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BOTOX in Irvine, CA

Expert Surgeons
4.9 Google Rating
Serving Orange County Since 2012

About BOTOX

BOTOX is a fast, non-invasive injectable that reduces dynamic wrinkles from smiling, frowning, or squinting. Perfect for busy adults seeking a refreshed appearance without downtime, this treatment relaxes specific facial muscles while maintaining natural expression. In just a few minutes, you can restore your glow and look refreshed. Results develop gradually and can be sustained with easy follow-up visits.

Procedure Quick Facts

Duration of Procedure:
15-20 minutes
Anesthesia:
Topical numbing or none
Recovery:
No downtime; mild redness for a few hours
Results Duration:
3-5 months

What is BOTOX?

BOTOX is a purified neuromodulator that temporarily relaxes specific facial muscles responsible for expression lines like frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead creases. By interrupting the signal between nerve and muscle, it prevents the repetitive contractions that etch wrinkles into the skin. Because only the targeted muscles are affected, surrounding areas continue to move naturally, allowing you to look like yourself—just more refreshed. The injection process is straightforward. After a brief consultation and mapping of your unique facial anatomy, tiny amounts of BOTOX are placed precisely with an ultra-fine needle. The appointment typically takes less than half an hour, making it easy to fit into a lunch break. Over the next few days, treated muscles soften, and skin appears smoother while overall facial expression remains authentic.

What BOTOX Can Do for You

If you're considering BOTOX, South Coast Plastic Surgery is here to guide you through every step. Dr. Mark Song and our skilled aesthetic nurse injectors will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan that addresses your concerns and helps you achieve your aesthetic goals.
  • Smoothes Expression Lines Quickly
    BOTOX relaxes overactive muscles responsible for frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead creases, allowing the skin to appear smoother within days without invasive surgery.
  • No Downtime or Lifestyle Disruption
    Most patients return to work or daily activities immediately after treatment, making BOTOX an ideal option for busy professionals and parents.
  • Natural, Subtle Enhancement
    Precise dosing and placement preserve spontaneous facial expressions, so friends notice you look rested—not 'overdone.'
  • Boosts Self-Confidence
    Smoother skin can help you feel more comfortable in social and professional settings, enhancing overall self-esteem.
  • Customizable and Repeatable
    Adjusting units and injection sites allows each session to address evolving needs, and regular maintenance keeps results consistent over time.
  • May Provide Preventative Benefits
    Starting BOTOX before deep wrinkles set in can slow their progression, helping maintain youthful skin for longer.

BOTOX Videos

Watch our videos to see real patients results, learn from our experts, and discover what makes South Coast Plastic Surgery a trusted choice in Orange County.

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Key Benefits of BOTOX

Softens forehead creases for a smoother, more relaxed appearance in just a few days
Reduces crow’s feet to highlight brighter, more youthful-looking eyes without surgery
Helps prevent deeper wrinkle formation when used consistently over time
Offers a fast, virtually painless treatment that fits easily into a lunch break

Types of BOTOX

Traditional BOTOX Cosmetic

The classic formulation used to soften moderate to severe dynamic wrinkles. Ideal for patients wanting tried-and-true results for forehead lines, glabellar lines, and crow’s feet with predictable longevity and dosing.

Micro-BOTOX (Baby BOTOX)

Uses smaller, strategically placed doses to subtly refine texture, shrink pores, and provide very natural movement. Perfect for first-time patients or those seeking preventative treatment without dramatic muscle relaxation.

Alternative Neuromodulators (Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau)

These FDA-approved botulinum toxin type A products offer similar benefits with slight differences in onset, spread, and feel. They allow customization based on individual response and preference.

Not sure which option is right for you?

Meet your BOTOX surgeons

BOTOX treatments at South Coast Plastic Surgery are performed by Dr. Mark Song and our highly trained aesthetic nurse injectors. Known for a light touch and artistic eye, they prioritize safety and subtlety, ensuring each patient looks naturally refreshed.

Why Choose South Coast Plastic Surgery for Your BOTOX?

Beauty Inside-Out

We care for your inner wellness as much as your outer beauty. Every treatment is provided with warmth and exceptional care to help you feel confident and supported

Clear Expectations from the Start

Share your goals in detail before you even arrive using Adoreal's personalized assessment. Your specialist will understand exactly what you're hoping to achieve before your consultation begins, making your visit more focused and personal

Dedicated Follow-Up Support

Your care doesn't end when you leave our office. Our team provides personalized check-ins to monitor your results, answer any questions, and make sure you're completely satisfied with your outcome.

Precision & Artistry

Your treatment is performed by highly trained specialists
who understand facial anatomy at the deepest level. We combine technical precision with an artistic eye to enhance your natural beauty while keeping you looking like you

A Customized Approach to Injectable Procedures in Irvine & Ladera Ranch

Every face tells a different story. We listen closely to understand the expressions you love and the lines you don’t, then tailor dosing and placement to keep your look authentically you.

Before your consultation, you can complete a brief personalized assessment from home, helping us understand your specific goals, concerns, and timeline.

Comprehensive Skin Rejuvenation Options

This personalized assessment ensures your consultation is tailored to your unique goals from the moment you walk in.

Our surgeon will also assess individual factors such as muscle activity, skin elasticity, and facial symmetry, along with your personal preferences to determine the best approach for your goals.

Am I a good candidate for BOTOX?

Your consultation is a private, personalized experience designed around your goals.
Age 18 or older
Good overall physical and mental health
Bothersome dynamic wrinkles such as frown lines or crow’s feet
Realistic expectations about subtle, temporary improvement
Not pregnant or breastfeeding
No active skin infection at planned injection sites
Free of certain neuromuscular disorders

Help us understand your unique goals & concerns.

This personalized assessment ensures your consultation is tailored specifically to you, with no obligation. Your wellness journey, our commitment.

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Your Goals

What are you hoping to achieve with BOTOX?

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Your Concerns

What concerns you most about BOTOX?

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Timeline & Preference

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HIPAA-compliant

No Obligation Consultation

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Your BOTOX Journey and Recovery

Comprehensive Consultation & Assessment

Your journey begins with a private consultation with Dr. Song or our aesthetic nurse injector. This visit is focused on understanding what changes you'd like to see and whether BOTOX is the right solution for your concerns.


During your consultation, your provider will:


  • Review your medical history and any prior injectables
  • Assess muscle movement and wrinkle depth
  • Discuss desired outcomes and level of correction
  • Explain neuromodulator options, dosage, and cost
  • Answer questions about safety, aftercare, and maintenance

Together, you'll create a treatment plan tailored to your anatomy and lifestyle, with safety and realistic outcomes as the priority.


The BOTOX Procedure

Comfort is paramount—most patients need no anesthesia beyond optional topical numbing and feel only quick pinches.


  • Skin is cleansed and mapped for precise injection points
  • Optional topical numbing or ice is applied
  • Tiny amounts of BOTOX are injected with an ultra-fine needle
  • Sites are gently massaged or iced to minimize swelling

The entire process typically takes 15-20 minutes, and you can return to normal activities immediately after, following simple post-treatment guidelines.

BOTOX Recovery Timeline

Recovery experiences are minimal, but most patients follow a similar general timeline.


Immediately after treatment

  • Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours
  • Do not lie flat for four hours post-treatment
  • Minor bruising can be concealed with makeup

Days 3-7

  • Gradual muscle relaxation becomes noticeable
  • Lines begin to appear softer
  • Follow-up call ensures satisfaction

Two weeks

  • Full results visible
  • Touch-up appointment scheduled if needed

You'll receive personalized post-treatment instructions and have direct access to our team for any questions.

Your BOTOX Results

BOTOX results are visible within days, and your face will continue to refine as the medication fully takes effect.

  • Early results: Lines appear softer and skin looks smoother around day three to five.
  • Following weeks: Muscles remain relaxed, preventing wrinkles from deepening while maintaining natural expression.
  • Final results: Optimal smoothing at two weeks lasts an average of three to five months, after which muscles gradually regain movement.

With consistent maintenance sessions, many patients enjoy year-round smoothness and a continuously refreshed appearance.

  • Days 3 - 5
  • Week 1 - 2
  • Week 2 - 3
  • Week 4 - 6

  • Month 2 - 3
  • Month 4 - 6
  • Long time

BOTOX Cosmetic

The industry staple with decades of clinical use, ideal for reliable, predictable results across a variety of facial zones.

Dysport

Often chosen for faster onset and a slightly broader spread, making it useful for larger forehead areas.

Xeomin

A purified formulation free of complexing proteins, beneficial for patients who have developed resistance or prefer a 'naked' toxin.

Jeuveau

A newer neuromodulator designed exclusively for aesthetics, sometimes preferred by younger patients for its modern branding and competitive pricing.

BOTOX Results and Safety Considerations

Understanding how dosing, anatomy, and aftercare affect BOTOX results can help you set realistic expectations and feel confident in your decision.

Achieving Natural-Looking Results

Natural outcomes begin with careful assessment of each patient's unique facial dynamics. Rather than treating every wrinkle the same, we observe how your muscles move at rest and in animation. Strategic placement and conservative dosing allow the skin to smooth while maintaining normal speech, laughter, and expression.

Every face has dominant and less dominant muscles. Balancing these is essential for symmetry and authenticity. Our injectors layer units gradually—starting low when needed—so you can evaluate progress and request minor tweaks rather than risk an over-frozen appearance. Regular follow-up visits ensure ongoin harmony as your facial anatomy changes over time.

Where Are the Incisions?

BOTOX is delivered via a fine needle, so no surgical incisions are required. Tiny injection marks fade within minutes to hours and leave no scars.

Is Scarring a Concern?
Because treatment involves only needle pricks, long-term scarring is not expected. Mild pinpoint redness or a small bruise can occur but resolves quickly.

Injection Site Healing Timeline

Most visible signs resolve rapidly:

  • Minutes to 1 hour: Redness and small bumps subside
  • 24-48 hours: Any minor bruising or swelling improves

Avoiding blood-thinning medications and following aftercare instructions help minimize bruising.

Understanding Risks and Safety

Medical examination room with a treatment table covered in white sheets and various medical equipment against the walls.

Understanding Risks and Safety

BOTOX is generally safe when administered by an experienced provider in an accredited facility. However, potential risks do exist.

Potential risks may include:

• Bruising or swelling at injection sites
• Headache or flu-like symptoms
• Temporary eyelid or brow droop
• Asymmetry requiring adjustment
• Allergic reaction (rare)
• Unintended spread leading to muscle weakness

Your provider will review these risks with you in detail during your consultation and explain how they are minimized through careful planning, technique, and follow-up care.

Reducing Your Risk

Your safety is a top priority at South Coast Plastic Surgery. Steps taken to support a safe BOTOX experience include:

• Thorough medical history review
• Precise anatomical mapping and dosing
• Use of authentic, FDA-approved products purchased directly from manufacturers
• Clear post-treatment guidelines and availability for questions

By choosing an experienced injectable team and following aftercare instructions, most patients experience smooth healing and satisfying results.

How Much Does BOTOX Cost in Irvine, CA?

The cost of your procedure will vary based on a variety of factors. During your consultation, your doctor will discuss your desired outcomes in detail and provide a fully transparent breakdown of all associated costs. Our practice helps patients achieve their aesthetic goals with a variety of financing options.

Financing options available through:
Book your consultation

Trusted by Our Community

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4.8/5 stars for 334 reviews / 90% word-of-mouth referral rate / Over 15 years serving Orange County

Dr. Song performed my breast implant surgery nearly 10 yrs ago with the ideal breast implant. I've had no issues in this time. I live on the other side of the country now, but I would've loved to come back for removal, since I'm on an all natural journey. I hope to find someone who can take care of me, keep me safe, & assured during & after surgery as Dr. Song & his staff did.

N. Snoozzz

Thank you Dr. Song. I’m 10 days post opp and am so happy with my experience with my mommy makeover! I can’t tell you how comfortable Dr. Song and his staff made me feel throughout this whole process. Surgery is a bit of a scary decision and sometimes I agonized about for years but I can promise you are in the best care with this team. I highly highly recommend them and am already so happy with my results !

Frequently Asked Questions About BOTOX

Everything you need to know about BOTOX, explained by South Coast Plastic Surgery's experts

About the procedure

How does BOTOX work?
BOTOX temporarily blocks the nerve signals that cause specific muscles to contract, allowing the overlying skin to relax and wrinkles to soften.
Is the treatment painful?
Most patients describe the injections as quick pinches. Optional topical numbing or ice can further improve comfort.
How long does a BOTOX appointment take?
The actual injection process typically takes 15-20 minutes, making it easy to fit into a lunch break.
When will I see results?
You may notice initial changes within three to four days, with full results developing by two weeks.

Recovery & Results

How long do results last?
Results typically last three to five months, depending on metabolism, lifestyle, and dosage.
Can I exercise after my injections?
We recommend waiting at least 24 hours before vigorous exercise to minimize swelling and help product settle.
What are the possible side effects?
Temporary redness, bruising, headache, or mild swelling are most common. Serious complications are rare when treatment is performed by qualified providers.
Can BOTOX cause allergies?
Allergic reactions are extremely uncommon, but you should inform your provider of any known sensitivities before treatment.

Safety & Risks

Is BOTOX covered by insurance?
Cosmetic BOTOX is considered elective and is not covered by insurance. We provide transparent pricing and financing options.
How many units will I need?
Unit requirements vary based on muscle strength, treatment area, and desired results. Your provider will give you an exact estimate during consultation.
Will I need to keep getting BOTOX forever?
No, but regular treatments are needed to maintain results. If you stop, your muscles will gradually regain movement and lines will return to their previous state.
Can I combine BOTOX with other treatments?
Yes, BOTOX pairs well with fillers, laser resurfacing, and medical-grade skincare for comprehensive rejuvenation.

Cost & Insurance

Is BOTOX covered by insurance?
Cosmetic BOTOX is considered elective and is not covered by insurance. We provide transparent pricing and financing options.
How many units will I need?
Unit requirements vary based on muscle strength, treatment area, and desired results. Your provider will give you an exact estimate during consultation.

Still have questions?

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