BOTOX® remains the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment year after year, with nearly four million BOTOX procedures performed in the US in the last year, according to data from The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. With such widespread popularity, it may come as no surprise that BOTOX treatments are quite versatile and can address a variety of common cosmetic issues, as well as several medical concerns.
Take a look at some of the most common areas to get BOTOX, plus how to tell whether BOTOX, fillers, or a combination of both could be right for you.
Common BOTOX Treatment Areas
BOTOX is best known for its ability to smooth way fine lines and wrinkles, but those aren’t the only skin concerns it can tackle. Popular uses for BOTOX include:
- Forehead wrinkles. Horizontal forehead wrinkles are often the first signs of aging to show up on the skin, making them one of the most popular treatment areas for BOTOX. BOTOX works by temporarily hindering the facial muscles that are responsible for creating dynamic wrinkles like forehead lines to show up on the skin.
- Brow wrinkles. Also called glabellar lines or “eleven lines,” these are the two vertical lines that tend to show up between the eyebrows when you squint or frown. Over time, these lines can become static, or permanent, wrinkles, even when your face is at rest. BOTOX can help to smooth these glabellar lines for a brighter, more energized appearance.
- Droopy brows. As we age, our facial muscles can become weakened and begin to pull downward, causing the brows to droop downward as well. BOTOX can create a younger-looking appearance by relaxing the downward tension of these underlying facial muscles and acting as a non-surgical brow lift.
- Crow’s feet. Crow’s feet are the thin, branching lines that form at the corners of your eyes when smiling or laughing. Because the skin around your eyes is thinner than in other areas of your face, this area can be particularly susceptible to wrinkles and other signs of aging. By restricting the movement of the facial muscles in the eye-area, BOTOX can dramatically reduce crow’s feet.
- Bunny lines. Also called nasalis lines, bunny lines are the small wrinkles that form on either side of your nose when you scrunch your face or laugh. They are often diagonal and can extend to your lower eyelids. Again by reducing underlying muscle contractions, BOTOX can effectively treat bunny lines.
- Lip lines. Lip lines, also called laugh lines or smile lines, are the folds that form on either side of your mouth that often resemble parentheses. Because these lines are caused by facial muscle movements, BOTOX can be an excellent treatment option. However, dermal fillers may also be used to soften the appearance of lip lines.
- Lip flip. The so-called “lip flip” uses carefully placed BOTOX to slightly roll the edge of the upper lip outward, creating a fuller appearance without adding more volume. The “BOTOX lip flip” can be done on its own or combined with lip fillers.
- Gummy smile. A “gummy smile” occurs when the upper lip raises upward so much that the upper gum line is exposed when you smile. While there is nothing wrong with this, some people are bothered by its appearance and wish to treat it with BOTOX. BOTOX works by relaxing the muscles in your upper lip that cause a gummy smile.
- Chin dimpling. As collagen production in our skin slows, some people develop dimpling on their chins that can resemble cellulite when they smile, laugh, or make over expressions. BOTOX can relax the muscles behind those expressions to smooth the entire area.
- Neck bands. Also called platysmal bands, neck bands are the two vertical lines that often form on the neck with age. BOTOX can treat these bands by relaxing the muscles that cause them.
Medical Applications for BOTOX
In addition to treating a wide range of cosmetic concerns, BOTOX is also frequently used to address certain medical issues, including excessive sweating, migraines, and bladder control problems. If you struggle with any of these issues, consult a qualified BOTOX provider who has experience treating these concerns to see if BOTOX might be the best solution for you.
BOTOX vs. Fillers: Which Is Right for Me?
While BOTOX and fillers are both injectable wrinkle treatments and are even frequently used together, there are distinct differences between them. BOTOX works by inhibiting muscle movements, while fillers “fill in” lines and wrinkles by increasing volume. Thus, BOTOX works best in areas that are most affected by repeated facial movements, like the forehead, near the eyes, and around the mouth. Fillers are better suited in areas where a boost of volume is needed to either fill in creases and folds or to add volume to areas like the cheeks and lips.
In many cases, BOTOX and fillers can be combined to offer even more comprehensive anti-aging results, as each type of injectable comes with its own set of benefits.
How to Get the Best BOTOX Results
Getting smooth, natural-looking BOTOX largely comes down to the skill and expertise of your injector. Do your research before scheduling an appointment, checking for medical credentials, viewing before and after photos online, and reading online reviews to find the best BOTOX provider near you. Once you’ve narrowed your search online, schedule a consultation with your top one or two picks to ensure it is a good fit for you.
Here at Feinstein Dermatology in Delray Beach, Florida, Dr. Brian Feinstein is one of the leading experts in injectable treatments like BOTOX and dermal fillers. As a Diamond-level Allergan partner, Dr. Feinstein is in the top two percent of injectors in the country, offering the latest techniques and technology to deliver high-quality, natural-looking results to each of his patients.
Thinking about getting BOTOX but still have questions? Call our Delray Beach office at 561-692-6424 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Feinstein to discuss your specific goals.
