By now, virtually everyone is familiar with the use of Botox to reduce horizontal forehead lines, frown lines between the eyebrows, and crow’s feet lines around the eyes. The treatment of these three areas with Botox accounts for the great majority of all of the Botox that is used for cosmetic purposes. The results from these treatments are uniformly good, which is why Botox treatments are the single most commonly performed cosmetic procedure in our country and worldwide.
However, you may not be aware that Botox can be used in many other areas on the face and neck to soften lines and relax muscles. The goal of these treatments is to produce a relaxed look to the face while preserving full movement. In this article we will review some of these more unusual cosmetic uses of Botox.
Eyebrow Injection – With age, the eyebrows start to droop. By injecting Botox into the eyebrow, the eyebrow can be elevated. The resulting “Botox brow lift” not only restores the eyebrow to a more youthful position, but it also opens up the upper eyelids.
Upper and Lower Lip Vertical Lines (Smoker’s Lines) – Very small quantities of Botox can be injected into the upper and lower lip to soften lines in these areas. Often, Botox is used in combination with collagen or Restylane to soften these lines.
Depressor Anguli Oris – The depressor anguli oris is the muscle responsible for turning down the corners of the mouth. This very unattractive facial feature can be significantly improved by injecting this muscle with Botox. Injecting the depressor anguli oris allows the corners of the mouth to turn in a more upward direction, producing a far more attractive appearance. This is one of Dr. Amerian’s favorite injections, and she regularly has this injection done on herself.
Gummy Smile – When some people smile, their upper lip elevates above their upper teeth, exposing their gums and producing an unattractive “gummy smile.” An injection of Botox into the upper lip can easily correct this.
Bunny Lines – “Bunny lines” are the lines that occur on the side of the nose when some people smile. They are quite unattractive, and can be easily treated with a small amount of Botox.
Chin – Many patients, especially when speaking, develop folds, creases, and wrinkling in their chin. Two injections of Botox into the chin can significantly improve the chin’s appearance.
Neck – An overactive neck muscle will result in vertical bands below the chin, known as “platysmal bands,” and horizontal wrinkles across the neck. Injection of Botox into the bands and wrinkles will soften the bands and significantly improve the wrinkles.
The next time you’re in the office getting Botox for your frown lines or crow’s feet, take advantage of the opportunity and speak with us about whether treatment of any of these other more unusual locations with Botox could further enhance your cosmetic result.
Disclaimer: The image above is intended to serve an aesthetic purpose only and is not meant to reflect the practice of our office in any way.
