Botox

Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) is a purified version of the neurotoxin derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It works by temporarily blocking nerve signals to the muscles of expression, which prevents the treated facial muscles from contracting which reduces the appearance of dynamic wrinkles.

Dynamic wrinkles are the wrinkles of expression created by the contraction of the muscles that control facial expressions such as smiling, frowning, squinting, and raising your eyebrows. Over time, repeated movements can lead to the development of dynamic wrinkles. Botox treatments target these muscles, temporarily reducing their ability to contract. This relaxation helps smooth out the skin overlying the muscles, reducing the appearance of dynamic wrinkles and providing a more youthful, refreshed look.

1. Forehead lines: Horizontal lines that appear when raising the eyebrows. Botox is commonly used to smooth horizonal forehead lines caused by repeated raising of the eyebrows. This area typically responds well to treatment, resulting in a smoother, more relaxed appearance. However, after age 60 these lines become etched in the skin and can require larger doses of Botox to smooth the area. This is a good reason to begin using Botox when you are younger, sometimes called baby Botox.
2. Frown lines (glabellar lines): Vertical lines between the eyebrows that form during frowning. They are often referred to as the Angry Elevens that make you appear angry, tired and sad when you are not. Botox injections in this area can significantly reduce the appearance of these lines, leading to a more approachable and less stern look.
3. Crow’s feet: Fine lines at the outer corners of the eyes, which become more prominent with age and extend onto the cheeks. Botox Cosmetic can effectively soften these lines, providing a more youthful and refreshed appearance around the eyes.​
4. Bunny lines: Wrinkles that appear on the sides of the nose when scrunching the nose or squinting. Botox can smooth these lines, providing a more even skin texture.
5. Vertical Lip lines: Fine lines around the mouth, often referred to as smoker’s lines. Botox can be used to soften these vertical lip lines to achieve smoother and younger-looking lips.
6. Smile Lines: Lines that appear around the mouth caused by smiling and laughing also called Nasolabial lines that run from the corners of the nose to the corners of the mouth. Botox injections can temporarily reduce their appearance without affecting your ability to smile or laugh.

1. Under-eye wrinkles: Botox can minimize fine lines under the eyes, though careful and precise injection is required due to the delicate skin in this area.
2. Gummy smile: For those who show excess gum tissue when they smile, Botox can relax the upper lip muscles, reducing gum visibility and creating a more balanced smile.
3. Chin dimpling: Frequent expressions like pouting or grimacing can cause the chin to develop lines and dimples over time, mainly due to repeated use of the mentalis muscle. Botox injections can smooth out the chin area, reducing dimpling and enhancing the overall contour.
4. Jawline slimming: Enlarged masseter muscles can lead to a prominent, square jawline. Botox can be used to relax these muscles, resulting in a slimmer, more oval-shaped face.
5. Raising drooping eyebrows: Botox offers a non-surgical way to lift drooping eyebrows, providing a subtle lifting effect that opens up the eye area. This treatment targets specific muscles around the brows to create a more refreshed and youthful look.
6. Vertical neck bands (platysmal bands): Aging can lead to the appearance of vertical neck bands. Botox can smooth out these lines, giving the neck a more youthful and refined appearance.
7. Lifting the corners of the mouth: The depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscles pull the corners of the mouth downward, often leading to a frowning expression. By relaxing these muscles, Botox can lift the mouth corners, restoring a more pleasant, natural smile.
8. Sagging nasal tip: Age, genetics, and muscle action can cause the nasal tip to droop. By injecting Botox into the depressor septi nasi muscle, the downward pull can be reduced, resulting in a slight lift of the nasal tip.
9. Enhancing facial symmetry: Botox can be strategically placed to reshape and balance facial features, subtly enhancing or minimizing specific areas for a more harmonious appearance.
10. Jaw clenching and teeth grinding: Botox injected into the masseter muscles, the muscles use to chew, can relax these muscles to reduce jaw clenching and teeth grinding.

Botox is administered through a series of small injections directly into the target muscles. Once injected, it temporarily inhibits the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that signals muscles to contract. As a result, the treated muscles relax, and the overlying skin appears smoother. The effects are usually seen within a few days and can last up to 3-4 months. Regular maintenance treatments are recommended to maintain results.