glabella), the forehead, the outer corners of the eyes (crow’s feet), or any other areas outlined in the treatment plan.

The session will last about 30 minutes, depending on how many areas are treated. BOTOX and wrinkle relaxers have minimal downtime so that you can return to work and most regular activities. Exercise or physical exertion should be restricted for 24 hours after treatment.

Young man wearing sunglasses and cap in front of illuminated carnival lights at dusk

BOTOX® & Wrinkle Relaxer Recovery

Your Guide to Post-BOTOX® & Wrinkle Relaxer Care

BOTOX and wrinkle relaxers appeal to patients not only for their anti-aging benefits but also for the benefit of minimal downtime. After your session, you can immediately return to your regular routine, such as work, chores, or social activities, with only mild temporary soreness, redness, and swelling at your injection sites.

These side effects will generally subside within a few hours and can be managed with cold compresses and over-the-counter medication in the meantime.

While you can resume most regular activities, you should hold off on intense exercise for 24 hours to prevent the neurotoxin from migrating to unintended muscles and causing asymmetry or a drooping eyelid. You should also avoid heat and sweating, including activities like hot yoga, saunas, hot showers, and intense UV light from the sun and tanning beds. Lie on your back while sleeping to avoid putting pressure on your face. These precautions are only for the first 24 hours, and then there are no restrictions.

How Much Do BOTOX® & Wrinkle Relaxers Cost in Berkeley, CA?

The cost of BOTOX & wrinkle relaxers depends on several factors, such as which areas are targeted, how many units are needed to achieve your goals, which neuromodulator is used, and whether you combine additional procedures.

By the end of your consultation, our team will provide you with an estimate of your cost. We also offer financing plans to help you pay for the treatment while staying within your budget.

Why Choose Redwood Facial Plastic Surgery?

At Redwood Facial Plastic Surgery, we offer our patients in Berkeley and the entire San Francisco Bay Area premier cosmetic treatments in a clean, friendly environment. We utilize up-to-date techniques and technology to help you achieve your aesthetic goals quickly and safely. BOTOX and wrinkle relaxers are administered by Dr. David Chou himself, a facial plastic surgeon specializing in both non-surgical and surgical facial rejuvenation.

Dr. Chou is a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and, prior to opening his practice, served as Assistant Professor of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Emory University School of Medicine. He is trusted by his patients and by several prestigious organizations, reflecting his dedication to surgical excellence, ongoing educational involvement, and advancing scientific research. He is double board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (ABO-HNS) and an active member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) and the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS).