Botox Treatment
Conveniently located to serve Charleston and Mt. Pleasant, SC
Forehead lines, frown lines between the brows, and crow’s feet often appear earlier than patients expect, and they tend to deepen with repeated facial expressions. At Dr. Sonny O Plastic Surgery in Charleston, SC, Dr. Seung Jun “Sonny” O is a board-certified plastic surgeon offering Botox® injections to soften these lines while preserving natural facial expression.
Treatment plans are tailored to your facial anatomy, the strength of the muscles that produce the lines, and the result you want, whether that is a softer brow, a smoother forehead, or fewer fine lines around the eyes. Patients across Charleston and Mt. Pleasant choose the practice for physician-led care delivered in a private, fully equipped surgical office.
What Is BOTOX® Cosmetic and How Does It Work?
Botox® Cosmetic is an FDA-approved injectable neuromodulator made from a purified form of botulinum toxin type A. It is one of the most widely used non-surgical injectable treatments in cosmetic medicine and is used to soften dynamic wrinkles, the lines that form when you frown, squint, or raise your brows.
Repeated muscle movement is what creates these lines over time. Small amounts of Botox temporarily reduce activity in the targeted muscles, which allows the overlying skin to smooth out so creases look softer.
Botox does not add volume or fill in deep static folds; that is the job of dermal fillers, and the two are often planned together for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
“First doctor I ever had give me a facial injections”
He was the first doctor I ever had give me a facial injections. Filler and Botox nine years ago and I have been incredibly happy and he and his staff are friendly and explain everything and he knows how to give you the best results and what products will work best for each individual. I can’t give a high enough recommendation but five star all the way.Jennifer Jones
Common Treatment Areas
Botox is most commonly used in the upper face, where expression lines tend to appear first. Confirmed areas treated at our Charleston practice include:
- Horizontal forehead lines
- Vertical lines between the brows (the “11s”)
- Lines around the eyes (crow’s feet)
- Bunny lines along the nose
- Chin dimpling
Final treatment areas, dosing, and product selection are determined during your consultation based on your facial anatomy and goals.
Benefits of Botox Treatment
Botox remains one of the most-requested non-surgical cosmetic treatments because it offers visible improvement with minimal interruption to daily life. Patients who choose Botox at Dr. Sonny O Plastic Surgery typically appreciate:
- Softer expression lines: Reduced appearance of forehead, frown, and crow’s feet wrinkles.
- Non-surgical treatment: No incisions, no general anesthesia, and no extended recovery.
- Short appointments: Most sessions take roughly 15 to 30 minutes in our Mt. Pleasant office.
- Minimal downtime: Most patients return to normal activities the same day, with light restrictions for the first 24 hours.
- Customized planning: Doses and injection points are tailored to your muscle strength and aesthetic goals.
- Pairs well with other treatments: Botox can be combined with fillers, microneedling, or laser skin treatments as part of a broader plan.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Botox?
Botox may be a good option for healthy adults who notice expression lines forming or deepening around the forehead, brows, or eyes and who want a non-surgical way to soften them. Many patients begin treatment in their 30s or 40s, while some choose preventative or “baby Botox” in their 20s to maintain smoother skin over time.
Botox is generally not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a neuromuscular condition, have a known allergy to botulinum toxin, or have an active skin infection at the planned injection sites. Tell your provider about all medications and supplements you take, including blood thinners, before your appointment.
During your consultation, Dr. Sonny O will review your medical history, evaluate your muscle movement, and confirm whether Botox is appropriate for your goals.
How to Prepare for Your Botox Appointment
A short preparation window helps reduce the chance of bruising and supports a smoother visit:
- Avoid alcohol for about 24 hours before your appointment, which may otherwise increase the risk of bruising.
- Pause blood-thinning medications and supplements only with your prescriber’s approval, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, fish oil, vitamin E, and ginkgo. Never stop a prescribed medication without medical guidance.
- Hold off on retinol and exfoliating acids (glycolic, salicylic, lactic) for at least 24 hours before treatment.
- Skip waxing, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels in the treatment area for at least 24 hours prior to treatment.
- Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin in the treated areas, when possible.
- Share your full medical history, including allergies, recent illnesses, and any prior reactions to neuromodulators.
What to Expect During Your Botox Appointment
Botox treatments are performed in our Mt. Pleasant office and typically take about 15 to 30 minutes. Your appointment will generally include:
- Facial assessment: Dr. Sonny O reviews how your muscles move and identifies the areas creating the lines you want softened.
- Treatment mapping: Injection points are planned based on your anatomy, muscle strength, and goals.
- Comfort measures: A topical numbing cream may be used on request; many patients find the injections well tolerated without it.
- Injections: Small amounts of Botox are placed into the targeted muscles using a fine needle.
- Wrap-up: Your provider reviews aftercare and answers any final questions before you head home.
What to Expect After Your Botox Treatment
Botox is a low-downtime treatment, and most patients return to normal activities the same day. Mild redness, tiny injection-site bumps, light swelling, or pinpoint bruising may occur and typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours. To support comfortable healing and even results, follow these guidelines:
- Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours.
- Do not rub, massage, or apply pressure to the treated areas for the rest of the day.
- Stay upright and avoid lying flat for about 4 hours after treatment.
- Postpone retinol, exfoliating acids, waxing, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and facials for at least 24 hours.
- Limit heat exposure from saunas, hot tubs, and very hot showers for the first 24 hours.
- Use sun protection and follow the timing guidance your provider gives you for direct sun exposure and tanning beds.
Contact our office promptly if you notice unusual swelling, drooping of the eyelid or brow, difficulty swallowing, breathing changes, or signs of infection.
When Will I See Results From Botox?
Most patients begin to notice smoother lines about three to five days after treatment, with full results typically visible around two weeks once the targeted muscles have fully relaxed. Botox results typically last 3-4 months, though this can vary based on the treatment area, dosing, and how your muscles respond.
Many patients schedule follow-up treatments every three to four months to maintain their results. With consistent treatment over time, some patients find their results last a bit longer between visits.
How Much Does Botox Cost in Charleston, SC?
Botox pricing is personalized based on the treatment areas, the number of units required, the strength of the muscles being treated, and your goals. Because each plan is different, exact pricing is reviewed during your consultation rather than quoted up front.
Cosmetic Botox is generally not covered by insurance. To make treatment more accessible, our office accepts flexible financing through Prosper Healthcare Lending and PatientFi.
Visit our affordability page for current details.
Why Choose Dr. Sonny O for Botox in Charleston?
Botox results depend heavily on the eye, training, and judgment of the person performing the injections. Even small differences in muscle assessment, injection placement, and dosing can affect your outcome.
Patients across Charleston and Mt. Pleasant work with Dr. Seung Jun “Sonny” O for several reasons:
- Board-certified plastic surgeon: Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, with more than 18 years in private practice and an Assistant Professor role at MUSC.
- Deep facial anatomy training: Completed a plastic surgery fellowship at the University of Miami / Jackson Memorial after general surgery training at MUSC.
- Physician-led injectable care: Botox injections are planned and performed under the direction of a plastic surgeon, not delegated to off-site staff.
- Active in the field: 17 peer-reviewed publications and active membership in ASPS, the American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons, the Charleston County Medical Society, and the Southeastern Society of Plastic Surgery.
- Conservative, anatomy-based dosing: Treatment plans favor natural-looking movement over a frozen appearance, with refinement at follow-up when needed.
- Private surgical office: Botox visits take place in a fully equipped, private setting in Mt. Pleasant rather than a high-volume retail environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Botox
Schedule Your Botox Consultation in Charleston, SC
If you are considering Botox in Charleston, SC, or the Mt. Pleasant area, a consultation with Dr. Sonny O is the best way to receive a recommendation tailored to your facial anatomy, goals, and treatment history.
Additional Non-Surgical Treatments
Dr. Sonny O who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery located in Charleston, South Carolina is very skilled and has a vast amount of experience with the Tummy Tuck procedure.
