Five Things You Didn’t Know About BOTOX®

Almost everyone has heard about the neuromodulator BOTOX® and how it can smooth out troublesome dynamic wrinkles, such as the “11”s between the eyes, forehead creases, crow’s feet, and dimples. But because it’s been around for so long and subjected to various misconceptions, many people associate BOTOX treatment with an expressionless, frozen-looking face. However, in the hands of an expert practitioner who uses very fine needles and understands the skin’s underlying musculature, BOTOX can rejuvenate your face quickly, easily, and naturally.

Unexpected Ways to Use BOTOX

As a dermatologist at the Washington, DC, clinic MI Skin Dermatology Center, my experienced dermatology team and I know that misunderstandings can prevent people from seeking the treatment that is right for them. As such, the following five things you didn’t know about BOTOX can help you better understand how this time-tested treatment can get you the look you have always wanted.

1. Smooths Wrinkles Without “Freezing” Expressions

Photos of celebrities who have had so much “work” done on their faces that they can no longer smile or frown have given an erroneous impression that BOTOX treatment “freezes” muscles and prohibits expression. Such poor results, however, are due to the lack of skill and knowledge of the practitioner, not BOTOX itself.

A board-certified dermatologist with expertise in using BOTOX as a wrinkle treatment uses very fine needles for BOTOX injections and injects only those areas of the muscle that affect the targeted wrinkle. The amount that is delivered must be sufficient to relax the muscle without completely inhibiting its mobility. In this way, you can continue to make natural facial expressions such as giving a smile without reinforcing the wrinkle.

How will you know if your BOTOX treatment was performed correctly? Because people may notice that you look “better” or “more rested” but will not be able to put their finger on why that is or be able to tell you’ve had any “work” done at all! You can see some of my patients’ results in my before-and-after photo gallery to get an idea of the types of results BOTOX can achieve.

You’ll notice that frown lines are resolved, forehead wrinkles are reduced, and an overall youthful appearance is achieved.

2. Create a Mini Brow Lift

In addition to wrinkles, another troubling sign of aging is sagging skin. This can be particularly noticeable around the eyes and on the neck, where the skin is thinnest and not supported by fat or muscle.

Drooping eyelids not only make you look older, they can make you look sleepy too. The eyes are usually the first place we look when we meet someone new and form first impressions. Ideally, you want your eyes to convey the energy of someone who is engaged and lively when you smile, not worn out or depleted.

Plastic surgery, such as blepharoplasty, is one option to remedy droopy eyelids. But if you are not ready for surgery and your skin has minimal sagging, BOTOX treatment might be a solution.

By injecting BOTOX judiciously into the forehead, the muscles that pull the skin upwards are allowed to function as normal, while the muscles that pull the brows downward are relaxed sufficiently to the point that they cannot cause drooping or sagging. Thus, a dermatologist can create a mini “brow lift” without the need for surgery, encouraging the forehead muscles themselves to lift the eyebrows and the eyelid skin.

A BOTOX brow lift can give you a more alert and bright-eyed look with minimal downtime. The lift is subtle, however, so it is only an appropriate treatment for someone who has minimal sagging and drooping. As with all procedures, brow lift results vary by individual.

3. Improve Your Smile

A warm and open smile suggests friendliness and openness. If you are not confident in your smile, you are giving people a false impression of your personality and intentions.

Even if your teeth are sparkling white, if you have what’s called a “gummy” smile, it can lead to self-consciousness and perceived shyness. Orthodontists often suggest surgery, including laser surgery, to remove the gum and reveal more of the teeth. However, there is a nonsurgical alternative.

By injecting BOTOX into the upper lip, a dermatologist can prevent the lip from rising too far in a smile. When done well, BOTOX treatment will leave you with a bright and open smile that allows you to flash your pearly whites while revealing just a hint of the gum line.

4. Slim Your Jawline

If you have a heavy jawline owing to pronounced masseter muscles, your dermatologist can use BOTOX to relax them, preventing their bulking and allowing your face to look slimmer whether or not you smile. Your dermatologist will inject sufficient BOTOX treatment into each masseter so that they will begin to atrophy from limited use. Depending on the size of your masseters, you may need several treatments to get the results you want.

5. Results Last for Months

Each individual has a unique metabolism; therefore, how long a BOTOX treatment lasts can vary widely. However, most patients report good continued results for up to three to four months. Some treatments can last up to six months. The cost of a BOTOX treatment will also vary, as different procedures require different amounts of the neuromodulator and each practitioner may slightly vary the price.

Find Expert BOTOX Treatment Today

Delivered properly and expertly by a board-certified dermatologist, BOTOX can rejuvenate your face without surgery, downtime, or significant side effects, leaving you with a natural, youthful, and expressive face. You can use BOTOX treatment to smooth wrinkles, lift your brows, slim your jawline, and prevent a gummy smile. You can even use it to stop excessive sweating. As with all procedures, individual results will vary. You can learn more about cosmetic BOTOX and what it can uniquely do for your individual needs. Call Dr. Melda Isaac and the team at MI Skin Dermatology Center at (202) 393-7546 or request a consultation online.