Botox®

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Honolulu, HI

Botox® Athena Clinic Plastic Surgery, Dr. Daniel Murariu and Dr. Robert Peterson

Botox® is an injectable neuromodulator that reduces fine lines and wrinkles for smoother skin. Fine lines around the eyes, nose, and mouth from repetitive facial expressions can wear on the skin. Botox® temporarily relaxes the underlying muscles to prevent fine lines and wrinkles for a more youthful look.

At Athena Clinic Plastic Surgery, Dr. Daniel Murariu and Dr. Robert Peterson have helped thousands of patients improve the quality of their skin. They are well-known for innovative face and body treatments designed to reduce signs of aging with long-lasting results. They personalize each treatment to help patients achieve their aesthetic goals.

Contact our office or call (808) 944-8551 to learn how a simple injectable can transform your appearance, resulting in smoother skin and lasting results!

Before and After Photos

About Botox®

As you age, facial expressions wear on the skin because your skin’s levels of collagen and elastin–proteins that help your skin maintain its structure and smooth appearance–begin to decline, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. Botox® temporarily reduces the release of acetylcholine, a hormone and neurotransmitter responsible for muscle contractions.

The popular treatment has helped millions of patients enhance their appearance; in 2023, specialists performed more than 4.7 million Botox® treatments. (1) With Botox®, we can prevent signs of aging (2) to help you maintain smoother skin. Botox® can address several areas to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as other concerns. Common uses other than the forehead include:

  • Platysma Botox®: Botox® can be injected into the platysmal bands, or the muscles in the neck, to reduce the appearance of neck banding, a common sign of aging in the neck region.
  • Bunny Lines: Bunny lines, or the wrinkles that appear in the nose when it is scrunched, can be reduced with Botox® for a smoother appearance.
  • Marionette Lines: Marionette lines, or the lines that extend from the sides of the nose to the corners of the lips, can contribute to an aged look in the lower face. By injecting Botox® into these regions, marionette lines can be reduced.
  • Botox® for Underarm Sweating: Similar to the way Botox® blocks the nerve signals that cause muscle movement, Botox® can block the nerve signals that cause the sweat glands in the armpit to activate. Reducing underarm sweat offers patients significant relief from uncomfortable underarm wetness, especially those who experience excessive sweating.
  • Trap Botox® (Barbie Botox®): This use of Botox® aims to give patients a slimmer look in the area between the shoulders and the neck. In this case, Botox® is injected into the trapezius muscle to provide the appearance of a longer, more slender neck.
  • Masseter/TMJ Botox®: TMJ is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the jaw. By injecting Botox® into the masseter muscles, the formula can reduce muscle spasms and discomfort, offering patients some relief from the condition.
  • Jaw/Midface Lift Botox®: Botox® can be used to slim the jawline by relaxing the masseter muscles in the jaw.
  • Calf Botox®: Injecting Botox® into the calves can create a slimmer, more elegant appearance in the lower legs.

Botox® vs. Dermal Fillers:

Unlike dermal fillers, Botox® does not add volume to the skin. Dermal fillers are flexible formulas that distribute themselves evenly beneath the skin for natural-looking volume. We offer different types of fillers for both delicate and deep tissue. With a convenient injectable treatment that typically takes 15 minutes or less, we can transform your appearance.

Botox® vs. Xeomin® vs. vs Daxxify®

Botox®, Xeomin®, and Daxxify® are all neuromodulators that reduce repetitive muscle movements. They are formulated differently to help patients with different aesthetic goals. Xeomin® is formulated with XTRACT Technology™ (3)–a purified formula that does not contain as many proteins as other formulas, making it ideal for patients with sensitive skin. Meanwhile, we offer Daxxify® as a longer-lasting alternative–typically, Botox® lasts 2-4 months, while Daxxify lasts 4-6 months. We can determine the most effective type of neuromodulator for your needs during your consultation.

Contact our office or call (808) 944-8551 to learn more about how we can refresh your skin with a simple, well-tolerated treatment that has helped thousands of patients achieve a more youthful look!

Benefits

Botox® offers several benefits, including:

  • Minimally invasive treatment: With a well-tolerated injectable, we can enhance your skin without incisions or lengthy downtime periods.
  • Customizable treatment: We can address multiple areas during a single appointment to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
  • Minimal downtime: You can return to most of your daily activities afterward if you avoid excessive sun exposure.
  • Smoother skin: You can enjoy a more youthful look after reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Lasting results: You can enjoy a significant improvement in your appearance and long-lasting results if you take good care of your skin.

Candidates & Consultation

Botox® Athena Clinic Plastic Surgery, Dr. Daniel Murariu and Dr. Robert Peterson

Suitable candidates for Botox® would typically like to diminish fine lines and wrinkles for smoother skin. If you are in good overall health and have realistic expectations about what you can achieve with the treatment, you are likely a good candidate.

During your consultation, we will ask about your goals, medical history, and current medications to determine the most effective treatment plan. If you have allergies to any ingredients in the formula, we can recommend an alternative such as Daxxify® or Xeomin®. If you have additional aesthetic goals, we can customize your plan and recommend additional treatments to help you achieve them. Many patients combine Botox® with dermal fillers to address facial volume loss, a common concern with aging.

To learn more about our additional treatments, see the blog!

Preparation & Treatment Process

To prepare for Botox®, you will need to:

  • Stop taking blood-thinning medications and/or supplements
  • Discontinue skincare products with retinol
  • Stop drinking alcohol for 48 hours

Taking good care of your skin is essential in the weeks leading up to your appointment.

You should also avoid excessive sun exposure to prevent skin damage. If you experience skin damage, we will delay your appointment until your skin heals for the best results.

During your treatment, we will cleanse your skin and administer the formula into the underlying muscles to temporarily relax them. The treatment will settle into the muscles over the next few days to prevent fine lines and wrinkles from forming.

After Your Treatment

Afterward, you can return to most of your daily activities. However, you must avoid putting pressure on the treatment area. If you experience swelling or discomfort, you can use a cold compress and/or over-the-counter medication to alleviate it.

Staying in a vertical upright position for approximately 4 hours afterward and avoiding intense exercise while the treatment settles into your muscles is important for the best results. You may experience some slight redness in the treatment area that typically subsides within a few hours. The treatment takes about 7-10 days to reach its full effect, and you will start noticing improvements in your appearance after several days. You will need to return to the office after one week for a follow-up appointment.

Results

After a Botox® treatment, you can enjoy smoother skin. Botox® can last for several months if you take good care of your skin. If you notice changes to your appearance, you can return for a touch-up appointment. Taking good care of your skin is crucial since UV light contributes to up to 80% of skin aging. (4,5) Wearing sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to prevent fine lines and wrinkles from forming.

Corresponding Procedures

Microbotox, PRP/Exosomes, and Microneedling

During microneedling treatments, patients can choose to incorporate “microbotox,” a diluted form of Botox® that is injected superficially, in conjunction with PRP/exosomes for enhanced rejuvenation. The result is a reduction in the size of pores and excess oil production for smoother, healthier-looking skin.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is a treatment that rejuvenates your skin with laser energy to reduce the

appearance of stretch marks, fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation for smoother, more even skin. During the treatment, a specialized laser device delivers pulses of energy that stimulate collagen production to refresh your appearance.

Photofacial

A photofacial can reduce the appearance of sun damage, brown spots, freckles, and birthmarks. During the treatment, we can administer laser energy to the skin with an Icon™ handpiece. Although you may feel a slightly warm sensation, patients describe the treatment as comfortable.

Chemical Peels

A chemical peel is a topical treatment that exfoliates your skin for a smoother, more youthful look. It can address pigmentation, sun spots, and fine lines. During your consultation, we can discuss the best type and strength of peel for your needs. We offer both deep and light peels to rejuvenate the skin for a smoother, more youthful look. We can discuss the most effective treatment for your needs during your consultation.

The Cost of Botox® in Honolulu

The cost of your treatment will depend on your aesthetic goals and whether you need additional procedures to achieve them. Our pricing is by area of injection and includes a free touch-up after 1 or 2 weeks, meaning we inject as many units as necessary to achieve the desired effect.

Do not hesitate to contact us when a simple, well-tolerated injectable has helped thousands of patients transform their skin for a smoother appearance.

Contact our office or call (808) 944-8551 to learn more!

FAQ

How long will Botox® treatments last?

If you take good care of your skin and avoid sun exposure, you can enjoy results that last for several months.

How often will I need Botox® treatments to maintain my results?

Most patients receive treatments 2-3 times each year, and we can discuss the most effective treatment plan during your consultation.

Are there any side effects to Botox®?

Some patients experience temporary swelling that they can alleviate with a cold compress.

Is Botox® for women and men?

Yes, men can also receive Botox® to prevent signs of facial aging and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

How many Botox® treatments will I need to achieve results?

You can enjoy significant results after a single treatment, and most patients return 2-3 times a year for touch-up appointments.

References

  1. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
  2. Satriyasa BK. Botulinum toxin (Botox®) A for reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles: a literature review of clinical use and pharmacological aspect. Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology. 2019;Volume 12(12):223-228. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/ccid.s202919
  3. Amaro-Ortiz A, Yan B, D’Orazio J. Ultraviolet Radiation, Aging, and the Skin: Prevention of Damage by Topical cAMP Manipulation. Molecules. 2014;19(5):6202-6219. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules19056202
  4. Guan LL, Lim HW, Mohammad TF. Sunscreens and Photoaging: A Review of Current Literature. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2021;22(6):819-828. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-021-00632-5
  5. Amaro-Ortiz A, Yan B, D’Orazio J. Ultraviolet Radiation, Aging and the Skin: Prevention of Damage by Topical cAMP Manipulation. Molecules. 2014;19(5):6202-6219. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules19056202