Advanced Botox Treatments for Facial Contouring and Wrinkle Reduction in San Francisco

Imagine… Better Botox®

At Mabrie Facial Institute in San Francisco, we’ve spent years mastering the art of wrinkle reduction with Botox. Now, we’re taking Botox® and its sister products (Daxxify®, Dysport®, XEOMIN®) to the next level—with advanced techniques that go beyond smoothing lines.

As part of our Illumination360 full-face approach, we use Botox not just for wrinkle relaxation—but as a tool for sculpting, contouring, and refining facial structure. With deep knowledge of facial anatomy and movement patterns, we apply Botox to enhance jawline definition, lift the brows, slim the face, and even elongate the neck—all without adding volume or performing surgery.

On this page, you’ll learn how we use Botox in two powerful ways:

  • To reduce dynamic wrinkles in classic areas like the glabella (11s), forehead lines, bunny lines, and crow’s feet
  • To contour facial shape and restore balance with targeted treatments to the masseters, chin, lips, DAO (marionette lines), platysma bands, submandibular glands, and trapezius muscles

This is Botox®, reimagined—thoughtful, customized, and guided by your facial structure, expression, and goals.

That’s why Mabrie Facial Institute in San Francisco was voted BEST BOTOX IN THE BAY AREA by SFGATE readers.

SFGATE - 2024 - Best of Bay Area Winner

Quick Facts About BOTOX

Action:1. Smooths wrinkles
2. Reduces tension

Pain Level:Minimal

Safety:FDA Approved

Appointments Needed: 1

Duration:Results Last 3 to 4 Months

Visible Results:Lines, 5 to 10 days;
Muscles, 3 to 4 weeks

Downtime:None

Our Favorite BOTOX® Cosmetic
 Before AND After Photos

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Before & After Nasolabial Folds Case 1154 View #2 View in San Francisco, CA

Case #1154:

Softening Nasolabial Folds with Botox
Case: 1 of 8

Case #1154

ABOUT OUR PATIENT
Nasolabial folds (NLFs), aka “smile lines” or “laugh lines,” can be especially bothersome to patients as they tend to be noticeable even at rest and deepen over time as the face naturally loses collagen.This female patient in her 60s was particularly troubled by these lines that gave her an aged appearance. Moreove... Read More
Before & After Forehead Wrinkles & Frown Lines Case 783 View #2 View in San Francisco, CA

Case #783:

i360˚ Full Face: Frown Line Botox with Forehead, Under Eyes, Midface, Cheeks, Nose, Chin & Jawline Filler
Case: 2 of 8

Case #783

ABOUT OUR PATIENT
This male patient in his 40's wanted to soften the frown line between his brows. MFI TREATMENT PLAN
Dr. Mabrie used a combination of BOTOX and filler to address a deep vertical wrinkle. First he strategically used BOTOX for a subtle brow lift that halted the formation of the line. To enhance the tra... Read More
Before & After Neck Definition & Slimming  Case 1002 View #1 View in San Francisco, CA

Case #1002:

BOTOX for Neck Definition & Slimming
Case: 3 of 8

Case #1002

ABOUT OUR PATIENT
In her 20s, we welcomed a bright and vibrant woman to Mabrie Facial Institute with a unique goal in mind. She wanted relief from shoulder tension and desired a defined and slender neckline.MFI TREATMENT PLAN
Trapezius Botox - YES - Botox can do that! Dr. Mabrie, our seasoned injector, used Botox to trea... Read More
Before & After Facial Slimming Case 1146 View #1 View in San Francisco, CA

Case #1146:

Facial Slimming with Masseter Botox and Chin Filler
Case: 5 of 8

Case #1146

ABOUT OUR PATIENT
Many of our patients come in bothered by frequent grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaw. This can be caused by overdeveloped masseter muscles, the large facial muscles towards the back of each side of the jaw. BOTOX is an easy, non-surgical method to reduce the size of one’s masseters and bring relief.Read More
Before & After Forehead Wrinkles & Frown Lines Case 905 View #1 View in San Francisco, CA

Case #905:

Forehead Botox with Under Eye Filler
Case: 6 of 8

Case #905

ABOUT THIS TREATMENT
Allow us to introduce our patient, a vibrant 40-year-old man who, like many of us, was troubled by the presence of deep horizontal indentations on his forehead, commonly referred to as "frownies." Despite his youthful spirit, these pronounced lines were starting to affect his confidence and how he perceived... Read More
Before & After Drooping Brow Case 899 View #2 View in San Francisco, CA

Case #899:

i360 Full Face: Drooping Brow Botox with Forehead, Midface, Nose, Chin & Jawline Filler
Case: 7 of 8

Case #899

ABOUT OUR PATIENT
This amazing woman is not only a grandmother of 12, she is a competition bodybuilder! She hoped for some direction on how to rejuvenate her appearance, focusing on specific areas of her face that she believed were contributing to an aged look, with a particular emphasis on addressing her heavy brows and eyelids.M... Read More
Before & After Facial Slimming Case 1164 View #1 View in San Francisco, CA

Case #1164:

i360 Full Face with Facial Slimming
Case: 8 of 8

Case #1164

ABOUT OUR PATIENT
Our patient, a woman in her 30s, was bothered by her square face, which was primarily due to tense masseter muscles. This condition not only affected the appearance of her jawline but also caused discomfort due to muscle tension. She was looking for a non-surgical solution to achieve a thinner, more contoured facial sha... Read More

Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.

What Is BOTOX and How Does It Work?

BOTOX is in a class of medications called neuromodulators, which includes  Dysport®, XEOMIN®, Jeuveau®, and Daxxify®. Neuromodulators are made with a purified protein that, when injected into a targeted facial muscle, blocks the nerve impulses to that muscle. As a result, the muscle relaxes, and the skin lies smooth, reducing the appearance of wrinkles or, in the case of chin BOTOX, dimples. Relaxing certain overdeveloped muscles with BOTOX can shrink them, as is the case with the masseter (jaw) and the trapezius (neck).

The most experienced injectors have learned to use the muscle-relaxing powers of BOTOX in truly remarkable ways. By manipulating the delicate interplay of the facial muscles, a skilled BOTOX injector can

  • Gently lift the brows
  • Add upper lip height
  • Soften marionette lines
  • Reduce nasolabial folds
  • Smooth under eye bulges
  • Flatten neck bands

These applications should only be performed by injectors with a high degree of medical training and extensive knowledge of facial anatomy, like those at MFI. Incorrect injection techniques can cause cosmetic or even functional complications.

How Many Units of BOTOX Will I Need?

You could need as few as one unit or as many as hundreds of units; it all depends on the concern being treated, the number of treatment areas, and other factors. Interestingly, men tend to require more BOTOX than women due to their larger and stronger facial muscles. While we cannot precisely determine how much product each patient will need for specific treatment concerns, we can provide a general estimate. Please refer to the graphic for the average units per treatment area for both women and men.

Average botox units used per area

units of botox for women
units of botox for men

How Does BOTOX Compare to Dysport and Other Toxins?

Here is a very quick comparison of the four neuromodulators we offer at Mabrie Facial Institute in San Francisco.

  • BOTOX: Considered the “gold standard” by some due to its history; versatile for wrinkles and medical uses. Onset: 3 to 7 days. Duration: ~3 to 4 months.
  • Dysport: Similar to BOTOX but spreads more; ideal for larger areas. Onset: 2 to 3 days. Duration: ~3 to 4 months.
  • XEOMIN: “Naked” formula (no additives), reducing the risk of resistance. Onset: 3 to 4 days. Duration: ~3 to 4 months.
  • Daxxify: Newer option with peptide technology. Onset: 1 to 2 days. Duration: Up to 6 months.

Is BOTOX Safe?

When performed by an experienced medical professional (like all MFI Injectors), BOTOX is extremely safe. Botulinum toxin has been used therapeutically for more than 35 years, and was approved by the FDA for cosmetic use in 2002. Here’s a brief timeline of the development of BOTOX for clinical and cosmetic uses:

1970s
Dr. Alan Scott develops botulinum toxin for medical use, initially exploring it as a treatment for strabismus (crossed eyes).
1980s
The FDA approves botulinum toxin (under the name Oculinum) for treating strabismus and blepharospasm (uncontrollable eyelid twitching).
1989
Allergan acquires the rights to botulinum toxin and rebrands it as BOTOX.
2002
The FDA approves BOTOX for cosmetic use to reduce frown lines (glabellar lines) between the eyebrows.
2004
Approved for treating severe underarm sweating (hyperhidrosis).
2010s–Present
Expanded indications include chronic migraines, overactive bladder, neck spasms (cervical dystonia), and more. Cosmetic applications also grow to include crow’s feet and forehead lines.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), in 2023, their members performed 4,715,716 BOTOX injections, with only a relative handful of adverse effects, most of which were related to underlying medical conditions. Research indicates the number of BOTOX injections in the United States last year likely exceeded 9 million.

Preventative BOTOX

Millennials and Gen Z have embraced BOTOX as a “pre-juvenation” treatment. Starting neuromodulators in your 20s or 30s can postpone the formation of dynamic wrinkles such as the vertical lines between the brows, crow’s feet, and forehead furrows. We have patients who are now in their late 30s and 40s who swear by preventative BOTOX—they still don’t have lines in these areas. Due to the smaller quantities used, this is often referred to as “micro-BOTOX” or “baby BOTOX,” and it’s becoming a routine self-care ritual for many young people.

After Your BOTOX Treatment

The beauty of BOTOX is that it’s truly a “lunchtime treatment.” The process is quick, and you can return to your typical daily activities right away. You may have some redness and swelling at the injection sites, but we’ll help you soothe these with a cold pack. You can apply concealer after about 30 minutes which should hide any redness.

Things to avoid for the first 24 hours after BOTOX injections:

  • Facials or other skin treatments, touching or rubbing the area
    Manipulating the skin may interfere with product placement and increase the risk of migration or irritation.
  • Alcohol, aspirin, or anti-inflammatories
    These increase the risk of bruising by thinning the blood.
  • Hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, strenuous exercise
    Heat, sweating, and elevated heart rate can increase blood flow, potentially affecting the product’s settling process and increasing the risk of bruising.

To learn more, visit our page about understanding the recovery process.

Once the treated muscles relax (in about 5 to 7 days), the skin smooths and lines and wrinkles fade. It can take up to a month to see a reduction in muscles like the trapezius or the masseter. 

BOTOX

Risks & Complications

While BOTOX is generally considered safe when administered by a qualified professional, some risks and complications can occur. These include:

Common Side Effects

Redness, swelling, or bruisingTemporary at the injection site.
Pain or discomfortMild and short-lived during or after treatment.
HeadacheTypically resolves within 24 to 48 hours.

Less Common Side Effects

AsymmetryUneven results if BOTOX affects one side more than the other.
Eyelid or brow drooping (ptosis)Caused by diffusion or injection of BOTOX into unintended muscles.
Frozen appearanceOver-injection can lead to unnatural or stiff expressions.

Rare Complications

Allergic reactionsSymptoms may include rash, itching, or difficulty breathing.
Dry eyes or excessive tearingParticularly if injections are near the eyes.
Flu-like symptomsFatigue or mild fever post-treatment.
Double vision or blurred visionIf BOTOX migrates near the eye muscles.
Difficulty swallowing or speakingExtremely rare, usually from injections around the neck.
Muscle weakness in unintended areasIf the toxin spreads away from the injection site.

Minimizing Risks

Aside from the very common and expected side effects of redness, swelling, and sometimes bruising, the most likely risk with BOTOX is an unsatisfactory outcome such as asymmetry, drooping brows, or a frozen appearance. These, as well as some of the more serious yet rare medical risks, are more likely with a less experienced injector.

The key to avoiding these unwanted consequences is to choose a highly qualified injector. Look for a dedicated physician or PA-C injector with extensive training and experience with neuromodulator injections.

Here are some other things you can do to ensure a positive outcome.

  • Avoid specific medications: Blood thinners, NSAIDs, and supplements like fish oil can increase bruising risks.
  • Disclose your medical history: Mention any neuromuscular conditions (e.g., ALS, myasthenia gravis) or previous adverse reactions to BOTOX.

Most complications are mild and temporary, with serious risks being extremely rare when BOTOX is administered correctly. Always follow your provider’s pre- and post-treatment care instructions to reduce potential risks.

Combining BOTOX With Dermal Fillers

While BOTOX improves wrinkles or contour irregularities caused by muscle contractions, dermal fillers can improve a wide variety of concerns caused by volume loss, such as nasolabial folds (parentheses), smile lines, and under eye circles and bags. We also use filler to sculpt features such as the nose, cheeks, lips, and jawline. At MFI, we combine BOTOX and fillers in our Complete Facial Rejuvenation or Contouring package, often called a “liquid facelift.”

Our Favorite Complete Facial Rejuvenation or Contouring
 Before AND After Photos

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Before & After Complete Facial Rejuvenation or Contouring Case 532 View #1 View in San Francisco, CA

Case #532:

i360˚ Full Face: Under Eyes, Midface, Cheeks, Nose, Nasolabial Folds, Chin & Jawline Filler with Bunny Lines, Masseter, Chin Botox
Case: 1 of 8

Case #532

ABOUT OUR PATIENT
The first time our staff met this patient was through Skype since he lives in a different country! Our wonderful patient flew from Israel to come to visit our office based on his research and admiration of our website of various before and after photos. His goals were to fix the asymmetry in his facial structure and to... Read More
Before & After Complete Facial Rejuvenation or Contouring Case 624 View #1 View in San Francisco, CA

Case #624:

i360˚ Full Face: Forehead, Under Eyes, Cheeks, Nose, Jowl, Chin, Jawline, Lip & Perioral Filler
Case: 2 of 8

Case #624

ABOUT OUR PATIENT
This female patient came in with great, positive energy but was always self-conscious about her appearance growing up and eventually entered the world of fitness to improve her confidence.She conquered the fitness world to become a professional bodybuilder but experienced volume loss in her face. With hopes for r... Read More
Before & After Complete Facial Rejuvenation or Contouring Case 375 View #1 View in San Francisco, CA

Case #375:

i360˚ Full Face: Under Eyes, Midface, Cheeks, Nose & Chin Filler
Case: 4 of 8

Case #375

ABOUT OUR PATIENT
Doesn't it bug you when you're going about your day, feeling fresh and ready to take on the world, and someone come up to ask you, "What's wrong? You look tired."I know. It bothers me too.And for the longest time, it also bothered this patient (especially since she works at a beauty s... Read More
Before & After Complete Facial Rejuvenation or Contouring Case 748 View #1 View in San Francisco, CA

Case #748:

i360˚ Full Face: Under Eyes, Midface, Cheeks, Nose, Chin, Marionette Line Filler with Chin Botox
Case: 5 of 8

Case #748

ABOUT OUR PATIENT:
This patient, a woman in her 50's, came to Mabrie Facial Institute seeking facial rejuvenation. She expressed concerns about the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and volume loss, particularly around her cheeks, eyes, and mouth. As an African American woman, she desired a treatment plan that would enhance her natural f... Read More
Before & After Complete Facial Rejuvenation or Contouring Case 571 View #1 View in San Francisco, CA

Case #571:

i360˚ Full Face: Cheek & Chin Contouring & Botox for Baby Face
Case: 6 of 8

Case #571

ABOUT OUR PATIENT
Our talented Physician Assistant Injector was continuously told that she looked younger than she was. She wanted her appearance to be age appropriate and to match her sophisticated maturity level. She also had a lot of clenching and jaw locking in her medical history, so the treatment she received helped her aesthetical... Read More
Before & After Complete Facial Rejuvenation or Contouring Case 404 View #2 View in San Francisco, CA

Case #404:

i360˚ Full Face: Forehead, Under Eyes, Midface, Cheeks, Nose, Chin & Jawline Filler
Case: 7 of 8

Case #404

ABOUT OUR PATIENT
This patient came to me with two goals. The first was to correct his nose, he had a Surgical Rhinoplasty 2 decades previously but felt his nasal bridge could be straighter and his nasal tip more defined. The second was to enhance his cheeks and he was interested in learning the difference between cheek implants, fat tra... Read More
Before & After Complete Facial Rejuvenation or Contouring Case 434 View #2 View in San Francisco, CA

Case #434:

i360˚ Full Face: Lips, Under Eyes, Midface, Cheeks, Nose, Chin & Jawline Filler with Masseter Botox
Case: 8 of 8

Case #434

ABOUT OUR PATIENT
Being one of our nurses at Mabrie Facial Institute, Lindsey was more than happy to share her personal experience with our patients. Living in San Francisco, she is our go to person for all of the trendiest bars and restaurants. She felt like her appearance needed a recharge to match her upbeat personality and how y... Read More

Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.

BOTOX Cosmetic FAQs

How much does BOTOX cost in San Francisco?

The price of your BOTOX treatment is dependent on the amount of product used, the number of treatment areas, and the Injector. Prices are subject to change, so please call or check our Procedure Pricing page for current pricing.


Are there alternative BOTOX uses?

In addition to its cosmetic applications, BOTOX injections are also used to treat medical conditions including:

  • Migraines
  • Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
  • Muscle spasms
  • Strabismus (lazy eye)
  • Overactive bladder

Does BOTOX hurt?

While BOTOX injections aren’t entirely pain-free, our patients find them very tolerable. The needle we use is very fine, and injections are shallow. Most people describe the sensation as comparable to an insect bite.


How long does BOTOX Last?

Results appear in several days and will last about 3 to 4 months. You can maintain and improve upon the longevity of your results with regularly scheduled maintenance treatments.


How can I make my BOTOX results last longer?

If regularly scheduled BOTOX treatments aren’t providing you with the longevity you’re looking for, you might consider Daxxify, an advanced neuromodulator designed to extend the effects of treatment. While BOTOX typically lasts about 3 to 4 months, we are seeing Daxxify results last up to 6 months or more in many patients. It works similarly to BOTOX but contains a unique peptide stabilizer that helps prolong its effects. If you’re looking for fewer maintenance treatments while still achieving smooth, natural-looking results, Daxxify could be a great option to explore!


Can you get BOTOX while pregnant?

Researchers haven’t done studies on BOTOX in pregnant women, but out of an abundance of caution, it is not recommended that you get BOTOX while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The primary concern would be the possibility of the drug entering your bloodstream and affecting the baby’s health, and there simply isn’t enough research to say conclusively that there is no risk of this.


When can you lay down after BOTOX?

Out of an abundance of caution, we recommend that you don’t lie down for the first 4-5 hours after you get your BOTOX injections. This isn’t because BOTOX “migrates” or shifts location when you lay down. It’s to prevent you from putting pressure or inadvertently rubbing on the treatment sites, which can cause the product to spread.


How do you know when to start BOTOX?

That is a very personal decision, but one we’re happy to discuss at MFI. Some people wait until they are bothered by lines and wrinkles that won’t go away. This is commonly anytime from your late 30s to your 50s. Other individuals take a preventative approach and choose to start treatment in their 20s or early 30s.


Will anyone be able to tell I’ve had BOTOX?

Ideal BOTOX results are detectable, but not obvious. You should look relaxed and refreshed, as if you’ve had a restful vacation. At MFI, we specialize in BOTOX treatments that produce natural-looking results. We like to say that people will notice, but no one will know.


BOTOX isn’t working for me anymore. What can I do?

You may have developed antibody resistance, where the immune system neutralizes the botulinum toxin, or tachyphylaxis, where the body becomes less responsive over time. Daxxify might be a good option for you. It uses a peptide-enhanced formula that may reduce the likelihood of antibody formation and it lasts significantly longer—up to 6 months compared to BOTOX’s 3 to 4 months. This makes it a great option if you’re experiencing diminished results with BOTOX.

We’d Love To See You 

Find out why so many women and men choose Mabrie Facial Institute for BOTOX treatment in the San Francisco Bay Area. Request a consultation online with one of our Injectors, or call us at (415) 445-9513 to schedule your initial appointment. If you’ll be visiting us from outside the area, our Fly in for Your Procedure page was created just for you to help make planning your trip as smooth as possible.   

The MFI Advantage

MFI focuses exclusively on injectables and has set the bar in the art and science of fillers for more than 15 years. Dr. Mabrie, trained as a facial plastic surgeon, has dedicated thousands of hours to refining the most innovative, effective, and safe techniques for injectables. There is no other practice in the Bay Area with the level of experience, education, and passion for injectables you’ll find at MFI.

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I recently had the pleasure of receiving treatment at the Mabrie Facial Institute, and I am beyond thrilled...
I am AMAZED with the natural look I achieved ! I look so refreshed and not so tired! I wish I came in...
Rochelle was very kind and helpful, and has a super sweet demeanor.
My experience at Mabrie Facial Institute was nothing short of amazing! Upon arriving the first thing...
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