People from San Diego communities such as Encinitas and Del Mar have discovered the beauty and simplicity of BOTOX Cosmetic and other injectable wrinkle smoothers at La Jolla Facial Plastic Surgery. Belonging to a class of drugs called neuromodulators, these FDA-approved treatments smooth wrinkles without surgery or downtime, and subtly take years off of your appearance. Board certified in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, Dr. Victor Chung has a deep understanding of facial anatomy that allows him to deliver predictable, beautiful results time after time.
If you'd like to visit La Jolla Facial Plastic Surgery and learn more about what BOTOX, Dysport or XEOMIN treatments can do for you, request a consultation at our Carmel Valley office or call us directly at (858) 461-0383 to speak with a friendly member of our staff.
Board Certified By
The American board of
Otolaryngology
To understand the results that BOTOX, Dysport and XEOMIN can create for you, it's important to understand how these products work. Unlike injectable fillers and fat transfer, which actually improve contours from within by adding volume beneath the skin, BOTOX, Dysport and XEOMIN gently and temporarily relax the muscles that cause wrinkles. This quality makes these products particularly effective on wrinkles caused by facial expressions, including:
During your consultation, Dr. Chung carefully evaluates your face and your particular areas of concern. He talks to you about your ultimate goals and helps you determine which product is likely to give you the results you want. Although all 3 products use the same active ingredient, there are subtle differences between them that may make one more suitable for you than another.
Your injectable treatment is a quick, comfortable experience that typically has first-time patients in and out of the office within an hour. On subsequent visits, you may be in our office for less than a half-hour. Dr. Chung begins by cleansing your face and pinpointing the injection sites. He prepares your skin and muscles with a cold compress for comfort. He then uses a fine needle to administer a series of quick injections to your treatment areas. Each injection lasts only a second or two and feels similar to a pinch or an insect bite. You may return to your normal activities the next day, and it's important to keep your head upright for at least 4 hours after your appointment.
Injectables don't require any real downtime, however, you may experience localized reactions including swelling, redness, itching, tenderness, and bruising. Keep in mind that these are usually mild and temporary and shouldn't preclude you from any of your usual activities.
The results of injectable neuromodulators are not immediate; they typically take about 3 to 7 days to emerge. Depending on your treatment areas, your results can last between 3 and 4 months. Once you begin to see your wrinkles returning, you may return to La Jolla Facial Plastic Surgery to touch-up your results.
It is possible, but quite rare. The total number of patients who are either immune to the effects of BOTOX from the outset or build up immunity over time is about 1%, according to long-term studies. When patients see inadequate changes, more often it is because of the injector's technique. Dr. Chung advises patients who don't seem to benefit from BOTOX to try Dysport or XEOMIN.
BOTOX and other neuromodulators can postpone the development of wrinkles, but not prevent them altogether. It's also important to understand that they target only one type of wrinkles.
BOTOX, Dysport, and XEOMIN work by immobilizing the tiny facial muscles that contract hundreds of times each day as we change expressions. Limiting the movement of these muscles postpones the emergence of "dynamic wrinkles" — wrinkles caused by muscle movement. Other wrinkles are caused by sun exposure, the natural aging process, and other environmental factors.
That "deer in the headlights" look that some people have after getting BOTOX injections usually results when an inexperienced or untrained injector provides the treatment. As with all cosmetic procedures, results depend primarily on the expertise of the specialist performing the treatment. As a facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Chung's knowledge of facial anatomy is vital in producing subtle but effective results.
La Jolla Facial Plastic Surgery: Victor Chung, MD
4765 Carmel Mountain Road #103
San Diego, CA 92130
(858) 461-0383
Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.