By now, almost everyone has heard of Botox, but many people do not know exactly what it’s used for or how it works. Botox® Cosmetic and Dysport® are both purified formulations of one of the molecules produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. With skillfully placed, small doses, these molecules will interrupt the signals between nerve endings and muscle fibers in a particular area. The result is a softening of some of the facial wrinkles (rhytids) that are caused by repetitive motion. The first approved and most common area for Botox Cosmetic and Dysport injections is the inter-brow area (glabella). Glabellar furrows or frown lines (sometimes called the “11’s”) are caused by the corrugator muscles, and weakening these muscles softens the brow region, opens up the eyes, and helps make people look more relaxed and rested. Some physicians also use injections here to treat migraine headaches.

Why Should I Get Botox with a Surgeon?

Dr. Ransom uses either Botox® Cosmetic or Dysport® to treat fine lines and furrows in the forehead, brow region, and around the eyes (crow’s feet or smile lines). In addition, these treatments may be effective for certain types of neck bands (platysma muscles). Please visit the photo gallery for an example, and call to schedule your appointment for a consultation or treatment today!

Dr. Ransom sees patients from all over Bay Area for Botox injections, including Mill Valley/Marin County, Napa/Sonoma, San Rafael/Petaluma Hillsborough, San Mateo, Menlo Park, Orinda, Palo Alto, Piedmont, Walnut Creek, and the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please note that all patients are different and individual healing times and results may vary. The statements regarding procedures and recovery made here are general rules.

Is 50 too old for Botox?

No, Botox can be used safely in patients from 18-80+!

What are the bad side effects of Botox?

Side effects are minimal. Some patients will get a small injection site reaction (redness, puffiness) or bruise. Rarely, a patient will report a headache afterward. For injections in the forehead, a dose that is too high or placed too low could cause temporary brow or eyelid drooping.

Why cant you lay down after Botox?

Keeping the head elevated for a few hours after Botox treatment is helpful to reduce swelling and to prevent migration of the injected dose.

Does Botox make you look older after it wears off?

No, your face will return to its pre-injection state after 3-4 months when the Botox wears off.

Does Botox make you shiny?

For some patients, the skin may look a little shinnier or the opposite, more flat, after Botox. This is due to the effect of Botox on the oil and sweat glands in the injected areas.

Is Botox good for under eye wrinkles?

Botox can be used for the crows feet wrinkles, which are around the sides of the eyes and occur with squinting or smiling. For the wrinkles immediately under the eyes or closer to the nose, Botox is not recommended.

Should I move my face after Botox?

The effect of Botox will occurr in the areas injected. Some practitioners recommend moving these muscles to work in the Botox. There isnt any evidence to support this either way in terms of improved efficacy.

Can Botox age you?

No. Botox does not age the skin; rather, it reduces the pull of facial muscles on the skin to give a more youthful or relaxed appearance. The effect is temporary.

Can Botox cause weight gain?

I am not aware of any evidence of Botox causing weight gain. The doses used for facial cosmetic purposes are quite small and are targeted to the facial musculature.

Can Botox lift eyebrows?

Yes, small amounts of Botox placed carefully around the lateral orbital area and in between the eyebrows can give a little lift to the brows.

Can I go for a walk after Botox?

Yes, you may go for a walk after Botox. We recommend that strenuous activity be avoided for about 24 hours.

Can I have wine after Botox?

Yes, in moderation. Alcohol consumption could lead to increased swelling or bruising in larger quantities.

How long does Botox last?

For most patients, the Botox effects last 3-4 months. Peak effect is around 2-3 weeks and then the effect gradually declines.

Is Botox a steroid?

No, Botox is not a steroid.

What age should I start Botox?

When to start Botox is a personal decision. For patients over 18, treatmet is based on desired effect and anatomy.

What should you not do after Botox?

We recommend that patients avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours after injections.

Who should not get Botox?

Anyone who has had an adverse reaction to Botox should not receive injections. There are also some rare neurological disorders that are a contraindication to treatment.

Can Botox help sinuses?

Botox can help with headaches, but mostly this is the migraine or tension-types. Sinus disease is different and requires different treatment, including nasal irrigations and antibiotics.

Can you drink coffee after Botox?

Yes, coffee is ok after Botox.

Is Botox a poison?

Botox is not a poison; it is a toxin derived from a bacterium (Clostridium Botulinum).

What is Botox used for?

Botox is used for temporary reduction in wrinkles caused by facial movements, and for prevention of lines that develop from repetitive movements in these areas.

Dr. Evan Ransom is an Ivy League-educated and Ivy League trained Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. He is a Double Board Certified Head and Neck Surgeon and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and fellowship-trained in facial plastic, reconstructive, and laser surgery. His practice is in the San Francisco Bay Area, serving patients from San Francisco, Oakland, Marin County, Palo Alto, Silicon Valley, Walnut Creek, the East Bay, and all over Northern California.