Where to use Botox -You may be surprised!

Botox was the top nonsurgical cosmetic procedure worldwide in 2022, but did you know there are many other areas where botulinum injections can be used besides the upper face?  This article discusses where to use Botox and the conditions it can treat. But before discussing the places we can treat at Gilded Leaf, let’s discuss Botox in a little more detail. 

What is Botox?

Botulinum toxins are neurotoxins that interrupt nerve signals to muscles, preventing them from contracting or tensing up. While its effects are temporary, they can persist for several months. The choice of muscle injected varies depending on the primary area of concern, and multiple areas can be addressed in a single session.

However, there’s more to Botox than meets the eye, and you might be surprised to learn that we can also these injections to treat other conditions including excessive perspiration, teeth grinding and migraines. 

Where to use Botox – 8 places that can be treated by our aestheticians

The neck 

If you're seeking to counteract the visible effects of aging in your lower face, jaw, and neck, you might consider a procedure known as the Nefertiti Lift, inspired by the iconic Egyptian Queen Nefertiti renowned for her admired long neck and defined jawline.

The Nefertiti lift focuses on the platysma band of muscles, which extend vertically from the lower face to the collarbone. Botulinum toxin injections are administered to targeted areas of this muscle to:

• Diminish lines around the lower face
• Refine the texture of dimpled skin on the chin
• Minimize folds or sagging in the lower facial region
• Enhance symmetry of the lower face, jaw, and neck
• Reduce lines on the neck
• Define the jawline more prominently

The chin 

As we grow older, the mentalis muscles in the chin tend to become hyperactive, leading to a dimpled and puckered appearance (often referred to as ‘orange peel skin’). While the presence of a dimpled texture on your chin typically isn't medically concerning, it might lead to self-consciousness or make you feel older than your actual age. Injecting botulinum toxin into this area can relax these muscles, effectively smoothing and diminishing the overall dimpled effect.

The corners of the mouth 

The positioning of your mouth corners plays a crucial role in your overall appearance. Nobody wants to appear grumpy, especially when feeling youthful and vibrant. The natural drooping of mouth corners is a common aspect of aging, affecting both men and women. As the skin around the mouth area becomes more delicate and experiences volume loss, the corners tend to sag slightly.

Botulinum toxin injections can target the depressor muscles around the mouth to address downturned corners. This procedure lifts the corners of the mouth, creating a more neutral resting expression rather than the previous negative one.

Gummy smile

The term ‘gummy smile’ describes a smile in which an abundance of gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth. This can divert attention from the lips and teeth, creating an illusion of smaller-than-normal teeth. If you feel self-conscious about your gums showing when you smile, the good news is it can be easily treated with Botox injections. 

By administering a small dose of botulinum toxin at both sides of the nostril and nose-to-mouth lines, the muscles' response is weakened. Within 5-7 days, you’ll notice an elevated smile with less gum exposure, enhancing your confidence in smiling freely.

The jaw 

Administering injections into the masseter muscle, which is pivotal in chewing, clenching, and grinding, can address various concerns. For individuals experiencing symptoms of TMJ disorder, Botox proves effective in easing tense jaw muscles and reducing associated pain. While it's commonly suggested as a supplementary therapy alongside other TMJ disorder treatments, Botox alone may suffice for addressing specific symptoms. These injections not only relieve jaw pain associated with tooth grinding and clenching but also achieve the desired outcome of refining the jawline, particularly for individuals seeking a more feminine contour.

The armpits

If you constantly find yourself sweating profusely for no particular reason and are fed up with underarm deodorants that just don’t work, then Botox injections could be a real game-changer. 

Botox, known for its wrinkle-smoothing effects, is also effective in reducing armpit sweat by 82% to 87%, with dryness typically lasting 3 to 12 months. Additionally, it diminishes body odor by eliminating the warm, moist environment which bacteria thrive in. However, while underarm Botox reduces excessive sweating, it may not entirely eliminate the need for deodorant or antiperspirant. 

The lips

The lips too can benefit from botulinum toxin injections in several areas. Firstly, injections near the lip border can relax the upper lip muscle, creating a fuller and more visible upper lip, enhancing its plumpness while maintaining a natural appearance.

Secondly, these injections can target the reduction of vertical lines extending from the upper lip towards the nose, commonly known as ‘Smoker's Lines.’ These lines are prevalent among individuals who frequently pucker or purse their lips. By relaxing the muscles involved in this action, the appearance of these lines can be diminished

The nose

Nasal lines, known as Bunny Lines, are formed on the sides of the nose when smiling or scrunching it. These lines can deepen in individuals who are particularly expressive when speaking. Botulinum toxin injections offer an effective solution to minimize their appearance and provide a subtle lift to the eye area.

So there you have it – where to use Botox in places you may not have known.

Interested in Botox injections?

If you’re interested in any of the above treatment the why not schedule a consultation with the experienced team at Gilded Leaf MedSpa. We will assess your needs and discuss your goals to determine if Botox is the right treatment for you.