Common concerns and questions about Botox, cosmetic fillers, and other injectables

While you may have heard of Botox, dermal fillers, and other cosmetic injectables, you might not be sure what they are and how they work to provide non-surgical enhancement for the face. Botox is a medication that is formulated from a neurotoxin called botulinum toxin. In its purified form, Botox is perfectly safe for cosmetic use and has been approved by the FDA for treating various medical and aesthetic concerns.

Botox is commonly used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the forehead, around the eyes (specifically the crow’s feet), and glabellar lines between the eyebrows. It has also been used in other areas of medicine to treat conditions such as chronic migraines, excessive sweating, bladder and bowel disorders, and muscle spasms.

However, Botox can also be used for various other facial concerns. These include:

1. Gummy smiles. Botox injections into the upper lip weaken the muscles that raise the upper lip, reducing the appearance of what is known as a “gummy smile.”
2. Downturned mouth. Injecting Botox into the depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscles at the corners of your mouth can help lift drooping corners, creating a more youthful appearance.
3. Jawline contouring. Botox can be injected into the masseter muscles on either side of the jawline to weaken them and result in a slimmer, more defined jawline.
4. Neck wrinkles. Our team can also use Botox to smooth out neck wrinkles by injecting it into the platysma muscles on either side of the neck.

Botox is an FDA-approved treatment with a high safety record for over two decades. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some potential risks and side effects which are associated with Botox injections. These include:

• Bruising, redness, and mild swelling at the specific injection site
• Headache or flu-like symptoms
• Nausea
• Drooping of the eyelids or eyebrows
• Crooked smile or uneven facial expressions if injected incorrectly