Some of us believe that laugh lines show that you’re a happier person and that crow’s feet can mean you smile a lot, but no one can deny that all lines, no matter where they are, indicate aging. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but if you think you look older than you feel, you might be ready for neuromodulators.
Of the injectable neuromodulators available, BOTOX is a favorite at our Rochester practice. In addition to BOTOX, we also offer Dysport® and Xeomin®, and all three use botulinum to smooth wrinkles.
If you’re curious about how to smooth forehead wrinkles, how to fix crow’s feet, or how BOTOX can help with more than just wrinkles, we have the answers. Use this guide to identify problem areas.
How Neurotoxins Work
These products are purified proteins that are injected into the muscles of facial expression. The protein works by blocking nerve impulses to the injected muscles, which reduces muscle activity that causes lines. Muscle activity is temporarily reduced, so your facial expressions will still be intact, without the resulting wrinkles and creases. Four problem areas, in particular, are perfect for wrinkle-smoothing injectables like BOTOX®.
The 11s Between Your Eyes
That small patch between your eyes, also known as the glabella, is where these lines form, making you look angry or worried.
Crow’s Feet
You know, those lines that radiate out from the corners of your eyes? The question of how to fix crow’s feet is a hot topic because these are some of the first wrinkles to form on a person’s face, and they can surface as early as your thirties. They’re most noticeable when you squint or smile, but over time, they can become permanently noticeable.
Horizontal Forehead Lines
These can be some of the most troubling lines, literally and figuratively. They are often the most noticeable on a person and are highlighted when you are worried, surprised, or angry.
BOTOX Brow Lift
Botox brow lift involves injecting neuromodulator into specific areas of the forehead and eyebrows to add a subtle lift to the brows. The procedure works by relaxing the muscles that pull the eyebrows down, allowing the muscles that lift the eyebrows to work more effectively. This results in a more open and youthful-looking appearance, with a subtle lifting effect on the brows.
Bunny Lines
Treating this area involves injecting BOTOX into the small wrinkles that appear on the sides of the nose when smiling or scrunching up the face, known as bunny lines. Some people don’t notice how prominent their bunny lines were until they’re erased.
Vertical Lip Lines
These lines, also known as smoker’s lines, form when you purse your lips together. Try it in the mirror, you’ll see. Don’t confuse wrinkle-smoothing around your lips with a treatment for plump, fuller lips; they’re not the same treatment. If you have vertical lip lines, especially between your upper lip and nose, wrinkle-smoothing is a must.
Gummy Smile
Injecting BOTOX into the muscles above the upper lip reduces the appearance of a “gummy” smile. A gummy smile is one in which a significant amount of the gums show when a person smiles, which can be caused by overactive muscles in the upper lip.
Masseter BOTOX
Masseter BOTOX refers to the use of neuromodulator injections in the large masseter muscles located at the back of the jaw, responsible for chewing and clenching. When injected into the masseter muscle, BOTOX weakens the muscle and causes it to shrink, resulting in a softer, less square-looking jawline. This treatment can also help to alleviate jaw pain and headaches that result from teeth grinding or clenching.
BOTOX: Popular Because It Works
Of minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures, wrinkle-smoothing through the use of BOTOX®, Dysport® or Xeomin® is by far the most popular and has grown exponentially in popularity over the past two decades. According to statistics from The Aesthetic Society, more than 3.6 million neurotoxin procedures were performed in 2021—up 40% from 2020.
Want to learn more about addressing the signs of aging with BOTOX and dermal fillers? Read our related blog post, the Ultimate Guide to Injectables.
For more information about how BOTOX at our Rochester, NY, practice can address your aging concerns, use our online form to request a consultation.
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