Botox in San Diego
Botox Cosmetic® can soften dynamic lines while preserving natural facial expression.
At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, treatments are performed by board-certified dermatologists who use precise placement to create natural results.
What is Botox Cosmetic?
Botox Cosmetic is an injectable neuromodulator that temporarily relaxes targeted muscles to soften dynamic wrinkles, including frown lines, forehead lines, crow’s feet, and platysmal bands. Unlike dermal fillers, which restore or enhance volume, Botox Cosmetic reduces the repeated muscle activity that causes expression lines while helping preserve natural facial movement.
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What Areas Can Botox Treat?
Frown Lines
Frown lines develop between the eyebrows as the muscles repeatedly contract while concentrating, squinting, or making expressions. Botox Cosmetic can temporarily reduce this muscle activity, helping the area look less tense without creating a frozen appearance.
Crow’s Feet
Crow’s feet form at the outer corners of the eyes through repeated smiling and squinting. Precise injections can soften these lines while preserving the warmth and character of the patient’s smile.
Forehead Lines
Horizontal forehead lines become more noticeable as the frontalis muscle raises the eyebrows. Treatment requires careful placement and dosing to soften these lines while supporting balanced brow movement.
Platysmal Bands
Platysmal bands are vertical cords that may become visible between the jawline and neck. Botox Cosmetic is FDA approved to temporarily improve the appearance of moderate to severe platysmal bands in adults.
Additional Applications of Botox
Board-certified dermatologists may also recommend neuromodulator treatment for additional applications based on a patient’s anatomy and goals. These uses may include:
Bunny lines: Small diagonal lines that appear along the sides of the nose during facial expressions.
Masseter reduction: Treatment of prominent masseter muscles may create a slimmer lower facial appearance and may also be considered for patients who clench their jaw.
Gummy smile: Carefully placed injections may reduce excessive elevation of the upper lip when smiling.
Subtle brow lift: Strategic treatment may help improve brow positioning by balancing the muscles that raise and lower the eyebrows.
Chin dimpling: Injections may reduce a pebbled or dimpled appearance caused by activity in the mentalis muscle.
Downward turning mouth: Treatment of the muscles near the corners of the mouth may help reduce a persistently downturned appearance.
Lip flip: Small amounts may be placed near the upper lip to create a subtle outward turn without adding filler volume.
FDA approval varies by neuromodulator, treatment area, and indication. Applications outside an approved indication are considered off label and should be discussed during a consultation with our board-certified dermatologist.
Why Choose Cosmetic Laser Dermatology for Botox in San Diego?
Injectable results depend on the experience of the dermatologist performing the treatment. At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, Botox Cosmetic is approached with a detailed understanding of facial anatomy, muscle movement, precise dosing, and natural looking results.
Nationally Recognized Cosmetic Dermatology Experts
Cosmetic Laser Dermatology has been voted the number one cosmetic dermatology practice in San Diego and the United States. Founder Mitchel Goldman, MD, was also ranked the #1 cosmetic dermatologist in America by Newsweek for each of the two years this ranking occurred.
Decades of Injectable Experience
The practice has been a trusted destination for Botox Cosmetic in San Diego for more than 25 years. Its dermatologists are national Botox trainers with extensive experience treating a wide range of facial structures, expression patterns, and aesthetic concerns.
Treatments Performed by Board-Certified Dermatologists
Every Botox treatment is performed by a board-certified dermatologist. This physician-led approach allows each plan to account for medical history, facial anatomy, muscle strength, and the relationship between different features.
Leaders in Clinical Research
Through its award-winning research center, Cosmetic Laser Dermatology has participated in more than 400 clinical studies involving injectables, laser, light, and energy devices, skin tightening technologies, and other cosmetic dermatology advances including the original Botox studies performed in 1999. This ongoing involvement helps the practice remain at the forefront of emerging treatments, techniques, and technologies.
Multiple Neuromodulator Options
Cosmetic Laser Dermatology offers Botox Cosmetic, Dysport®, Daxxify®, Xeomin®, and Jeuveau®. Because each option has different formulation and performance characteristics, your dermatologist can recommend the choice that best fits the treatment area, previous response, desired onset, and expected duration.
Advanced Combination Treatment Planning
With more than 60 laser, light, and energy devices, Cosmetic Laser Dermatology can create a more complete treatment plan when expression lines are accompanied by volume loss, discoloration, texture changes, or skin laxity. Botox Cosmetic may be combined with dermal fillers, biostimulators, medical skin care, or treatments such as Ultherapy Prime, Thermage FLX, or Sofwave, which support fibroblastic function and enhance hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastic fiber production.
Safety, Precision, and Transparency
Your dermatologist will explain the recommended treatment areas, number of units, expected changes, possible side effects, and alternative options before treatment begins. This thoughtful approach helps patients make informed decisions while prioritizing natural results and expert care.
Our Renowned Dermatologists
We are proud to share that Dr. Goldman, Dr. Butterwick, Dr. Groff, Dr. Fabi, & Dr. Boen have once again been recognized as Castle Connolly Top Doctors in 2026!
Cosmetic Laser Dermatology has been voted Best Cosmetic Dermatology Practice in San Diego Magazine’s 2026 “Best of San Diego” readers’ poll!
Dr. William Groff was voted Best Cosmetic Dermatologist, Best Cosmetic Surgeon, and Best Dermatologist for 4 consecutive years by the San Diego Reader Best Poll.
Dr. Mitchel Goldman was voted #1 Cosmetic Dermatologist in America by Newsweek
Dr. William Groff was voted Best Cosmetic Dermatologist and Best Cosmetic Surgeon for 9 consecutive years by the San Diego U-T Best Readers Poll.
Drs. Goldman, Butterwick, and Fabi made the top 8 in Newsweek’s Best Cosmetic Dermatologists in America for the last two years in a row
Voted in the top 10% of Realself Doctors by achieving high patient satisfaction and getting favorable feedback on Q&A
Dr. William Groff was voted Best Dermatologist for 10 consecutive years and Best Cosmetic Surgeon for 9 consecutive years by the La Jolla Light Best Readers Poll.
Drs. Goldman, Butterwick, Groff, Fabi, and Boen were named Castle Connolly Top Doctors in 2025, making us one of the Top 3 Practices in California with the most Castle Connolly Top Doctors in Dermatology.
Dr. Boen has been recognized as a Top Doctor in 2023 and 2024 by San Diego County Medical Society.
Dr. Butterwick, is a distinguished facial cosmetic surgeon certified by the American Board of Facial
Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS).
In 2026, Mitchel P. Goldman, MD, FAAD, received the Richard E. Fitzpatrick, MD Award from Masters of Aesthetics in recognition of his contributions to cosmetic dermatology and laser medicine. The honor reflects his longstanding leadership in research, physician education, and advancing aesthetic treatment.
Sabrina Fabi, MD has been named a finalist for Pioneer of the Year – Healthcare with San Diego Magazine’s Celebrating Women 2026
What Should You Expect During a Botox Appointment?
1. Consultation and Facial Assessment
Your appointment begins with a discussion of your concerns, treatment history, medical history, medications, and desired results. Your dermatologist may ask you to frown, smile, squint, or raise your eyebrows to evaluate how your facial muscles move.
2. Personalized Treatment Planning
Based on your anatomy, muscle strength, and treatment goals, your dermatologist determines the most appropriate injection points and number of units. Every plan is individualized to help preserve natural expression.
3. Precise Botox Injections
The skin is cleansed before small amounts of Botox Cosmetic are injected into targeted muscles. Patients commonly describe a brief pinching or pressure sensation during treatment.
4. Appointment Completion and Guidance
Most Botox appointments take approximately 15 minutes, although a first visit may take longer. Before you leave, your dermatologist will review aftercare instructions and explain when you may begin to notice results.
What is Botox Aftercare and Recovery Like?
Botox Cosmetic generally requires little disruption to a normal routine. Temporary redness, swelling, tenderness, or small raised areas may appear at injection points and often improve shortly after the appointment. Bruising is also possible.
Your dermatologist will provide specific Botox aftercare instructions based on the areas treated. Recommendations may include:
- Remain upright for approximately four hours after treatment
- Avoid rubbing, massaging, or applying firm pressure to the injection sites
- Postpone strenuous exercise for approximately 24 hours
- Avoid excessive heat exposure immediately after treatment
- Limit alcohol around the time of the appointment when advised
- Wait until any small injection point swelling has resolved before applying pressure to the area
Most patients return to work and routine activities shortly after treatment. However, it is best to schedule injections with enough time before an important event in case temporary bruising or swelling develops. Check out our post procedure guide for more details on recovery. In the rare case of getting a bruise, our office offers complementary pulse dye laser treatment to resolve the bruise often-times within a day or two.
How Do Botox Cosmetic and Other Neuromodulators Compare?
Botox Cosmetic by Allergan Aesthetics: A widely used option with results commonly lasting up to three to four months.
Dysport by Galderma: May spread more broadly in selected treatment areas, with results commonly lasting up to three to four months.
Daxxify by Revance Aesthetics: Uses a peptide stabilized formula and may last up to six months or longer in some patients.
Xeomin by Merz Aesthetics: Formulated without accessory proteins, with results commonly lasting up to three to four months.
Jeuveau by Evolus: Developed for aesthetic use and commonly selected for expression lines, with results often lasting up to three to four months.
Your dermatologist will recommend an option based on the treatment area, previous response, muscle strength, and desired result. Individual results may vary.
HEAR FROM OUR HAPPY PATIENTS
5/5 STARS 
I trust Farzaneh Momeni completely with my skin. She is by far the best clinical aesthetician I’ve ever known. My skin has improved dramatically since I began monthly facials with her. Her treatments are 100% results-driven so if this is what you seek, look no further. Also, the entire Team at West Dermatology are top-notch. They’re always friendly, professional, & helpful, & greet everyone with a smile. 10 Stars all around!
My new regular cosmetic dermatology office. Dr Zubair is amazing and really patient with me. He has helped me over the last year with keloid scar removal, jaw Botox, and full facial acne scar treatment (ultra clear). The office is clean and the nursing/medical assistant staff is accommodating on all levels. I will always recommend this office and Dr Zubair to friends and family.
Most professional and most impressive! The service from the physicians to office staff is superb!
I live in Orange County and drove all the way out to see Dr. Wu because a friend of mine referred him (she had amazing results from her face and neck procedure). Dr. Wu is truly an artist! He made me feel extremely comfortable during my procedure. I was anxious when I got there, but he (and his staff) have such great energy and are so very kind and gentle that you can't help but feel at ease! The office was immaculate and they adhered to covid rules (sanitizing, temp checks, masks). This is my go-to place from now on and Dr. Wu is my go-to guy! Can't wait to see my final results! Thank you Phyllis (pre-op) for being so wonderful and informative! You were so very helpful and kind! I'll definitely be back!
Leysin and the entire team at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology are fantastic. They are professional, caring and communicative. The laser treatment was comfortable, efficient and effective! I highly recommend this practice. I definitely will come back and recommend her and Cosmetic Laser Dermatology to my family and friends.
Dr. Goldman is amazing! I came here for my permanent eyeliner removal (which is not offered anywhere near me), and they are completely removed in just one session. They use a special contact lens to protect your eyes from the laser, and there are no damages to my eyelashes. The healing was also nice and smooth. They have everything you need. I live almost 3 hours away, but it was totally worth the trip. For anyone who is looking to remove their permanent makeup, this is the right place to go :)-
Dr. Butterwick is fantastic, all of her team as well. They make sure your experience is pleasant and painless as possible. My tattoo removal and my injectables look amazing. I highly recommend her for any skin treatment.
Cosmetic Laser Dermatology was recommended to me by my dermatologist. He recommended Dr. Monica Boen. I'm so glad I took his recommendation. Everyone here at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology was super nice and friendly. Very welcoming. I came here for hair removal treatment. I did 4 sessions with Dr. Boen. Dr. Boen made me feel so comfortable and at ease when I talked to her. She explained everything before she did my treatment. I loved that. She was really easy to talk to. I definitely will come back and recommend her and Cosmetic Laser Dermatology to my family and friends.
This office is awesome. My visit today was with Dr. Groff. His bed side manner is so fun and welcoming. He understood my concerns and recommended a treatment plan that I feel was reasonable. I love his staff! They take there time to make sure you understand the treatment and after care. Everyone in the office, from the front desk to the nurses in the back, are so friendly and beautiful. They are very prompt and I trust my care with CLD. I can't wait for my next visit. See you guys in a few weeks!
"Dr. Sabrina Fabi is genius! Her technique is unlike anyone, her eye is precise, and her kindness and caring manner comes from the depth of her soul. She's simply brilliant! It's no wonder people travel the country just to be treated by her."
I wish I could give them 10 stars! I had such an awesome experience for my first visit and I am referring everyone I know to this office. From the super friendly staff to the state of the art procedures, they are the cream of the crop.
“I came to participate in a research study. All of the Doctors and staff at C.L. Dermatology are very professional, warm and friendly. All our my needs were anticipated and the hospitality of this office is like a five star hotel.”
Botox FAQ
Results commonly last up to three to four months. Some patients may notice a shorter or longer duration depending on the number of units used, treatment area, metabolism, muscle strength, and how consistently they receive treatment.
The cost of Botox Cosmetic depends on the number of units needed, the treatment areas, and the patient’s individual goals. During a consultation, a board-certified dermatologist will develop a treatment plan and provide exact pricing. Cosmetic Laser Dermatology also participates in Allē, the official Allergan Aesthetics loyalty program, which allows eligible patients to earn points and redeem rewards toward qualifying treatments.
Most patients experience brief pinching or pressure during the injections. The needles used are very fine, and the appointment is usually completed quickly. Your dermatologist can discuss comfort options if you are concerned about sensitivity.
A frozen appearance is not the goal of treatment at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology. Conservative dosing and precise placement can soften unwanted lines while allowing natural facial expressions to remain visible.
Botox Cosmetic has an extensive clinical history and is FDA approved for several aesthetic and medical indications. However, all prescription treatments have potential risks and side effects. Receiving injections from a board-certified dermatologist helps ensure that your medical history, anatomy, dosage, and injection placement are carefully evaluated.
There is no single age that is appropriate for every patient. Treatment may be considered when dynamic lines become bothersome or begin remaining visible after the face relaxes. A consultation can help determine whether treatment is appropriate or whether another approach would better address the concern.
Reducing repeated muscle contraction may help keep certain dynamic lines from becoming more deeply etched over time. However, Botox Cosmetic does not prevent every type of facial aging, and it does not replace sun protection, medical skin care, volume restoration, or other treatments for skin quality and laxity.
Yes. Botox Cosmetic addresses muscle related expression lines, while dermal fillers restore or enhance volume. Combining them may provide more complete rejuvenation when a patient has both dynamic wrinkles and age-related volume changes.
Botox Cosmetic may be part of a broader plan that includes laser, light, and energy devices for pigment, redness, texture, or skin laxity. When skin firmness is a concern, Ultherapy Prime, Thermage FLX, or Sofwave may be considered to support fibroblastic function and enhance hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastic fiber production. Your dermatologist will determine the appropriate treatment order and timing.
The number of units depends on the treatment area, muscle strength, facial anatomy, previous response, and desired degree of movement. Your dermatologist will assess these factors and explain the recommended dosage before treatment.
Botox Cosmetic temporarily reduces targeted muscle activity, while dermal fillers add or restore volume beneath the skin. Botox is generally used for dynamic expression lines, whereas fillers may address concerns such as cheek volume loss, under eye hollowing, deeper folds, or chin projection.
Cosmetic Laser Dermatology does not recommend Botox Cosmetic as the primary treatment for vertical lip lines. Depending on the cause and severity of the lines, a dermatologist may discuss dermal fillers, resurfacing treatments, or another approach.
Yes. Men frequently choose Botox Cosmetic for frown lines, forehead lines, crow’s feet, prominent masseter muscles, and other concerns. Dosing and placement are adjusted to account for muscle strength, facial structure, and the patient’s desired result.
Cosmetic Laser Dermatology is located in San Diego in the La Jolla area, making it a convenient destination for patients seeking Botox Cosmetic treatments performed by board certified dermatologists.
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