At our Marina del Rey practice serving Los Angeles and Santa Monica, we offer BOTOX Cosmetic, Dysport®, XEOMIN®, Jeuveau®, and DAXXIFY®—all FDA-approved neuromodulators that reduce the appearance of wrinkles and furrows.
Every smile, frown, and laugh leaves its mark over time as the facial muscles repeatedly contract and create lines. With carefully placed injections, we block the nerve impulses to the muscles that cause these dynamic wrinkles, creating a smoother, more youthful appearance.
BOTOX®, Dysport®, & Jeuveau® Before & After Photos
This 30-year-old female wanted to “Prejuvenate” her forehead wrinkles from becoming constant. We injected Botox to help relax her muscles and diminish wrinkes.
This female patient in her was frustrated by the appearance of her wrinkles. We injected Botox to her forehead lines, crow's feet, and "11"s" to achieve a softened apperance.
This young female patient was not happy with how much of her gums showed when she smiled. Our nurse injectors carefully placed Botox into the upper lip to help relax the muscle and make her smile appear less "gummy".
This patient felt was unhappy with the dimpling of her chin giving her an "orange peel" apperance. Our nurse injectors used Botox to help relax and improve the apperance of her chin muscle.
This patient in her 40's wanted to smooth and soften her neck bands. Our nurse injectors used Botox to help relax the neck muscles and improve the apperance of her neck.
This patient in her late 50’s felt that she appeared tired. We injected Botox to the crow’s feet and lateral eyebrow to open and enhance her eyes. At a later stage, we also injected a combination of fillers to the tear troughs for a refreshed appearance. Read More
This 24-year-old female wanted to prevent wrinkles from forming between her brows. We injected a baby dose of Botox to help relax and prevent wrinkles from forming. We call this “Prejuvenation.”
This 25-year-old female patient struggled with grinding her teeth and wanted a slimmer appearing face. We injected Botox into both masseter muscles to create a more oval shaped face. This feminized her jawline and enhanced her beauty.
Understanding Your Options: BOTOX and Other Neuromodulators
While similar in purpose, each neuromodulator we offer has unique characteristics:
BOTOX Cosmetic: Introduced in 2002, BOTOX is the nation’s most widely performed cosmetic procedure. It’s highly trusted and proven effective at reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles.
Dysport®: Dysport is often preferred for treating larger areas because it disperses more readily than other formulas. It typically acts faster than most of its counterparts, making it ideal for timely enhancements.
XEOMIN®: Frequently referred to as “naked BOTOX” because it’s free of additives, XEOMIN is a pure-form neuromodulator. It reduces the likelihood of allergic reactions and the development of resistance.
Jeuveau®: Studies indicate that Jeuveau may take effect more quickly and last longer for some patients.
DAXXIFY®: With its long-lasting effect—up to 6 months—DAXXIFY can be an ideal choice for those seeking more durable results. It uses a novel peptide and is free from human or animal byproducts.
During your consultation, we will work with you to tailor a treatment strategy that perfectly aligns with your aesthetic goals. We may recommend combining neuromodulators with any of the following procedures if they are a good match for your desired outcome:
Our treatments effectively address and smooth away various concerns associated with facial muscle contractions, including:
Frown lines between the eyebrows, also known as the 11s
Horizontal lines on the forehead
Crow’s feet at the outer corners of the eyes
Lines around the lips
Chin dimpling
Drooping at the corners of the mouth (DAO muscles)
Beyond Wrinkles: Other Uses for Neuromodulators
BOTOX and its alternatives offer more than just wrinkle reduction. These versatile treatments can also be used for:
Brow lifts to rejuvenate the upper face
Gummy smile correction
Masseter reduction to soften the jawline
Smoothing of platysma bands on the neck
Reducing excessive sweating in the palms or underarms
Preparing for Your Treatment
To ensure the best results and minimize the likelihood of bruising, avoid blood-thinning medications (such as NSAIDs) and alcohol for 1 week prior to your appointment. If you are prone to bruising, consider taking arnica a few days before your treatment.
What To Expect During Treatment
Our treatments are quick and efficient, typically taking about 30 minutes. We use ultra-fine needles and offer numbing options, such as topical anesthetics or ice, to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
Post-Treatment Care
To optimize your results and reduce the chance of bruising, we recommend the following for 3 to 4 hours post-treatment:
Stay upright and avoid strenuous activities
Refrain from consuming alcohol and taking NSAIDs
Apply ice to the treated areas if needed to minimize swelling
Potential Side Effects
While BOTOX and other neuromodulators are safe and effective for most individuals, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects. Common side effects include temporary bruising, swelling at the injection site, and mild discomfort. Less commonly, some patients may experience a headache or a feeling of tightness in the treated areas. These effects typically resolve on their own within a few days.
Neuromodulators are not suitable for everyone, including:
Pregnant or breastfeeding women. Research on the effects of neuromodulators on these patients and their offspring is lacking.
Patients currently on antibiotic therapy should avoid neuromodulators, as certain antibiotics can interact with the treatment.
Patients with known allergies to any ingredients in the products.
If you experience any persistent or concerning side effects, please contact our office immediately.
Results and Longevity
Depending on the product used, you can expect to see the full effects within 2 to 10 days. Results typically last 3 to 5 months.
A Reputation Built on Results
I have been coming to Dr. Stoker’s office since 2018 and have been seeing Carla Crespo since 2014 when...
This was my first time at Dr Stoker's office and I saw Quinn Luster, one of their injection specialists/PAs!...
I had the best experience at Stoker plastic surgery office. I got all my services done by Quinn Luster....
I visited Stoker Plastic Surgery for facial balancing with fillers and dysport and left more than happy...
During your consultation, your provider will discuss your aesthetic goals and evaluate your facial structure to determine the best treatment plan. Be prepared to discuss your medical history, any medications you are currently taking, and any past experiences with neuromodulator treatments or other cosmetic procedures.
How can I make my results last as long as possible?
To enhance skin health and prolong the effects of your treatment, we recommend staying hydrated, following a healthy diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins, and using sun protection and high-quality, medical-grade skincare products.
How do I know if BOTOX or another type of neuromodulator is right for me?
The choice between BOTOX and other neuromodulators depends on several factors, including your specific skin concerns, the treatment area, and your desired results. During your consultation, we will examine your skin, discuss your aesthetic goals, and review your medical history. We will then recommend the product that is likely to offer the best results.
How does the effectiveness of BOTOX evolve with ongoing use?
With consistent treatments over time, many patients find they need touch-ups less frequently. Repeated neuromodulator injections can gradually reduce muscle activity in the treated areas, extending your time between maintenance appointments. Individual experiences vary, however, and we will monitor your response to the treatment to adjust dosages or intervals as needed to maintain optimal results.
How long before a special event should I schedule my treatment for the best results?
We recommend scheduling your treatment at least 2 to 3 weeks before any significant event. This timing allows the effects of the neuromodulator to develop fully and provides a buffer for any minor swelling or bruising to subside.
Non-Surgical Enhancement
Our expertise extends beyond plastic surgery. We offer an extensive range of non-surgical treatments administered by our talented, experienced team of aesthetic providers under the guidance of board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Stoker.
If you have a treatment in mind, review our complete offering of non-surgical services. If you need a little help deciding, narrow down your options with our interactive treatment planner.
