Know before you go: The areas Botox is proven to treat
Are you interested in getting Botox but not sure where you want to get it or for what area? There are so many different places you can get botox for so many reasons.
Where can be Botox be injected?
Botox is most commonly injected in the face – around the forehead and to treat gummy smiles.
Around The Face
Correction of glabellar lines
Nobody likes wrinkles, but we can’t escape them. That’s why some may get botox. For example, want to get rid of frown lines? They are referred to as glabellar lines, the smooth area on the forehead in between the eyebrows. These muscles, as well as the forehead frontalis muscles above the brows, are constantly being used to express emotions. As a result of that, they are one of the first facial features to show signs of aging. Since they are the most difficult to hide, they are one of the most common areas to be treated with Botox. Over time, the constant crunching and flexing of these muscles can generate a tired or angry look on someone’s face. Even though they are very apparent, they only need small doses of Botox to fully correct. Botox in this area lasts about 3-4 months, after which the medication will slowly wear off in the treated area, causing it to revert back to its prior appearance, so regular Botox injections are always recommended to sustain improvements.
Correction of crow’s feet
Droopy skin under the eyebrows is also another area of the face people treat with Botox to improve. While wrinkles may not be a concern in this area, sagging is. The skin in this area slowly loses its elasticity as we age, which causes the muscles to pull down and create the appearance of heavy or droopy eyebrows. Crow’s feet, the characteristic wrinkles directly on the sides of the eyes due to smiling, is another area people enjoy treating with Botox. These are small, fine lines that extend from the corners of your eyes when you laugh or smile. Botox injections work exceptionally well in easing their appearance, giving you a youthful, well-rested look.
Correction of lip lines
Lip lines are another area that forms directly above the upper lip and below the bottom lip. Botox temporarily relaxes part of the muscle over the upper lip, causing the lip to roll slightly upward so it appears more voluminous and defined. This is called the lip flip. The muscle relaxation can also help smooth vertical lines around the lips. Gummy smiles can also be corrected with Botox in this area using the same logic. There are typically three different reasons for a gummy smile. First, a hyperactive muscle in your upper lip can cause the lip to lift higher than average, causing more of your gum tissue to be visible. Secondly, certain ways in which the upper jaw bone develops, like a bulging upper jaw with gum tissue. Lastly, genetic factors such as shorter than average teeth, a small upper lip, or extra gum tissue.
Around the Armpits
Under the arms (armpits) also known as Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) is also another area very frequently treated with Botox. This is a treatment some patients may opt into if they have overactive sweat glands in the armpit, with little improvement from over-the-counter antiperspirants. Botox works by blocking a chemical in the body that activates the sweat glands. As Botox treatment can shut down sweat glands, it can also reduce foul odors caused by sweat when it interacts with natural bacteria on the surface of the skin. There is unfortunately no cure for hyperhidrosis, but with Botox, long-lasting help is available.
Around the Jaw
Some people also get botox in their jaw. Botox is an effective treatment for Bruxism (teeth grinding), or TMJ. It works by weakening the muscles responsible for the tension along the jaw. This weakening of the masseter muscle along the jaw prevents the tension in the facial muscles that is responsible for the pain and damage caused by bruxism. It can also help to slim the jawline, for some female patients who would like to have a more feminine appearance.
Planning a Botox Appointment?
In conclusion, Botox is a popular cosmetic treatment that is used to temporarily reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines caused by muscle movement. It is FDA-approved for various indications such as frown lines, crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles, bunny lines, gummy smile, facial asymmetry, excessive sweating, and migraines. However, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before getting Botox to ensure it is safe and appropriate for you.
Call us at (212) 444-8204 to contact our office to schedule an appointment. Dr. Akhavan is an internationally recognized, top dermatologist that has been a NY Top Doctors since 2014.
Arash Akhavan, MD is founder and owner of The Dermatology and Laser Group, one of the top centers for cosmetic procedures in New York City for over a decade. Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD is a Board Certified Dermatologist and an Associate Professor at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Akhavan is a Castle Connolly Top Doc, New York Magazine Best Doctor, and Super Doctor featured in The New York Times. Dr. Akhavan is a key opinion leader that has been featured on hundreds of media publications including The New York Times, Allure, Marie Claire, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, ABC News, Fox News, Fox 5, NY1, WPIX, and more. He has been featured on nationally syndicated television programs such as The Doctors.
Dr. Akhavan serves as an educator and lecturer for multiple aesthetic device and injectable companies. This allows his office access to newer technologies at an earlier date than other offices, as well as a higher level of expertise in the use of these devices. This, in turn, translates to more effective and safer treatments for our patients.
