Botox
Botox® & Dysport® San Francisco
Botox® has truly revolutionized the treatment of wrinkles. Now a common household name, Botox stands today as the #1 most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure performed by physicians in the United States. Both men and women, in their 20’s and beyond, are having their regular Botox (or other neuromodulator product, like Dysport® or Xeomin®) treatments performed to help smooth away and even prevent the formation of unsightly lines and wrinkles. Indeed, for many of these folks, getting a Botox treatment has become a ritual much like getting their hair done. It works wonderfully, and they love it. For those new to Botox, it is worth taking a moment to learn more about it.
When you come in for your consultation, Dr. Chiu-Collins will evaluate your facial structure, tissue quality, and dynamic facial movement to determine the best, safest, and most reliable treatment plan for you. She will customize your treatment specifically for your face. As a facial plastic surgery specialist, Dr. Chiu-Collins offers a unique perspective on facial rejuvenation by personally performing every injection to ensure a superior, personalized result.
Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin
Botox (and Dysport) are purified protein derivatives of a naturally occurring neurotoxin that have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of wrinkles between the eyebrows, the horizontal
wrinkles of the forehead, the “crow’s feet” wrinkles around the eyes, and vertical neck bands of
the neck In the hands of Dr. Chiu-Collins, Botox can also be used to strategically optimize the
position of facial features, e.g. elevate sagging eyebrows and eyelids, or elevate a downward
turned smile or upper lip. These are all common applications of Botox at Union Square Facial Plastic Surgery.
Common Treatment Areas and Conditions Treated
Based on Dr. Chiu-Collins’ expertise and the specific functional and aesthetic applications offered at Union Square Facial Plastic Surgery, here is a concise breakdown of treatment areas:
- Chemical Brow Lift: A specialized maneuver that non-surgically elevates the brow arch for a more refreshed, open appearance.
- Perioral (Lip): Elevate the upper lip “Lip Flip” or soften “smoker’s lines” around the mouth.
- Nasal Bunny Lines: Targets active muscles on the bridge of the nose to prevent deep, etched lines from forming.
- Down-turned Smile: Weakens the depressor anguli oris (DAO aka frowning muscle) to improve smile shape and lift the corners of the mouth.
- Chin Dimpling: Relaxes the mentalis muscle to smooth a “cobblestone”, “orange peel”, or dimpled chin surface.
- Jaw Slimming or Masseter: Jaw slimming Botox reduces the prominence of the masseter muscles, allowing relaxation and softening of a square or wide jawline into a more cosmetically pleasing contour.
- TMJ & Teeth Grinding: Relieves muscular jaw tension, headaches, and lockjaw associated with temporomandibular joint syndrome and teeth grinding.
- Vertical Neck Bands: Targets the platysma muscle to reduce unsightly banding and create a smoother neck and décolletage.
- Trapezius Reduction “Traptox”: Creates a slimmer, more elongated neck appearance and provides relief from chronic neck and shoulder tension
Ideal Candidates for Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin
Determining if you are a candidate for Botox in San Francisco involves a clinical evaluation of your facial anatomy and muscle strength. While many patients seek Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin treatment for visible aging, others use neurotoxins for functional or preventative purposes.
You may be an ideal candidate if you aim to:
- Soften Dynamic Lines: Address wrinkles that appear during facial expressions, such as forehead creases, “11” lines, or crow’s feet.
- Prevent Deep Etching: Start “preventative Botox” to stop faint lines from becoming permanent, deep-set skin folds.
- Address Functional Tension: Relieve physical discomfort caused by chronic teeth grinding or a tight, overactive jaw.
- Refine Facial Contours: Seek non-surgical adjustments to the brow arch, jawline width, or the corners of the mouth.
- Correct Prior Outcomes: Seek a Botox expert in SF to help manage or balance unsatisfactory results from a previous injector elsewhere.
Treatment is generally avoided if you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, have an active skin infection at the injection site, or have a history of specific neuromuscular disorders like myasthenia gravis.
Preparation
Although bruising is not likely with Botox, or Dysport, or Xeomin, it is possible. Patients who are using substances that can prolong bleeding have an increased chance of bruising or bleeding at the injection site. You should inform Dr. Chiu-Collins before treatment if you are using: Alcohol, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Vitamin E, Fish Oil, Ginkgo, Green Tea, Garlic, Ginseng, St John’s Wort, or any herbal medications.
You should avoid Aspirin-containing products for 10 days before your procedure, and you should avoid NSAIDS (Ibuprofen/Advil/Motrin, Aleve, etc) and herbal supplements for 7 days prior to your treatment. Avoid alcohol 48 hours prior to treatment. If you are prescribed any of these medications by your physician, you must consult with them prior to stopping any medication.
The Treatment Process
Using a tiny needle, a very small amount of Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin is injected into a targeted area of the face. Since the needle is so fine and only a small volume is injected, the discomfort from the treatment is minimal. No sedation or local anesthesia is necessary for the treatment, allowing you to remain comfortable throughout the session. Once the injections are complete, you can return to your daily schedule immediately.
– Brooke W, Oakland, CA
Recovery
There is no recovery time needed for Botox! You may resume your usual activities immediately, except we advise no lying flat for 5 hours after treatment and no exercise or alcohol consumption for the rest of the treatment day. The effects of the treatment last 3 months or longer, depending on the area treated and the amount used. We also advise no facial massage or manipulation of your facial soft tissues for a few days.
Meet Dr. Lynn Chiu-Collins
Dr. Lynn Chiu-Collins is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes exclusively in the aesthetics of the face and neck. Dr. Chiu-Collins maintains a deep clinical focus on achieving natural Botox results through a sophisticated understanding of muscle function, and the accompanying anatomy.
Dr. Chiu-Collins personally performs every treatment at Union Square Facial Plastic Surgery, ensuring that each injection is placed with surgical precision. Her background in head and neck surgery allows her to manage complex cases and provide a level of expertise that prioritizes both your safety and your long-term aesthetic goals.
The Cost of Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin in San Francisco
The cost of Botox & Dysport treatments is determined by the number of units required to achieve your specific aesthetic or functional goals. During your consultation, we provide a clear breakdown of pricing based on the strength of your muscle groups and the complexity of the areas being treated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Always A Team Approach
When you come in for your consultation, Dr. Chiu-Collins will walk you through every step of the process, from education and facial analysis to pretreatment instructions, the treatment itself, and what to expect afterward. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
If you’re interested in learning more about Botox or Dysport, call or email Union Square Facial Plastic Surgery for a consultation: 415-702-3000, [email protected]