Botox
Semel Vision Care & Aesthetics
Premium Eye Care in El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, & Redondo Beach
Lines on your forehead, between your brows, and around your eyes can make you look older than you actually feel. At Semel Vision Care & Aesthetics in El Segundo, BOTOX® Cosmetic is frequently used to soften these expression lines, offering a non-surgical, minimal downtime solution.
Board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologist Dr. Jane Semel combines advanced knowledge of facial anatomy with extensive experience performing cosmetic and medical BOTOX® injections. She has helped hundreds of patients in the South Bay area restore a more youthful, rested appearance and find relief from medical conditions like migraines, TMJ, and hyperhidrosis with BOTOX®.
What Is BOTOX® and How Does It Work?
BOTOX® is an FDA-approved injectable neuromodulator made from a purified form of botulinum toxin type A. It is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the country and one of the most requested aesthetic services at our El Segundo practice.
BOTOX® works by temporarily relaxing the facial muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles. These are the lines that form over time from repeated facial expressions, such as the “11s,” or frown lines, between your brows or horizontal creases across your forehead.
Through a series of precise BOTOX® injections, Dr. Semel can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while helping prevent them from becoming deeper over time. Dr. Semel also offers BOTOX® treatment for conditions such as chronic migraines, excessive sweating, and TMJ-related tension.
What Can BOTOX® Treat?
At our El Segundo practice, BOTOX® is used to treat both cosmetic concerns and select medical conditions.
Cosmetic treatment areas include:
- Forehead lines – The horizontal creases that appear when you raise your brows
- Frown lines – The vertical lines between your eyebrows, also known as glabellar lines or the “11s”
- Crow’s feet – The fine lines that fan out from the outer corners of the eyes
- Bunny lines – The diagonal lines that appear on the sides of the nose when you smile or squint
- Lip lines – The fine lines around the mouth, often called “smoker’s lines”
- Neck bands – The vertical bands that develop as the platysma muscle becomes more prominent with age
- Downturned corners of the mouth – The result of overactive muscles that pull the corners of the mouth downward, creating an unhappy or tired expression
Medical conditions treated with BOTOX® include:
- Chronic migraines
- Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
- Jaw clenching and TMJ-related tension
- Certain eye muscle conditions and eyelid spasms
- Neck muscle spasms
Why Choose Dr. Semel for BOTOX® Injections in El Segundo?
The quality of your BOTOX® results depends heavily on the experience and judgment of the person performing your treatment. At Semel Vision Care & Aesthetics, BOTOX® injections are administered by Dr. Jane Semel.
Dr. Semel is a board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologist and an active member in multiple esteemed medical organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.
Patients in El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, and throughout the South Bay area choose our practice for BOTOX® to benefit from Dr. Semel’s:
- Advanced knowledge of periocular anatomy (eyes, brows, upper face)
- Customized treatment plans
- Conservative dosing
- Expertise in both eye care and aesthetics
- Extensive clinical experience
Benefits of BOTOX® Cosmetic
At our El Segundo practice, patients often choose BOTOX® for:
- Non-surgical rejuvenation – No incisions, anesthesia, or recovery period required.
- Convenience – Treatments typically take just 10 to 15 minutes.
- Rapid wrinkle reduction – Dynamic lines often begin to soften within a few days.
- Natural-looking results – Dr. Semel uses precise injection placement and conservative dosing to preserve natural facial expression.
- Wrinkle prevention – Regular treatment helps slow the formation of deeper lines over time.
BOTOX® Before-and-After Results
Browsing real patient photos can help you set realistic expectations before your consultation. We invite you to view results our own patients have achieved in our BOTOX® before-and-after gallery.
Who Is a Good Candidate for BOTOX®?
You may be a good candidate for BOTOX® if you notice expression lines that bother you, want a non-surgical option for facial rejuvenation, or are interested in slowing the progression of dynamic wrinkles before they deepen. Candidates also include patients seeking treatment for hyperhidrosis, chronic migraines, TMJ, and specific types of muscle spasms.
Most healthy adults can be considered for treatment. However, BOTOX® is generally not recommended for anyone who:
- Is pregnant or breastfeeding
- Has a known allergy to any ingredient in BOTOX®
- Has certain neuromuscular disorders, such as myasthenia gravis or ALS
- Has an active skin infection at the planned injection sites
Dr. Semel will review your full medical history and current medications during your consultation to confirm that BOTOX® is an appropriate option for you.
How to Prepare for Your BOTOX® Appointment
A few simple precautions before your appointment can help minimize bruising and support a smooth treatment experience.
In the 24 hours before your visit, we recommend that you:
- Avoid alcohol and blood-thinning supplements or medications, such as fish oil, vitamin E, aspirin, or ibuprofen, unless prescribed by your physician.
- Pause retinol, exfoliating acids, and other potentially irritating skincare products in the treatment area.
- Avoid waxing, chemical peels, microneedling, and dermaplaning near the planned injection sites.
- Arrive with clean skin and let us know about any recent illness, dental work, or active skin irritation.
If you have questions about a specific medication or product, call our office at (310) 641-1700 before your visit.
What to Expect During Your BOTOX® Treatment
BOTOX® appointments at our El Segundo practice usually take about 10 to 15 minutes, although your first visit will include extra time for consultation. Once Dr. Semel has assessed your facial anatomy and movement patterns, she will determine the ideal injection sites for your unique needs. She will then inject precise amounts of BOTOX® with an ultrafine needle.
Most patients tolerate the injections well, and any discomfort is brief. If you would like, a topical numbing cream or cold compress can be used to help keep you comfortable.
What to Expect After Your BOTOX® Treatment
BOTOX® does not require an extensive recovery period or downtime, so you can return to most normal activities right away. Mild redness, bruising, or swelling may occur at the injection sites. These symptoms typically subside within 24 hours.
To ensure optimal results, you will need to:
- Avoid lying down for about four hours after treatment.
- Postpone high-intensity exercise and excessive heat and sun exposure for 24 hours.
- Refrain from rubbing, massaging, or applying pressure to the treated areas for 24 hours.
- Hold off on aggressive skincare treatments in the treated area until cleared by Dr. Semel.
Our team will provide clear aftercare guidance and answer any questions you may have following treatment.
When Will I See Results from BOTOX®?
Initial results begin to show within three to five days, and the full effect of your BOTOX® injections can be expected within 14 days. BOTOX® results usually last three to four months. With consistent treatment, some patients find that their results last a little longer between sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does BOTOX® cost in El Segundo?
The price of your BOTOX® procedure at our El Segundo practice will reflect the number of treatment areas and units of product needed. Detailed cost information for your customized treatment will be reviewed with you during your consultation.
Cosmetic BOTOX® treatments are generally not covered by health insurance. BOTOX® performed for medically necessary conditions such as chronic migraines or certain muscle disorders may qualify for insurance coverage depending on your plan and eligibility.
For patients interested in financing, we accept CareCredit, which allows you to pay for your treatment in monthly payments that fit your budget.
Is BOTOX® safe?
BOTOX® has a well-established safety record when administered by qualified medical providers. For most patients, it is considered a low-risk treatment. Dr. Semel will review your medical history, current medications, and any past allergic reactions before treatment to confirm BOTOX® is a safe option for you.
What are the possible side effects of BOTOX®?
The most common side effects are mild and temporary. Patients may notice redness, swelling, small injection-site bumps, or pinpoint bruising that typically settles within 24 to 48 hours. Dr. Semel will discuss risks and benefits of BOTOX® in depth during your consultation, so you can make an informed decision about your care.
How long does BOTOX® last?
BOTOX® results last three to four months, on average. Dr. Semel will recommend a personalized treatment schedule based on how your muscles respond, so you can maintain consistent, natural-looking results over time.
Will I look unnatural or “frozen” after BOTOX®?
No. When BOTOX® is performed by an experienced medical provider, it provides subtle, yet impactful facial rejuvenation. Dr. Semel uses conservative dosing and refined injection technique to preserve natural facial movement, symmetry, and brow position while still noticeably reducing wrinkles.
When should I start BOTOX®?
There’s no “perfect” age to start BOTOX® treatments. Some patients start in their late 20s or early 30s as a preventative measure, while others begin treatment later, after developing visible lines.
Can BOTOX® be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
BOTOX® is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you are planning to become pregnant, are pregnant, or are nursing, please let us know before scheduling treatment.
Can I combine BOTOX® with other treatments?
Yes. BOTOX® can be used in combination with complementary cosmetic treatments for enhanced results. Dr. Semel often pairs it with:
- Dermal fillers for volume loss and static lines
- AquaGold® Fine Touch for improvements in skin tone and texture
- Laser skin resurfacing to minimize vascular discoloration and even out the complexion
During your consultation, we will discuss your aesthetic concerns, review your medical history, and create a targeted treatment plan for achieving your desired outcome.
Can BOTOX® be used for conditions other than wrinkles?
Yes. BOTOX® can also be used to treat migraine headaches, excessive sweating, jaw clenching or TMJ symptoms, and eye and neck muscle spasms. If you’re interested in BOTOX® for medical reasons, Dr. Semel can assess whether it’s a good fit for your needs during your consultation.
Can BOTOX® be used on the neck?
Yes. Neck BOTOX® treatments reduce vertical neck bands, which are caused by overactivity of the platysma muscle. Whether this treatment is appropriate for you depends on your anatomy and your overall goals, all of which can be reviewed during your consultation.
What are dynamic wrinkles?
Dynamic wrinkles are the lines that appear when you contract the muscles of your face to make facial expressions, such as when you smile, laugh, frown, or look puzzled. Over time, repeated muscle activity can deepen these lines so that they remain visible even when your face is at rest. These creases and furrows can make you look sad, angry, tired, or older than you feel.
BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments can not only prevent you from deepening these lines during natural facial movements, they can also smooth away these signs of aging, leaving you looking younger and more refreshed.
Schedule Your BOTOX® Consultation in El Segundo
Whether you want to soften facial lines or explore BOTOX® for migraines or other medical concerns, Dr. Semel will create a personalized treatment plan designed around your facial anatomy and goals. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out if BOTOX® is right for you.
Semel Vision Care & Aesthetics proudly serves patients from El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Marina del Rey, and surrounding South Bay communities.
About Dr. Semel
Board-Certified El Segundo Ophthalmologist
Dr. Jane Semel is skilled, respected, and board-certified and fellowship trained in Ophthalmology, and is licensed to practice in the state of California. She specializes in the treatment and prevention of eye disease.
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Before & After Photos
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