Botox… So Much More Than Just a Wrinkle Relaxer

Botox… So Much More Than Just a Wrinkle Relaxer

Most people use neuromodulators such as Botox®, Dysport®, and Xeomin® to reduce the wrinkles created by the motion of squinting and smiling (crow’s feet), scowling (elevens), and forehead lines from raising your eyebrows. Lines and wrinkles become more and more permanent as repetitive motion breaks down collagen in the crease and our bodies do not replace the collagen fast enough, which unfortunately begins to happen as we age. Neuromodulators work by turning off the nerve signal to your muscle so they can no longer move.

Wrinkles aren’t the only thing neuromodulators can improve. In fact, there are some pretty cool things a skilled injector can do with neuromodulators to help you look, and even feel, better.

Here are 10 more ways to use Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin:

Resting Bitch Face. There’s nothing more annoying than when some random person says “smile!” and you’re like “I am smiling”. A downturned smile can make people think you’re sad or angry all the time, and that sucks. This could be hereditary or maybe you’ve lost some volume around the corners of the mouth. Neuromodulators can help by not allowing the Depressor Anguli Ori (DAO) from pulling the corners of your mouth down.

Turkey Neck. Those long ropey muscles that go vertically down your neck are called Platysmal Bands. Over time these bands can create loose skin on your neck, which really gives away your age. They also pull on your jawline and can contribute to jowling. The procedure to soften these bands is often called the Nefertiti or Cleopatra neck lift and creates a firmer jawline and smoother neck.

This must be done by a highly trained and experienced injector as this can affect the muscles that are needed for swallowing and speech.

Smoker’s Lines. You don’t have to be a smoker to get vertical lines around your lips. Drinking from straws, whistling, blowing kisses, can also cause the puckering that causes lip lines. Unfortunately, some people just naturally get more than others. A few units around the mouth can soften these lines but be warned smokers you may not be able to get your lips around a cigarette after the treatment. What a great way to quit smoking!

Up-turning a down-turned nose. If you don’t like the way your nose looks in pictures or think you would look a little cuter with a perky nose, a few units under the nose can keep your nose from being pulled down when you talk and smile.

TMJ or Bruxism. People who grind and clench their teeth, also called bruxism, or who just hold a lot of tension in their jaw can develop pain in the jaw, headaches, and damage their teeth. Neuromodulators help relax the masseter muscles so this cannot happen.

Facial Slimming. Clenching can cause enlarged masseter muscles, but some people have naturally large masseters which can cause a squaring of the lower face. Currently facial slimming is in vogue especially in the Asian community. It can turn a square or round face into an oval or a heart.

Enlarged Pores. Micro-Botox is a treatment that helps tighten and shrink enlarged pores. The neuromodulator is diluted to create very small doses per injection into the dermis.

Chin Dimpling. Chin dimpling begins to happen when we are constantly engaging our chin muscle. Over time this can create on “orange peel” appearance.

Gummy Smile. By putting a little neuromodulator in the muscles that lift the lips we can drop the lip to cover your gums when you smile.

Sweaty Pits.  Hyperhidrosis is when people excessively sweat. This can be a real problem for business execs and people you need to be in public eye. The treatment, which takes 50 units per armpit, works by blocking the nerves that activate your sweat glands. It’s the perfect treatment for summer and will last the whole season.

If you are interested in doing something that will make a real difference in your appearance, make an appointment by calling Zenestar Lifestyle Medicine and Aesthetics at (702) 987-0400 or book online here.