Common Areas for Botox Injections
Botox injections are one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the world, and for good reason. They are a noninvasive procedure used to treat dynamic fine lines and wrinkles created from repetitive facial movements and contractions. By essentially “freezing” the muscles responsible for these movements, Botox can prevent the formation and worsening of fine lines and smooth the skin in the area. With little to no downtime or side effects, Botox injections are perfect for reversing signs of aging and creating a refreshed, youthful look. Dr. Green was one of the first providers in New York City to use Botox to treat dynamic fine lines and wrinkles, and she artfully injects it into targeted muscles to provide facial rejuvenation for her patients.
Botox injections can be administered in many different areas to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Three popular areas for Botox injections include the forehead to treat horizontal lines, between the eyebrows to treat glabellar or frown lines, and around the eyes to treat crows feet or smile lines. Providers often use Botox off-label to treat fine lines and creases in the lips, neck, and chin. Additionally, Botox injections are commonly used to treat medical conditions such as TMJ and hyperhidrosis. Dr. Green will work with you to choose the area for your Botox injections that best suits your skin concerns and desired aesthetic goals.
Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist with over 25 years of experience treating patients with Botox injections. From Botox, dermal fillers, and laser treatments to skincare recommendations, Dr. Green has been providing her patients with the most innovative procedures for total facial rejuvenation. Due to her expertise and dedication to her patients, she is consistently voted as a top NYC provider by Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, New York Magazine, and The New York Times. When you consult with Dr. Green in her private Upper East Side dermatology office, she will assess your skin concerns and facial anatomy to create a tailored Botox treatment plan for beautiful, natural-looking results that last.
What are Botox injections?
Botox injections are a non-invasive, cosmetic procedure that uses Botox to relax targeted muscles. Botox, or onabotulinumtoxinA, is a neurotoxin derived from botulinum toxin and is used to treat dynamic fine lines and wrinkles caused by repeated muscle movements and facial expressions. Botox inhibits the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in muscle contractions. When injected, Botox “freezes” the target muscle, causing temporary muscle paralysis to smooth the skin and prevent lines and creases from becoming deeper. The full effects of Botox injections are noticeable two weeks after the injections and last for about three to four months. Patients commonly undergo maintenance treatment sessions to keep up with the Botox results for a long-lasting, smooth, youthful appearance.
Where is the most common site of Botox injections?
Botox injections are FDA-approved to treat fine lines and wrinkles in the forehead, glabella (between the eyebrows), and around the eyes. However, providers commonly use it off-label in other areas of the face for complete facial rejuvenation. Common treatment areas for Botox injections include the lips, jawline, and neck. If you are interested in having Botox injections, it is essential to consult with a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green, to ensure that your Botox treatment is safe and effective.
Horizontal Forehead Lines
Horizontal forehead lines are one of the most common areas for Botox injections. These horizontal lines are caused by forehead wrinkling and often make individuals look more worried or stressed than they truly are. Botox injections into the forehead can smooth out these forehead wrinkles for a more relaxed, rejuvenated appearance. A small amount of Botox can also be injected above the lateral portion of the eyebrow to raise droopy brows and provide a slight brow lift.
Frown lines (Glabellar Lines)
Frown lines, or glabellar lines, are the deep furrows that form between the eyebrows. Occasionally called “11” lines due to their shape, these lines can make one seem like they are constantly angry or scowling. Botox can be injected into the corrugator muscle, a facial muscle that pulls the eyebrows down, to smooth the skin and reduce frown lines.
Corners of the Eyes (Crows Feet)
“Crow’s Feet” is the name given to the dynamic lines that show at the corners of your eyes when frowning, squinting, or smiling. Over time, as a person ages, the elastin and collagen in the skin lose their elasticity, and this causes wrinkles. The good news is that Crow’s Feet can be treated with Botox – which, in fact, is currently the only treatment option that the FDA has approved as a temporary solution for this area. Botox will reduce these wrinkles around the eyes for up to 4 months.
Non-Surgical Jaw Reduction (Masseters)
One area that some individuals are concerned about is a square or rounded jawline. Both men and women occasionally look for a way to treat this area and to make their faces look a little more V-shaped. The good news is that Botox can be used to make this problem area appear slimmer. Although the effects are temporary, it does offer a fantastic alternative for those who wish to avoid a surgical procedure. This procedure is known as Botox square jaw reduction or “Botox Masseter reduction,” and it targets the masseter muscles on the side of the jawline.
Upper Lip (Lip Flip, Smoker’s Lines, Gummy Smile)
Botox can be injected into the upper lip to create a “lip flip” and make the lips appear fuller. To do so, an expert injector such as Dr. Green will inject the Botox near Cupid’s bow into the orbicularis oris muscle, which is connected to the upper lip. Once the muscle relaxes, the upper lip can curl outwards and appear larger with a more defined shape. While the Botox lip flip does not add volume to the lips, it can enhance the results of dermal fillers. Botox can also be injected into the upper lip to decrease the appearance of smoker’s lines or vertical lines on the upper lip that form due to puckering.
A gummy smile is characterized by excessive gum tissue visible when smiling. Gummy smiles can make individuals feel self-conscious about their smiles— luckily, Botox injections can help! Botox can be injected into the elevator muscles of the upper lip to limit how high it raises when smiling. After the Botox injections take effect, patients will be able to smile without any excess gum tissue showing.
Visible Platysmal Neck Bands (Nefertiti Lift)
Many people are also concerned about how their neck looks, as with age, some sagging, wrinkles, and lines can appear. Botox can be injected into the platysma bands to treat an aging neck and prevent the neck muscles from appearing aged and strained. Botox injections in the platysma bands are often referred to as a “Nefertiti Lift” due to their ability to reduce fine lines and wrinkles in the area and produce a lifting, rejuvenating effect. Botox injections are often used in combination with other cosmetic procedures to rejuvenate the neck fully. Kybella injections or CoolSculpting may be used to reduce fat under the chin/neck area, and Thermage can be used to tighten loose, sagging skin. During your consultation with Dr. Green, she will assess your specific facial anatomy and skin concerns to create a customized treatment protocol for your desired neck rejuvenation.
Chin
Some individuals begin to develop chin wrinkles that appear as dimpling in the skin. This dimpling is commonly referred to as the Peau d’orange of the chin due to its resemblance to the texture of an orange peel. Botox injections into the mentalis muscle of the chin can effectively reduce contractions of this muscle and minimize the appearance of chin dimples and wrinkles.
Corners of Mouth for Downturned Mouth (DAO)
Botox can be injected into the corners of the mouth to lift the angles and fix the appearance of a downturned mouth. It is injected into the depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle, the muscle that pulls the corners of the mouth down. DAO Botox can improve the appearance of a depressed-looking smile, improve facial symmetry, and treat fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth. DAO Botox can also help reduce the appearance of marionette lines or the vertical lines that run between the mouth and chin.
Top of Nose (Bunny Lines)
Bunny lines are nasal wrinkles stretching from the bridge of the nose to the lower eyelid. These lines form when the nose is scrunched upwards, typically during facial movements such as laughing, smiling, and squinting. The nasalis muscle, located around the nose, wrinkles the skin around the nose when contracted. Botox injections in the nasalis muscle should be performed by an expert injector like Dr. Michele Green, as an inexperienced injector can cause the nasalis muscle to contract more and result in increased nasal lines.
Underarms for Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating that is not caused by anxiety, exercise, heat, or stress. Unfortunately, many individuals do not find relief with prescription medications and suffer from feelings of wetness, damp clothing, and visible sweat stains. Botox injections have been successfully used to curb excessive sweating with little to no downtime or side effects. When injected under the arms, Botox disrupts the nerves responsible for overstimulating sweat glands to decrease sweat production. Botox can also be injected in the palms of the hands and the foot’s surface to reduce hyperhidrosis.
What are the best uses of Botox?
There is no one “best use” for Botox, as it is a multifaceted cosmetic treatment that can be used to treat many different signs of aging and medical conditions. The most common areas for Botox tend to be on the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the eyes, as these areas can very quickly develop dynamic wrinkles and fine lines from repetitive facial movements. However, the best use of Botox for you will depend on your specific skin and medical concerns. Botox is an incredibly effective treatment for minimizing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, as well as treating conditions such as TMJ, hyperhidrosis, and migraines. When you consult with Dr. Green in her private NYC dermatology office, she will work with you to create a Botox treatment plan based on your specific concerns and desired aesthetic results.
How common are Botox side effects?
Few side effects are associated with Botox injections, especially when performed by an experienced injector such as Dr. Michele Green. Common side effects include mild swelling, redness, and bruising at the injection sites that resolve on their own within one to two weeks from the procedure. Patients prone to bruising can use an herbal supplement called Arnika Forte to prevent bruises from forming and heal any existing bruises faster. Dr. Green also recommends discontinuing NSAIDs such as Advil, Ibuprofen, and Motrin, blood thinners, vitamin E, and fish oil supplements, as these can increase the risk of developing bruises.
Less common side effects of Botox include drooping eyelid, double or blurred vision, dry eyes, and headache. Severe and rare side effects include muscle weakness, trouble breathing, neck pain, bladder incontinence, and paralysis. While Botox injections may be cheaper at a MedSpa, it is essential to have them performed by a plastic surgeon or board-certified dermatologist such as Dr. Green, who has the expertise and training to administer Botox injections safely and effectively without any adverse side effects.
How fast does Botox work?
While results can vary from patient to patient, you may begin to feel the effects of the Botox one week after the procedure. It will take two weeks to see the full effects of Botox injections in the treatment area.
How long does Botox last?
Typically, Botox lasts for three to four months in the treatment area before any touch-up is needed. Patients typically undergo regular maintenance sessions with Dr. Green to keep the muscles in the treatment area relaxed. In some cases, patients find that engaging in regular treatment sessions allows their Botox injections to last even longer. If you find that the effects from your Botox treatment are not lasting for as long as they used to, you may have developed antibodies against Botox. If this occurs, consult with Dr. Green, as this issue can be resolved easily by switching to a Botox alternative such as Xeomin or Dysport.
What should I do after Botox injections?
After Botox, patients can return to work without any downtime. Mild swelling may occur after the injection procedure, and Dr. Green will apply an ice pack to the treatment area to minimize this. Patients should refrain from strenuous exercise, excessive heat exposure (including hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms), blood thinners, and facials. Some treatment areas will have additional post-care instructions, which Dr. Green will provide during your consultation in her private NYC dermatology office.
How to get started with Botox treatment today
Botox is a gold-standard cosmetic treatment that “freezes” muscles, relaxing them to treat and prevent the formation of dynamic fine lines and wrinkles. Botox can be injected in a multitude of facial areas, such as the forehead, between the eyebrows, the corners of the eyes, the upper lip, and the neck, to address signs of aging. Botox can also be injected under the arms to treat hyperhidrosis and the masseter muscle along the jawline to treat TMJ pain. Botox injections are quick, effective, and require little to no side effects or downtime, making them one of the most popular non-invasive cosmetic treatments in the world. Dr. Green was one of the first physicians in New York to offer Botox injections to her patients and is known for providing the “best Botox in New York City.”
Dr. Green is a world-renowned, board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of treating the world’s most discerning men and women with innovative, non-invasive cosmetic procedures, including Botox injections, laser treatments, Microneedling, and dermal fillers. She is consistently rated as a top dermatologist in NYC due to her expertise and dedication to her patients by Castle Connolly and New York Magazine. Dr. Green often employs a holistic philosophy to cosmetic dermatology, using a “less-is-more” approach for a natural, rejuvenated appearance. Whether it’s forehead lines, frown lines, a downturned smile, neck bands, or TMJ, Dr. Green will work with you to create a customized Botox treatment plan to provide you with a beautiful, youthful look with results that last. For more information or to book an appointment with Dr. Green, contact us online or call our NYC based office at 212 535 3088