Botox®

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Honolulu, HI

Botox (Botox®) is a cosmetic treatment that contains onabotulinumtoxinA, a purified neurotoxin protein that temporarily relaxes muscles. This FDA-approved treatment can effectively address cosmetic concerns, but it also has several medical applications.

Dr. Daniel Murariu is a double board-certified plastic surgeon and leads Hawaii Aesthetics & Robotic Plastic Surgery with artistry and precision. Dr. Murariu believes that the best results are built on foundational principles of complex reconstructive mastery. His goal is to deliver harmonious outcomes that preserve your natural identity. Whether you are seeking a cosmetic enhancement or surgical transformation, Dr. Murariu can assist you in delivering the result you desire.

Contact us online or call our office at (808) 302-7188 to schedule your personal consultation.

About Botox

Botulinum toxin, or Botox, is a medication that primarily addresses cosmetic concerns. Botox can temporarily improve the appearance of moderate to severe dynamic wrinkles such as forehead lines, frown lines, crow’s feet, and vertical bands on the neck that are a result of repetitive muscle movements such as squinting and frowning. However, Botox has several other medical applications. It can treat chronic migraines, spastic disorders, eye muscle disorders, cervical dystonia, adult bladder dysfunction, hyperhidrosis, and more. (1) Botox works by temporarily blocking nerve signals that cause muscles to contract. OnabotulinumtoxinA, the purified protein, stops the release of acetylcholine (a chemical messenger). For every muscle contraction, your brain sends electrical signals that release acetylcholine at the junction where nerve endings meet muscle cells. Botox will then bind to the nerve ending and block this release. Without this signal, the targeted muscles relax, smoothing existing wrinkles and preventing new ones from forming.

Benefits

Botox is one of the most popular non-surgical treatments in the world for good reason. (2) It effectively rejuvenates and allows patients to enjoy a vibrant, youthful look. Under the care of Dr. Murariu, you can:

  • Reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles
  • Enhance your anti-aging efforts
  • Improve facial contours and lift
  • Reduce the formation of new wrinkles

And, if you struggle with certain medical conditions, you can also:

  • Relieve chronic migraines
  • Control hyperhidrosis
  • Treat TMJ and teeth grinding
  • Alleviate muscle spasms
  • Decrease urinary incontinence

Candidates

You may be an ideal candidate for Botox if you are frustrated by wrinkles, creases, or fine lines anywhere on your face. These wrinkles often arise from consistent smiling, frowning, squinting, and even chewing, which can cause your face to appear tired or even angry when you are not. (3) To safely receive Botox, you must be in good general health and free from any allergies or sensitivities to botulinum toxin or other ingredients in the Botox formula. You must also not have any active skin infections at the treatment site and hold realistic expectations for your results. Dr. Murariu will determine your candidacy during a personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

Your personal consultation is your opportunity to explore how you can benefit from Botox. At this meeting, Dr. Murariu will first review your medical history, carefully noting the current prescriptions you take and if you have had reactions to certain medications in the past. He will also examine your facial structure and the distribution of wrinkles. You will have an opportunity to openly ask questions and address concerns, as Dr. Murariu wants to ensure that you feel confident and knowledgeable about your Botox journey.

To explore your Botox possibilities, contact us online or call our office at (808) 302-7188 and schedule your personal consultation.

Preparation

As a non-surgical injectable, Botox does not demand extensive preparations. However, there are a few key ways to optimize your results and smooth your recovery. Dr. Murariu may have you:

  • Pause blood-thinning medications and supplements
  • Avoid alcohol consumption at least 24 to 48 hours prior to your treatment
  • Schedule your appointment two to four weeks prior to any major event
  • Stay hydrated
  • Avoid harsh chemicals and facial treatments for at least three days

Procedure

At the start of your injection session, Dr. Murariu will cleanse your skin and use a skin-safe marker to map injection sites. He can apply a numbing cream if your skin is sensitive, although most patients find anesthesia unnecessary. He will then administer the Botox through several precise, careful injections, usually directly into the targeted muscles to relax them. Once Dr. Murariu administers the required Botox, he will clean the surface of your skin, and you will be free to return to your normal routine. The treatment is relatively quick, taking 10 to 15 minutes, and requires no downtime.

Recovery

Botox has little to no downtime, so you can immediately resume your standard routines. However, you must avoid rubbing your treatment area, and Dr. Murariu recommends staying upright for two to four hours to prevent the Botox from spreading. You may notice mild bruising or swelling, which is a normal reaction, and you can manage it with cold compresses. This will typically fade within two to three days. Dr. Murariu also advises you to avoid strenuous exercises, excessive heat and sun exposure, alcohol consumption, and makeup application for the rest of the day. After a week, the initial smoothing and lifting effects will appear. After two weeks, you will be able to enjoy the full results of your Botox injections.

Results

As your Botox injections reach the peak of their effects, you will be able to enjoy smooth features, free of fine lines and wrinkles, and your face and neck will appear tighter and lifted. Although results are profound, they are only temporary. On average, Botox injections last three to four months before beginning to wear off and muscle activity returns. Patients can prolong their effects with regular maintenance injections.

Corresponding Procedures

Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing uses focused light energy to remove damaged outer skin layers while stimulating collagen production in the deeper layers. This treatment helps soften fine lines, reduce acne scars, and improve overall skin tone and texture.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels involve applying a specialized solution to the skin, which will exfoliate the outer layers, enhance hydration and tone, and reveal the smooth, healthy, unaffected layers beneath. Chemical peels can effectively reduce uneven pigmentation, sun damage, fine lines, acne scars, and more. Alongside Botox, you can smooth unwanted wrinkles and enhance skin quality to emerge with a vibrant, tight, youthful glow.

Filler Treatments

Filler treatments are various dermal filler injectables, typically containing hyaluronic acid or other biocompatible materials, that restore volume, smooth deep folds, and enhance facial contours. Dermal fillers are a very common pairing to Botox injections, as they allow patients to simultaneously smooth unwanted wrinkles and replace lost volume.

Cost of Botox in Honolulu, Hawaii

The cost of your Botox injections will depend on several factors, including the dose you receive, the number of injections you receive, how often you return for maintenance injections, your personal goals, and more. After reviewing these details, Dr. Murariu will provide a detailed cost outline during your personal consultation. Contact us online or call our office at (808) 302-7188 to schedule yours today!

FAQ

Is Botox used just for correcting wrinkles?

Botox is most popularly utilized to treat dynamic wrinkles on the face and neck, but it also has medical applications like treating severe migraines, muscle spasms, urinary incontinence, and more.

What are the benefits of Botox?

By relaxing muscle contractions, Botox carries a vast variety of benefits, including effective reduction of dynamic wrinkles, anti-aging rejuvenation, facial contouring and lifting, relieving chronic migraines, treating TMJ and teeth grinding, and more.

Can I pair Botox with other treatments?

Yes, you can pair Botox with other treatments like chemical peels, filler treatments, laser resurfacing, and possibly more. Dr. Murariu can provide further guidance on which procedures will pair best with your Botox injections for your goals.

Will I require any downtime after my Botox treatment?

You will not require any downtime after your Botox treatment, although your skin may appear red and mildly bruised. These symptoms are normal and will subside within a couple of days. Dr. Murariu advises that you avoid strenuous activities, excessive heat and sun exposure, and alcohol consumption for at least a day after your injections

How long does Botox last?

On average, Botox maintains its peak effects for three to four months. As it wears off, you may notice increased muscle movement and wrinkles reappearing. You can prolong your results with regular maintenance injections.

What is the cost of a standard Botox treatment?

The cost of Botox injections varies widely. During your consultation, Dr. Murariu will review your goals, dosage, number of injections, and more to provide a comprehensive cost estimate.

Who is not an ideal candidate for Botox injections?

Although Botox is safe for a wide variety of patients, it is not ideal for some. Anyone who is pregnant or nursing should avoid Botox, as should people with allergies or sensitivities to botulinum toxin or other ingredients. Patients with active skin infections at the treatment site should also delay their treatment. Dr. Murariu will determine candidacy during the consultation.

References

  1. Padda IS, Tadi P. Botulinum Toxin. PubMed. Published November 6, 2023. Accessed July 9, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557387/
  2. The Benefits of Botulinum Toxin. NIH News in Health. Published June 23, 2023. Accessed July 9, 2026. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2023/07/benefits-botulinum-toxin
  3. Munchau A. Regular review: Uses of botulinum toxin injection in medicine today. BMJ. 2000;320(7228):161-165. doi:10.1136/bmj.320.7228.161