BOTOX® is the most popular non-surgical aesthetic treatment in the United States, offering an effective and safe way to smooth wrinkles and restore youthful appearances. At Shumway Cosmetic Surgery in San Diego, CA, board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Robert A. Shumway offers expert BOTOX injections tailored to your unique aesthetic goals. With over 20 years of experience in facial rejuvenation, Dr. Shumway delivers natural-looking results that enhance your confidence without altering your basic appearance.

At Shumway Cosmetic Surgery, we have been helping people all over southern California fight the aging process and achieve their beauty goals for more than 20 years in San Diego, CA. Our cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Robert A. Shumway, is still performing each cosmetic injectable as he did on day one — and this includes BOTOX injections for relaxing your facial muscles that are causing wrinkles. BOTOX has a proven record of outstanding results in making a significant improvement to dynamic lines, which are made from expressive muscle movements on the forehead and around the eyes. These facial lines go away when the face is relaxed, but dynamic folds can still remain. BOTOX injections incorporate a clean and purified strain of type A botulinum toxin into the muscle that temporarily freezes the movements. To soften wrinkles, BOTOX is carefully injected by Dr. Shumway to smooth the skin between the eyebrows, around the eyes (Crow’s feet), and across the forehead. If you’re still trying to decide which injectable is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Shumway. He’ll listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and help determine your best options for getting the gorgeous, youthful results he has built his reputation on.

BOTOX contains a purified form of botulinum toxin type A. When injected into targeted facial muscles, it temporarily blocks the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that signals muscles to contract. This controlled muscle relaxation prevents new lines from forming with repeated facial expressions and smooths existing wrinkles. The injection process is quick and precise. Dr. Shumway uses fine needles to administer small amounts of BOTOX into targeted muscles responsible for creating dynamic wrinkles, the lines that appear when you smile, frown, squint, or raise your eyebrows. The treatment typically takes just 15 minutes to complete. Most patients begin noticing results within 3 to 5 days, with full effects visible around two weeks after treatment. The smoothing effects generally last between 3 to 4 months, after which muscle activity gradually returns, and maintenance treatments are recommended.

BOTOX offers a variety of benefits, including:

• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles: BOTOX effectively smooths forehead creases, frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines), and crow’s feet around the eyes.
• Prevents future wrinkle formation: Regular BOTOX treatments relax muscles and reduce repetitive movements that cause deep wrinkles over time.
• Improves skin texture and tone: Studies show BOTOX can enhance overall skin quality, reduce enlarged pores, and decrease skin surface roughness.
• No downtime required: You can return to normal activities immediately after treatment.
• Quick treatment sessions: Most BOTOX appointments take 15 minutes or less.
• Natural-looking results: When administered by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Shumway, BOTOX provides subtle enhancement that doesn’t look “overdone.”
• Boosts skin rejuvenation: BOTOX allows skin to repair itself and retain youthful elasticity by relaxing muscles that cause wrinkles.

Beyond aesthetic applications, BOTOX is FDA-approved to resolve chronic migraines, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), facial spasms, TMJ disorders, and an overactive bladder.

BOTOX is for adult women and men who want to address visible aging without surgery. Ideal candidates:

• Have moderate to severe dynamic wrinkles on their forehead, between their brows, or around their eyes
• Want to prevent wrinkles from deepening or forming in the first place
• Are in good overall health with realistic expectations
• Are not pregnant or breastfeeding
• Do not have neurological conditions that may interact with botulinum toxin

Many individuals in their late twenties and early thirties use BOTOX as a preventive measure to maintain smooth skin as they age. During your Botox consultation, Dr. Shumway will evaluate your facial anatomy, discuss your aesthetic goals, and determine whether BOTOX is the right treatment for you.

Consultation

Your BOTOX journey begins with a personal consultation with Dr. Shumway. He will examine your facial structure, discuss which areas concern you most, and develop a customized treatment plan to achieve your desired results. This is your opportunity to ask questions about the procedure, expected outcomes, and costs.

The Procedure

On the day of your BOTOX treatment, Dr. Shumway will cleanse the treatment areas and may apply a topical numbing cream for your comfort. Using ultra-fine needles, he will strategically inject small amounts of BOTOX into the specific muscles causing your wrinkles. The entire process typically takes just 15 minutes. Most patients report minimal discomfort, describing the sensation as a brief pinch.

Recovery and Results

There is virtually no downtime after BOTOX injections. You can return to work and most normal activities immediately, though you should avoid strenuous exercise, lying down, or rubbing the treated areas for several hours. You may experience minor swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection sites, but these effects typically resolve within a day or two. You’ll begin seeing improvements within 3 to 5 days as the BOTOX takes effect. Your results will continue to improve over the next two weeks as the treatment reaches its maximum effectiveness. The smoothing effects last approximately 3 to 4 months, though some patients experience longer-lasting results with consistent treatments.

BOTOX vs. Dysport vs. Xeomin

BOTOX, Dysport, and Xeomin are all injectable neuromodulators containing botulinum toxin type A that work by temporarily relaxing facial muscles. While they function similarly, there are subtle differences between them:
• BOTOX: The most well-known brand with extensive clinical research supporting its safety and effectiveness, BOTOX has been FDA-approved for cosmetic use for over two decades.
• Dysport: This injectable contains additional protein complexes and may spread more widely from the injection site, making it potentially useful for treating larger areas. It typically shows results slightly faster than BOTOX and requires more units at a lower cost per unit.
• Xeomin: Known as a “naked” neuromodulator because it contains minimal additives beyond the botulinum toxin, Its dosing and impact are most similar to BOTOX unit-for-unit.

Dr. Shumway recommends the best injectable based on your unique needs, treatment areas, and desired outcomes.

BOTOX vs. Dermal Fillers

BOTOX and dermal fillers like Juvéderm, Radiesse, and Restylane reduce the appearance of wrinkles, but they work in different ways. BOTOX relaxes overused muscles to smooth dynamic wrinkles caused by facial expressions, while dermal fillers add volume beneath the skin to fill in static wrinkles, hollow areas, and folds. Many individuals achieve optimal facial rejuvenation by combining BOTOX and dermal fillers for a comprehensive, non-surgical facial rejuvenation

Dr. Robert A. Shumway is a board-certified facial plastic and cosmetic surgeon with over 20 years of experience helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals. As a diplomate of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and the medical director of Shumway Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Shumway brings an artist’s eye and a surgeon’s precision to every BOTOX treatment. He is renowned not only for his injectable expertise but also for his pioneering work in transumbilical breast augmentation (TUBA), having performed the first TUBA procedure in Europe in 2018. This level of technical skill and innovative thinking translates to exceptional results for all his patients, whether they’re seeking surgical or non-surgical rejuvenation.

How much does BOTOX cost? The cost for BOTOX will be based on the amount of product that is needed. This varies to fit your unique goals. In your consultation, Dr. Shumway will develop your custom treatment plan and then he can discuss cost estimates. BOTOX produces amazing results when injected by an experienced cosmetic surgeon, like Dr. Shumway. However, it can be dangerous if performed by someone who doesn’t have experience, which is why you should avoid any place that is advertising discounted or off-brand injections. If you’d like to save money, ask for more information on the Brilliant Distinctions Rewards Program, which allows you to get points for BOTOX and other products from Allergan, including Juvéderm. How long will my results last? Your BOTOX results may be visible for as long as four months. Usually, patients make an appointment every quarter to maintain their results; however, you can come back earlier. If you’re using BOTOX before wrinkles are visible for a proactive measure, you can schedule treatments further apart. After hearing your concerns and developing your BOTOX plan, Dr. Shumway will be able to tell you when you should make your next visit. hat’s the difference between wrinkle relaxers and fillers? Injectable wrinkle relaxers (including BOTOX) and injectable wrinkle fillers (including Restylane and Juvéderm) are both procedures that reduce wrinkles and correct fine lines. BOTOX works by relaxing overused muscles in your face that create dynamic wrinkles, including frown lines (which appear between your eyebrows), Crow’s feet (which appear in the outer edges of your eyes), smile lines, and forehead wrinkles. Injectable fillers increase volume below the skin to correct depressions and improve static wrinkles. After hearing your goals, Dr. Shumway may suggest BOTOX, fillers, or a “liquid facelift,” which combines both. What’s the difference between BOTOX, Dysport, and Xeomin? BOTOX, Xeomin, and Dysport are brands of wrinkle relaxers that contain botulinum toxin. Each of these relax the treated muscles to soften dynamic wrinkles; however, each brand is made to treat specific needs. Some of the small differences between them include the dosing amounts, how far the treatment spreads, and how long the results last. Dr. Shumway will select the best injection to fit your goals. Is BOTOX safe? As long as it is used correctly, BOTOX should not cause serious complications. However, it’s important to select someone with training injecting BOTOX, like Dr. Shumway. Overusing BOTOX may create bad results. An experienced practitioner will apply the right dose to safely relax the muscles causing unwanted wrinkles without affecting nearby muscles. Quickly becoming one of the most requested cosmetic treatments, it’s considered safe and has earned approval from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Along with its cosmetic uses, BOTOX can also be used as a treatment for medical problems, like excessive sweating, facial spasms, migraines, and uncontrollable blinking. What is the cost of BOTOX in San Diego? The cost of BOTOX varies based on the number of units needed to achieve your aesthetic goals. In San Diego, BOTOX typically costs between $10 and $30 per unit, with some high-end providers charging up to $35 per unit. Common treatment areas require different amounts: forehead lines typically need 16 to 40 units, frown lines between the brows require 10 to 25 units, and crow’s feet around each eye need 5 to 15 units. When will I need to schedule another BOTOX session to maintain the results? BOTOX results typically last between 3 to 4 months. Many patients schedule maintenance appointments every 12 to 16 weeks to preserve their smooth, youthful appearance. With regular treatments over time, some patients find they can extend the time between sessions to 4 to 5 months. What’s the difference between neuromodulators and dermal fillers? Injectable wrinkle relaxers like BOTOX and injectable dermal fillers like Juvéderm serve different purposes. BOTOX works by relaxing overused facial muscles that create dynamic wrinkles, the lines that appear when you make expressions like frowning, squinting, or raising your eyebrows. Common areas treated with BOTOX include forehead wrinkles, frown lines between the brows, crow’s feet, and smile lines. Dermal fillers, on the other hand, add volume beneath the skin to fill in static wrinkles, hollow areas under the eyes, thin lips, and deep folds like nasolabial folds. After evaluating your concerns, Dr. Shumway may recommend BOTOX alone, fillers alone, or a combination approach called a “liquid facelift” that uses both products to address multiple signs of aging simultaneously. How safe is BOTOX? When administered by a qualified, experienced provider like Dr. Shumway, BOTOX is extremely safe and has been FDA-approved for cosmetic use for over 20 years. The key to safe BOTOX treatment is choosing a board-certified surgeon who understands facial anatomy and uses the appropriate dosage. Overusing BOTOX or having it administered by an inexperienced provider can lead to undesirable results such as a “frozen” appearance or drooping eyelids. BOTOX has an excellent safety profile with minimal side effects. Most patients experience only temporary redness, swelling, or minor bruising at injection sites. Serious complications are rare when BOTOX is administered properly. Beyond its cosmetic applications, BOTOX is also FDA-approved for treating medical conditions including chronic migraines, excessive sweating, facial spasms, and TMJ disorders, further demonstrating its safety and versatility. When will I see my BOTOX results? Most patients begin noticing improvements within 3 to 5 days after their BOTOX treatment. The full effects become visible around the second week as the botulinum toxin completely takes effect and muscles fully relax. Some patients see results slightly faster or slower depending on individual factors, like metabolism and the treatment area. Once your results are fully developed at the two-week point, you can expect them to last approximately 3 to 4 months before muscle activity gradually returns. Dr. Shumway will schedule a follow-up appointment to evaluate your results and determine the ideal timing for your next maintenance treatment.

BOTOX is one of the leading anti-aging treating treatments in aesthetics today. You can smile, frown, laugh, and make any face you want without causing harsh, unattractive wrinkles in the usual spots on your face. To prevent and smooth those age lines, we invite you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shumway in San Diego, CA to hear more about this popular, nonsurgical relaxer for wrinkles.