YOUR TREATMENT GUIDE
Botox & wrinkle relaxers
Botulinum toxin treatments temporarily relax selected muscles to soften expression lines. Botox is one brand; the exact product and suitable areas are confirmed at your visit. These treatments do not add volume like a dermal filler.
General patient education. Your clinician’s written instructions take priority because your device, product, medical history and treatment intensity may differ.
Before your appointment
- Tell your injector about previous toxin treatments, all medicines, pregnancy or breastfeeding, muscle or nerve disorders, and swallowing or breathing problems.
- Arrive with clean skin. Mention cold sores, infection or irritation near the proposed injection sites. Do not stop prescribed medicines without the prescriber’s advice.
What happens at your visit
Your provider assesses facial movement, asymmetry and your preferred amount of expression. Small injections are placed in selected muscles. Brief pinching, tiny bumps or bruising may occur. Ask which product is being used and when your result should be reviewed.
Aftercare & recovery
- Avoid rubbing, massaging or pressing on injection sites. Follow your injector’s instructions on lying down, exercise and other facial treatments.
- Plan to avoid strenuous exercise and significant heat for the first day if instructed. Effects develop gradually; follow-up timing depends on the product and treatment plan.
- Small bumps, tenderness or bruising can occur. Contact the clinic about unexpected or persistent symptoms; do not arrange an early repeat treatment yourself.
Results & follow-up
Results develop gradually rather than immediately. The timing varies by product and individual; ask when the full effect should be assessed, often around two weeks. Cosmetic effects commonly last about three to four months, with individual variation.
Your questions, answered
Will I look frozen?
Discuss your priorities before treatment, including areas where you want to preserve movement. Placement and dose influence the result, but no provider can guarantee a particular appearance.
How many units will I need?
The plan depends on your muscle activity, anatomy, treatment area and product. Units from different toxin brands are not interchangeable. A price comparison based only on units can be misleading.
Can I return to work?
Many people return to ordinary activities the same day. Allow for redness, tenderness or bruising. Follow the clinician’s product-specific advice about exercise, makeup, pressure on the area and other facial treatments.
What should I avoid afterward?
Do not rub or massage treated areas. Ask how long to avoid strenuous exercise or facial pressure. Do not schedule a facial or another procedure until your provider confirms timing.
What if the result is uneven or I want more?
Wait for the agreed review point and contact the clinic. Do not seek extra injections elsewhere while the first treatment is still developing. More treatment is not always appropriate.
Who should discuss postponing treatment?
Tell us about pregnancy or breastfeeding, infection at an injection site, prior reactions, muscle or nerve disorders, and any swallowing or breathing problems. Share all medicines, supplements and recent toxin treatments.
What are possible side effects?
Bruising, soreness, headache, asymmetry or a drooping brow or eyelid can occur. Contact the treating clinician about unexpected effects. Trouble breathing, swallowing or speaking, or widespread weakness, requires immediate medical attention.
Can it remove every wrinkle?
No. Lines visible when your face is relaxed may have a skin or volume component. Your clinician may discuss alternatives; combining treatments requires a deliberate plan.
Planning your visit
How much will it cost, and is insurance accepted?
Ask for an individualized estimate before treatment, including the proposed course, follow-up and any separate products or prescriptions. Cosmetic services are generally self-pay; medically necessary care depends on your plan and eligibility. Do not assume a consultation is free.
Can I have treatment at the first visit?
An assessment comes first. Same-day treatment depends on suitability, preparation, availability and informed consent. Tell us about upcoming travel or events when arranging your visit.
What if I am pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication?
Tell the clinician before booking a procedure. Elective cosmetic treatment may be deferred. Bring a complete medication and supplement list; never stop prescribed medicines just to prepare for a cosmetic visit without the prescriber’s advice.
Can I see before-and-after results?
Ask whether consented, real patient examples are available for your treatment and skin type. Lighting, angle and timing affect comparisons. Illustrative website images are not proof of a treatment outcome or a promise of your result.
Who do I contact afterward?
Call 510-777-1000 during Monday–Friday 9 AM–5 PM or Saturday 9 AM–2 PM Pacific. If we are assisting another patient, leave your name and callback number. For urgent symptoms after hours, seek prompt medical care instead of waiting for a message response. Call 911 for an emergency.
When to get help
Seek emergency care for trouble breathing, swallowing or speaking, widespread weakness, or new significant vision problems.
For severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, get medical care promptly. Call 911 for breathing difficulty, stroke symptoms or another emergency. The website form is not monitored for urgent medical concerns.
Still have a question?
Our team can help you arrange a visit and clarify your treatment instructions. Hablamos español.
Monday–Friday 9 AM–5 PM · Saturday 9 AM–2 PM · Pacific Time
Patient education sources
Information checked October 28, 2026. These references provide general education, not Osita-specific treatment protocols.