Botox®
Cosmetic
Smooth lines.
Soften expressions.
No Surgery Required.
Candidates for Botox® Cosmetic
Botox® Cosmetic is an FDA-approved treatment that temporarily relaxes facial muscles to soften lines and prevent new ones from forming. Dr. Tara Ramachandra personally performs every injection, creating customized plans that preserve natural movement and balanced proportions—never a one-size-fits-all approach.
Common Treatment Areas of Botox® Cosmetic
Forehead lines
Frown (“11”) lines between the brows
Crow’s feet around the eyes
Bunny lines on the nose
Marionette lines near the mouth
Vertical neck bands
Masseter muscle (jawline slimming, teeth grinding relief)
Subtle brow lift (when natural results are possible)
Lip flip for a fuller-looking upper lip
The Botox® Cosmetic Procedure
Ultrasound-Guided Masseter Botox
For patients with jaw clenching, teeth grinding (bruxism), or a widened jawline, Dr. Ramachandra provides ultrasound-guided injections to the masseter muscle, precisely treating both the deep and superficial muscle bellies. This approach delivers functional relief and gentle contouring while maintaining a natural, harmonious lower-face shape—never a hollowed or over-slimmed look. Ultrasound guidance also helps prevent loss of product in nearby soft tissues, such as the salivary glands and muscles that affect smiling.
Botox Brow Lift
In carefully selected patients, small, targeted injections can create a subtle lift of the outer tail of the eyebrow. Dr. Ramachandra only recommends this when it will look natural and balanced, never forced or exaggerated.
Botox Lip Flip
A precise, micro-dose technique that gently relaxes the muscles around the upper lip, allowing it to roll slightly outward. This creates the appearance of a fuller upper lip without adding volume and can soften vertical “lipstick lines.” Dr. Ramachandra uses conservative dosing to maintain natural speech, eating, and smiling.
What to Expect from Botox® Cosmetic
Thoughtful assessment: Your visit begins with a detailed evaluation of facial movement, muscle structure, and any baseline asymmetries.
Close follow-up: After the first treatment, a quick “dose adjustment” visit at the 2-week mark ensures optimal results.
Minimal downtime: Most patients return to normal activity right away.
Fast, lasting results: Initial softening is usually visible in 3–7 days, and full effects are seen at about 2 weeks. Jawline, brow-lift, and lip-flip changes may continue to refine over several weeks. Results typically last 3–4 months, and sometimes longer with regular treatments.
Post-Treatment Guidance from Botox® Cosmetic
Stay upright for 4 hours after treatment.
Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, or heavy lifting for 24 hours.
Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours to reduce the risk of bruising.
Gentle facial movement (smiling, frowning) can help the product settle evenly.
Side Effects of Botox® Cosmetic
Mild, temporary effects—such as slight redness, tenderness, or bruising—are the most common. Rarely, temporary eyelid droop or mild jaw weakness can occur. Dr. Ramachandra reviews all safety information and answers every question during your visit.
WHY Choose Dr. Ramachandra for Botox® Cosmetic
There are hundreds of practitioners in St. Louis with varying levels of training who inject neurotoxins such as Botox® Cosmetic.
Dr. Ramachandra’s practice is designed for those who feel safest in the care of a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon—someone who can provide balanced guidance on both the short- and long-term benefits of neurotoxin use and a clear understanding of its limits. Her surgical background means every injection is performed with a deep knowledge of facial anatomy and an eye toward the future of your skin, not just today’s result.
Double board-certified Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Judicious, individualized dosing and placement
Ultrasound-guided precision for complex areas such as the masseter
Long-term, whole-face perspective on the benefits and limits of neurotoxin use
Commitment to natural, balanced results