The Many Types of Wrinkles That Botox Can Treat
Botox has become a household name in the world of cosmetic procedures. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Botox is the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment in the United States, with over 7 million treatments performed in 2020 alone. This trend has been on the rise for the past decade, with an astounding 878% increase in the number of procedures performed since the year 2000.
Traditionally, Botox has been used primarily to treat glabellar lines, the vertical wrinkles or “elevens” between the eyebrows that can make a person appear angry or stressed. However, in recent years, Botox has been approved by the FDA for several new aesthetic uses.
One of the most popular new uses of Botox is the treatment of horizontal forehead wrinkles, which make a person appear older or more tired than they actually are. Another new use of Botox is for the treatment of “crow’s feet,” the wrinkles that form around the eyes when a person smiles or squints. Botox can also be used to lift the corners of the mouth and smooth out wrinkles around the lips, creating a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
One other interesting trend in recent years has been the increasing popularity of Botox among men. While women still make up the majority of Botox patients, the number of men seeking the treatment has grown significantly. In fact, the number of men receiving Botox treatments has increased by 315% since the year 2000.
In this article the Botox experts at Aurora Medi Spa in Birmingham, MI discuss the many new uses of Botox.
Botox for Horizontal Forehead Lines
While Botox (Botulinum toxin) is not yet FDA-approved for treating horizontal forehead lines, it can still be used off-label very effectively for this purpose. These lines are caused by the repeated contraction of the frontalis muscle in the forehead, which lifts the eyebrows and creates horizontal lines on the forehead. Botox works by temporarily relaxing this muscle, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and lines on the forehead.
During a Botox treatment for horizontal forehead lines, small amounts of Botox are injected into several points on the frontalis muscle using a thin needle. This helps to weaken the muscle and reduce its ability to create wrinkles on the forehead. Results can be seen within a few days, and they typically last for several months before the muscle starts to regain its ability to contract and form wrinkles again.
This is different than the use of dermal fillers, which are typically used to treat forehead lines caused by a loss of volume or elasticity in the skin – often seen in older patients or those who have experienced significant weight loss. Dermal fillers work by adding volume to the skin, which helps to smooth out wrinkles and lines, while Botox addresses the muscle contractions that cause wrinkles.
Botox for Crows’ Feet
Botox was approved by the FDA in 2013 for the treatment of moderate to severe lateral canthal lines, commonly known as crows’ feet. Botox has since become a popular treatment for crows’ feet, and many people choose it as a non-invasive alternative to surgical procedures like blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery).
The muscles responsible for crows’ feet, or the wrinkles that form at the outer corners of the eyes, are the orbicularis oculi muscles, which are located around the eye. Botox works by blocking the release of acetylcholine, a chemical responsible for muscle contractions.
When injected into specific facial muscles (like those that cause “crows’ feet”) Botox can temporarily paralyze them, resulting in a smoother appearance of wrinkles and lines caused by muscle activity. The effects of Botox on crows’ feet can last up to six months.
Botox for Lips
A Botox lip flip is a cosmetic procedure that involves injecting a small amount of Botox into the muscles above the upper lip to relax them, causing the lip to flip slightly upward and outward. This results in a fuller and more defined appearance of the lips without adding volume, as with traditional lip fillers.
While Botox lip flips are not currently FDA approved for this specific use, it is considered a safe and effective off-label use. The procedure is minimally invasive and involves injecting a small amount of Botox into the upper lip muscles. The effects typically last up to four months, after which the procedure can be repeated if desired.
The Botox lip flip is different from lip fillers in that it does not add volume to the lips but instead enhances the natural shape of the lips by relaxing the muscles around the mouth. Lip fillers, on the other hand, involve injecting a substance such as hyaluronic acid or collagen to add volume to the lips. Both procedures can also be used together to achieve a more comprehensive lip enhancement.
Botox | Birmingham, MI
When administered by an experienced, certified injector like the aesthetic practitioners at Aurora MediSpa in Birmingham, MI Botox has several wrinkle reducing, ant-aging and appearance improving uses.
Aurora Medi Spa in Birmingham, MI is a top-tier medical spa that offers the highest level of expertise in Botox injections. Our team of highly skilled and trained medical professionals, provides personalized care and tailored treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each patient.
The staff at Aurora Medi Spa in Birmingham, MI utilizes the latest techniques and technologies to ensure that patients receive safe and effective Botox treatments, without discomfort and downtime. If you live in the greater Birmingham, MI area and you are looking for an experienced and trusted provider for Botox treatments, Aurora Medi Spa is the perfect destination for you!