About Botox Injections in San Francisco

Dynamic lines and wrinkles are caused by contractions of the delicate underlying muscles every time we smile, laugh, or frown. Over time, constant and sustained contractions of these muscles usually leads to the development of more profound lines and creases.*

*Individual results will vary in each patient.

Dynamic lines can be dramatically softened now with regular Botox injection treatments. This procedure involves the injection of a purified toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum (botox). Although this toxin is the same as the one that causes a serious form of food poisoning (botulism), the amount used in cosmetic surgery is so small that a general reaction is unlikely to be seen. Results will vary in each patient.*

Botulinum toxin has been used very successfully and safely since 1982 by ophthalmologists to treat nervous twitching of the eyelid and lazy eye. In fact, each year thousands of patients receive Botox treatments for a variety of other conditions. For the last ten years, it has become an extremely popular treatment for reducing the signs of aging.*

When injected into a given area, Botox injections temporarily block the impulses from the nerves to the tiny facial muscles that are related to expression lines. Because of this, the muscles cannot contract and therefore tend to relax. When these muscles relax, the overlying skin remains smooth and unwrinkled while the untreated facial muscles continue to contract, which allows normal facial expression to be unaffected.The ultimate goal is to give you smoother, tighter, and younger skin that at the same time looks very natural.*

Botox is usually performed on the upper face.  The most common areas requested are the forehead lines, vertical frown lines between the eyebrows, and crow’s feet around the eyes.  While it would probably work around the mouth and chin, it would more than likely weaken the smile. Smile lines are normally either treated by injectables such as Juvederm, Voluma or even fat transfer.  Dr. Javaheri has extensive experience with this procedure and will discuss with you which areas he feels would most benefit from the treatment.  Based on your goals and his expertise, he will design a customized treatment plan specifically for you.*

Are You a Candidate for Botox?

At the time of your consultation, Dr. Javaheri will ask you about your general medical history, specifically pertaining to any medical conditions that could cause problems during or after your procedure.

Botox is tolerated extremely well by most people, but patients who are pregnant or have a neurological disease should not be treated.*

About the Botox Injection Procedure

The procedure is simple and safe. Botox is injected with an ultra-fine needle into the desired areas. Depending on the areas treated, between four to ten injections are usually necessary. Any discomfort is usually minor since the needle is very fine and only a small amount of liquid is used. Each injection will feel like a slight sting for just a few seconds. Once the injection is complete there is usually very minimal discomfort.*

The treatment is considered to be a lunch-time treatment, recovery is fast. Occasionally, some patients experience a slight temporary bruising or redness at the injection site, which can be covered with makeup. After your procedure, you can resume normal activities.*

How Long Does It Last?

The full effects of Botox treatment are not apparent for three to seven days. As mentioned, the effects are temporary, and the toxin is slowly metabolized by the body in approximately three to six months.*

Possible Complications

There are very few side effects related to this procedure. While an allergic reaction to any medicine is possible, it is extremely unusual with Botox. In some cases, patients may experience a very small amount of brow drooping if injected in that area. This can be avoided in most cases by not treating the one-centimeter area just above the patient’s eyebrows. Due to the non-permanent nature of Botox, any potential side effect is always temporary. In the unlikely circumstance, a droop was to occur, it would last approximately two to three weeks, which is significantly less than the full dose of Botox normally lasts.*

*Results for each patient will vary. Please remember that the information provided will not guarantee your eligibility for treatment. Consultation and medical examination must be completed before approval.

For more information on Botox®, click the PDF files below.

BOTOX® Cosmetic Safety Information
Summary of Information about BOTOX® Cosmetic
BOTOX® Cosmetic before-and-after photo files

FAQs About Botox in the San Francisco Bay Area

What are Botox injections?

Botox (botulinum toxin type A) is a cosmetic injection that’s FDA-approved to treat expression lines. It’s a very popular option for the treatment and prevention of fine lines and wrinkles. Botox can also treat some medical conditions such as eyelid spasms, crossed eyes, drooling, excessive sweating, chronic migraines, Bell’s palsy, and thyroid eye disease.

How much does Botox cost in San Francisco CA?

Botox injections are priced per unit and based on the expertise of your medical injector. A single treatment of Botox may require anywhere between 20 to 60 units. Expect to pay about $500 to $800 per session depending on how many units are necessary to treat multiple areas and achieve your desired look.

Where should you not inject Botox?

Proper placement of Botox injections is very important and problem areas may not always be where the injection site should be. Avoid injecting the frontalis muscle in patients who use it to open their eyes, as it will cause drooping of the brow or eyelid. Avoid injecting too low in the crow’s feet to avoid further exacerbation of eye bags. Avoid injections near the orbital bone above the pupil to avoid eyelid droop. Also, avoid excessively high doses to achieve natural aesthetically pleasing results and a resistance to Botox

What is a good price for Botox per unit in the Bay Area?

Botox is usually priced around $15 – $20 per unit and is dependent on the expertise of the medical injector. You’ll want an experienced injector who understands where to inject to improve your problem areas and produce the most desirable results. 

Is Botox worth the money?

There is a high satisfaction rate and confidence boost that comes from the results of Botox. Fine lines and wrinkles are reduced to achieve a younger and fresher appearance. Helping set back the hands of time, Botox is an effective and rewarding treatment.

How much Botox do I need?

Each treatment area has its recommended dose of Botox but varies depending on your aesthetic goals. Average 15-30 units for horizontal forehead lines, 40 units for “11” lines between the eyes (glabella lines), and 6 to 10 units per side for crow’s feet. It’s best to schedule a consultation with an experienced medical injector to thoroughly evaluate the amount and placement of Botox necessary to achieve your aesthetic goals.

How does Botox work?

Our muscles receive signals from nerves and contract, resulting in the wrinkling of skin. Botox injections cause muscle paralysis by blocking these signals. This keeps skin smooth until the Botox wears off in a few months.

How much Botox is needed for the forehead?

There are three areas of the forehead that Botox is used to suspend. An average of 20-50 units of Botox is needed for the forehead depending on the size and strength of the frontalis. Botox injection placement and quantity of units used are also important in efficiently and effectively producing the desired results.

Where to get Botox in San Francisco CA?

Find a trusted injector who understands your aesthetic goals. Take into consideration how long the injector has been injecting and how often they’re injecting. Thoroughly research qualifications before you choose your injector and avoid selection based on price alone. Schedule a consultation today with our veteran injector Dr. Shahin Javaheri.