Are you the only one in your group of friends with droopy eyelids, forehead wrinkles, and lines extending from the corner of your eyes? Well, ask your wrinkle-free friends, and they will surely tell you a thing or two about Botox ®.
Most Americans know that Botox ® is one of the best, immediate, and practical solutions to wrinkles and fine lines. According to the latest National Plastic Surgery Statistics, Americans have undergone 4.4 million Botox ® procedures in 2020 alone. This data shows that they believe in the efficiency of this injectable in treating wrinkles and fine lines.
What does Botox exactly do?
Fine lines result from constant squinting of the eyes, frowning, and raising the eyebrows, which cause the skin to fold. In addition to these factors, stress-causing free radicals and loss of muscle elasticity are also factors. To make these lines go away, Botox ® intervenes subdermally.
Botox ® is a cosmetic injectable that reduces the muscular activity of the muscles responsible for the fine lines. It temporarily relaxes these muscles so they will not contract whenever you squint your eyes, frown, or raise your eyebrows.
In case you are not aware, Botox ® is short for Botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin isolated from the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. It became controversial, especially in the early years of its discovery, yet notable because it was the first microbial injection discovered to treat diseases.
After numerous studies and applications, Botox ® has now gained its reputation as one of the safest and effective ways to remove wrinkles, as well as treat other diseases.
In what areas is it injected commonly?
Based on research and SA Flawless data on Botox ® procedures, these are the areas where Botox ® is injected commonly:
- Frown Lines
Also known as forehead wrinkles, this must be the most common site where injectables are filled.
Whenever we are stressed, we tend to frown, thus the formation of the frown lines. These lines occur naturally and are one of the early signs of aging. Therefore, a high volume of customers decides to have this treated first.
The treatment is just simple for the frown lines. It only takes one visit and with no anesthesia. Then you will be wrinkle-free for the next six months.
- Crow’s feet
This area, called the crow’s feet, is the area in the corners of the eyes. These lines resemble a crow’s feet that stem from the corner of the eyes, hence the name. These usually appear as a sign of aging, and of course, constant muscle use (e.g., smiling).
- ‘11’ Lines
Remember when you are angry, and see two lines in the shape of the number ‘11’ between your eyebrows? These are called the ‘11’ lines.
Botox ® fillers smoothen out these lines to reveal a more youthful face that is wrinkle-free.
While there are other areas where Botox ® or fillers can be injected, these three are the most common. These areas are the ones that need attention because they are the most noticeable, the first ones to appear, and the more visible indications of aging.
Off-Label Botox Injections sites
Moreover, there are other areas where Botox ® is injected. Although not as common as the first three. It is because these areas are “off-label.”
Off-label means that the FDA has not yet issued guidelines on doing Botox ® or fillers in these areas. These areas are:
- Bunny Lines
Whenever you crinkle your nose, lines on either side of it start to form. They start from the bridge of your nose until the lower eyelids.
Having an experienced doctor do this procedure would be an excellent step to ensure that essential muscles around the area are not affected negatively.
- Perioral Lines
Also known as the smoker’s lines, these lines appear when you purse your lips. You do not need to be a smoker to have these lines because they appear as a sign of aging and lost muscle elasticity.
Moreover, a small amount of Botox ® shot can treat these perioral lines.
- Mouth Corners and Marionette Lines
Mouth corner lines appear along with mouth drooping. At the same time, Marionette lines are lines that extend from mouth corners towards the jaw. Although Botox ® in small amounts can help treat these lines, what makes procedures in this area difficult is the interplay of muscles in the lower part of the face.
Thus, it is recommended that the doctor who does this is very familiar with the procedure and has had successful results before your visit.
- Neck Cords
Also known as neck bands, these refer to sagging skin in your neck area. It happens when the platysma muscles in your neck start to droop. With the help of Botox ® injectables, the muscles in your jawline will relax, creating a neck lift effect.
- Droopy Eyelids and Sagging Eyebrows
Droopy eyelids usually accompany this problem of sagging eyebrows. So, when treating this area, Botox ® is injected, and fillers are combined with it to further the lift.
Ophthalmologists may do a Botox ® procedure in this area because they are well-versed with the anatomy of the eyes. Finding a doctor specialized in this area is essential to avoid a worsened condition.
Applications of Botox for medical reasons
Although Botox ® is mainly seen as a cosmetic injectable, other people also use Botox ® for medical reasons. Examples of conditions that Botox ® can help treat are:
- Blepharospasm (uncontrollable blinking)
- Strabismus (eyes pointing in different directions)
- Hyperhidrosis (severe sweating of underarms)
- Cervical Dystonia (brain and nerve disorder causing painful muscles spasms on the shoulder and the neck)
- Overactive Bladder
- Chronic Migraine
Whether you currently have fine lines in the most common areas or have some of them in the more uncommon ones, injecting Botox ® in these areas is obviously a good option. After all, researchers have already proved the efficiency of Botox ® as a cosmetic injectable.
But, if you are starting to worry about your wrinkles being more visible, you can consult with an expert at Flawless Laser & Med Spa.
If you are thinking of getting Botox ® injected in these areas, we can surely help you wander in this youthful journey. As feminist Betty Friedan quoted, “Aging is not lost youth, but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” Let us do the work of making you age gracefully.
