BOTOX® TREATMENTS IN SAN CLEMENTE
SMOOTH, NATURAL RESULTS
LOOK LIKE YOURSELF, ONLY REFRESHED
BOTOX® Treatments in San Clemente
Botox is an FDA-approved prescription treatment that temporarily relaxes the facial muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles. It softens frown lines, forehead lines, and crow's feet while preserving natural facial expression.
At The Aesthetic Journey, every treatment starts with a detailed assessment of your anatomy, goals, and desired outcome. No cookie-cutter plans. No unnecessary units.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE RESULTS
How Botox Works
Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) works by temporarily blocking the nerve signals that tell targeted facial muscles to contract. When those signals are interrupted, the muscle relaxes. The overlying skin smooths out, reducing the appearance of lines caused by repeated facial movements.
Onset: Results begin to appear within 3 to 5 days. The full effect can be visible as early as 2 weeks.
Duration: Results last 3 to 4 months on average. Consistent treatment over time often extends results.
Disclaimer: Results vary based on individual metabolism, treatment area, and dosing.
YOUR APPOINTMENT, STEP BY STEP
What to Expect During a Botox Appointment
Most Botox appointments at The Aesthetic Journey take 30 to 45 minutes from start to finish.
Consultation
Your provider reviews your medical history, current skincare routine, and treatment goals. This is your opportunity to ask questions and discuss any areas of concern.
Medical Photography
Clinical photographs will be taken before treatment and securely stored as part of your confidential medical record. These images help us accurately assess your facial anatomy, document your results over time, and guide future treatment planning.
Facial Assessment - A detailed evaluation of your muscle movement, facial anatomy, and skin condition guides your treatment plan. No two assessments are the same.
Treatment Planning - Injection points and unit dosing are mapped to your specific anatomy and goals before anything begins.
Injections - Treatment takes 10 to 15 minutes. A fine-gauge needle delivers small amounts of Botox into targeted muscles. Most patients describe the sensation as a brief pinch.
Post-Care Instructions - Before you leave, your provider reviews aftercare guidelines specific to your treatment areas.
Follow Up - All new Botox patients return about two weeks after treatment to review their before-and-after photos, evaluate their results, assess their satisfaction, and determine if any adjustments are needed.
COMMON TREATMENT AREAS
What Botox Treats
FOREHEAD LINES
Smooth the Surface
Horizontal lines that develop from raising the eyebrows. Botox relaxes the frontalis muscle, softening these lines while maintaining natural movement.
BROW LIFT
Open the Eye Area
Strategic placement along the brow elevates the arch and creates a more open, rested appearance.
DAO / DOWNTURNED SMILE
Lift the Corners
The depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle pulls the corners of the mouth downward. Relaxing this muscle softens a downturned resting expression.
PLATYSMA BANDS
Smooth Neck Bands
Vertical neck bands become more prominent with age as the platysma muscle contracts. Botox relaxes these muscles to soften their appearance and create a smoother, more refreshed-looking neck.
FROWN LINES (11s)
Between the Brows
Vertical lines between the eyebrows are caused by squinting and frowning and are one of the most common treatment areas.
LIP FLIP
A Subtle Curl
A small number of units placed above the upper lip causes the lip to roll slightly outward, creating a fuller appearance without filler.
LIP LINES
Relax Vertical Lines
Vertical lines between the eyebrows are caused by squinting and frowning and are one of the most common treatment areas.
TRAPEZIUS (TRAP TOX)
Neck & Shoulder Tension
Injections into the trapezius muscle relieve chronic neck and shoulder tension, improve posture, and create a longer, leaner neckline.
CHIN DIMPLING
Smooth Dimples
Repeated contraction of the chin muscle can create a dimpled or “orange peel” appearance. Botox relaxes the mentalis muscle to create a smoother, more refined chin while maintaining natural movement.
CROW’S FEET
Corner Eye Lines
Fine lines at the outer corners of the eyes that deepen with smiling and squinting and are treated with precise placement to preserve natural expression.
HYPERHIDROSIS
Excessive Sweating
Botox injected into the underarms, palms, or feet reduces excessive sweating when topical treatments have not provided adequate relief.
BUNNY LINES
Nose Scrunching
Lines that appear on the sides of the nose when you smile or scrunch. A small number of units address these effectively.
TMJ & JAW TENSION
Jaw Clenching & Grinding
Injections into the masseter muscle relieve jaw tension, reduce teeth grinding, and address associated facial pain. Patients also notice a slimming effect along the jawline.
TRANSPARENT PRICING
Botox Cost in San Clemente
The cost of Botox is based on the number of units needed to achieve your desired result. Muscle strength, facial anatomy, and treatment goals all affect the total unit count; this is why two patients treating the same area may require different unit counts.
At The Aesthetic Journey, Botox is priced at $13 per unit.
| Treatment Area | Typical Units | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Frown Lines (11s) | 15–25 units | $195–$325 |
| Forehead Lines | 10–20 units | $130–$260 |
| Crow's Feet | 6–15 units per side | $78–$195 per side |
| Lip Flip | -- | $150 |
| Brow Lift | 2–6 units per side | $26–$78 per side |
| Bunny Lines | 4–10 units | $52–$130 |
| DAO / Downturned Smile | 4–10 units | $52–$130 |
| Chin Dimpling | 4–8 units | $52–$104 |
| TMJ / Jaw Tension | 15–25 units per side | $195–$325 per side |
| Platysmal Bands | Starts at 32 units | Starts at $416 |
| Lip Lines | -- | $150 |
| Hyperhidrosis | Varies by area | Discussed at consultation |
| Trap Tox | 20–40 units per side | $260–$520 per side |
Unit ranges are estimates and vary based on individual anatomy and treatment goals. Final dosing is determined during your consultation. Several of the treatments above are considered off-label uses of Botox—applications the FDA has not specifically evaluated or approved, though they're common and well-supported by clinical experience in aesthetic medicine. We'll walk through which techniques are right for you, and why, at your personalized consultation.
Multi-area treatments typically range from $300 to $600+, depending on the areas treated and the number of units required.
THE AESTHETIC JOURNEY DIFFERENCE
Conservative Results, Expert Hands
Botox treatments at The Aesthetic Journey are performed by Maggie Richard, RN, BSN, and Maureen Garrett, RN, BSN — both with extensive clinical nursing backgrounds and specialized training in aesthetic medicine.
All treatments are performed under the oversight of Medical Director Dr. Robert Gray, a dual board-certified facial plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience in medical aesthetics.
Our approach is conservative by design. We assess your full facial anatomy before recommending a treatment plan. We do not push more units than your goals require. Every patient receives a personalized plan built around their anatomy, not a standard protocol.
The goal is results that look like you—refreshed, not overdone.
“She took the time to map out a whole treatment plan for me, addressed all my concerns, and didn't push for sales at all. My results look very natural, which is important to me.”
— MEAGHAN S.
GET ANSWERS
FAQs For Botox
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The number of units depends on the treatment area, the strength of your muscle movement, and your desired outcome. During your consultation, your provider maps your facial anatomy and recommends a dosing plan specific to your goals.
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Results typically last 3 to 4 months. Patients who maintain a consistent treatment schedule often have results that extend over time as the targeted muscles become less active. Individual timelines do vary based on the individual's metabolism, muscle activity, and treatment area.
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Both are neuromodulators that temporarily relax facial muscles. The primary differences are in formulation, unit measurement, and diffusion. Dysport tends to spread slightly more, and the onset is often faster. The right choice depends on your anatomy and treatment goals.
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Botox treats forehead lines, frown lines (11s), crow's feet, lip flip, brow lift, bunny lines, downturned smile, chin dimpling, TMJ and jaw tension, hyperhidrosis, platysma bands, and trapezius tension (trap tox). See the treatment areas section above for details on each.
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Avoid alcohol for 48 hours before treatment. If possible, avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and blood-thinning supplements such as fish oil for several days prior to, as these can increase your risk of bruising. Arrive with clean skin and no makeup on treatment areas.
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For the first 4 hours: stay upright and avoid touching or rubbing treated areas. For 24 hours: avoid strenuous exercise, excessive heat exposure (saunas, hot yoga), and alcohol. These steps allow the product to settle correctly and reduce the risk of migration.
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When dosed and placed correctly, Botox results look natural. You retain full facial expression — the goal is softened movement, not a frozen appearance. At The Aesthetic Journey, we take a conservative approach and schedule patients back for a two-week follow-up if additional refinement is desired.
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Most patients describe the sensation as a brief pinch. The needles used for Botox are fine-gauge, and the injection process takes 10 to 15 minutes. No anesthetic is required for most patients.
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Consistent Botox treatment reduces the repetitive muscle contractions that cause dynamic wrinkles to deepen over time. Starting treatment before lines become permanently etched into the skin is a common preventative approach, particularly for crow's feet and frown lines.
BOOK A CONSULTATION
Ready to See What Botox Can Do?
Schedule a complimentary consultation at The Aesthetic Journey in San Clemente. Your provider will assess your anatomy, answer your questions, and build a treatment plan around your goals—not a standard formula.