Botox Cosmetic© is the brand name of a drug in a class called neuromodulators, which include the brands Xeomin©, Jeuveau©, Dysport©, and Daxxify©. At Potomac Plastic Surgery, we refer to neuromodulators as relaxers as the drugs relax the treated muscle.
Relaxers are primarily known for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the face. However, the application of botulinum toxins extend beyond these commonly known facial treatments. Botox injections are used for a variety of elective or cosmetic purposes throughout the body by plastic surgeons and dermatologists.
Results with relaxer injections are temporary. Result duration will vary among patients. Most patients come three to four times a year for relaxer treatment.
Facial Botox
The most common and well-known use of relaxers is for cosmetic enhancements of the face. It is primarily used to minimize the appearance of dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle contractions, such as forehead lines, frown lines (between the eyebrows or glabella), and crow’s feet (around the sides of the eyes). These relaxers have also been used to “lift” the brow. Read more about a Botox brow lift.
Under eye Botox
“Banana” rolls under the eyes are typically treated with relaxer injections. Dark circles and eye bags, however, are treated with facial fillers (hyaluronic acid), fat transfer, or lower eyelid surgery. Read more about lower eyelid surgery.
Neck Botox
Relaxers are also commonly used to reduce the appearance of neck bands, vertical lines, and horizontal lines in the neck area. By injecting a relaxer such as Botox into specific neck muscles, the treatment can help smoothen the skin and create a more youthful appearance.
Similar to brow lifting with Botox, relaxers in the neck muscle can help “lift” the neck a bit. This treatment, known as the “Nefertiti lift,” involves injections into the platysma muscle of the lower face and neck, which may results in a more defined jawline and a smoother neck.
Jawline Botox
Relaxer injections can be utilized to reshape and contour the jawline. Injections into the masseter muscle or jaw muscle can soften a “wide” face gradually over time by slimming the muscle. Patients with large or tense jaw muscles can also reduce pain from TMJ. Read more about nonsurgical jaw slimming.
Chin Botox
A dimpled chin or peau d’orange chin is also a concern for our Washington DC Botox patients. Relaxer injections help create a smoother chin. Lastly, chin injections can subtly augment the chin for those with very strong chin muscles.
Lip Botox
Relaxers can help enhance the upper lip too. Patients with a thin upper lip, especially when smiling, can improve the appearance with a “lip flip”. Keep in mind that lip results with relaxers are different than with traditional lip fillers, and relaxers and fillers can be combined in the same setting. Read more about nonsurgical lip flip.
Gummy Smile Botox
A gummy smile is also treatable with relaxers such as Botox. A couple injections on the sides of the nose may help prevent an excess upward pulling of the lips.
Décolletage Botox
The décolletage, or the upper chest area, is prone to fine lines and wrinkles due to aging and sun exposure. While skin care and topical treatments are primarily used in this area, relaxers can help diminish the appearance of horizontal lines and creases, resulting in a smoother, more youthful décolletage.
Underarm Botox
Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, can be effectively treated with Botox injections. By injecting Botox into the sweat glands in the underarm area, the production of sweat can be reduced, providing relief from excessive perspiration.
Hand Botox
Excess sweating can be a problem in the hands too. Relaxer injections can help relieve hand sweat.
Feet Botox
Relaxers can help alleviate foot-related problems such as excessive sweating and muscle spasms. By treating specific foot muscles, relaxer injections can relax the muscles and reduce discomfort caused by muscle overactivity.
Shoulder Botox
Relaxers can also be used for treating trapezius muscle hypertrophy. The trapezius muscle is located in the upper back and neck region and can sometimes become enlarged or overdeveloped, leading to an asymmetrical or disproportionate appearance.
Similar to jaw or masseter injections, treating the trapezius can help reduce the muscle size and alleviate any associated discomfort or pain. By injecting into specific points of the trapezius muscle, the treatment aims to create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing appearance. The neck may appear longer too, which is desired in some patients.
Nose Botox
Elective Botox injections for the nose, also known as “Botox nose lift” or as part of a nonsurgical rhinoplasty, have gained popularity as a cosmetic procedure. It is important to note that Botox injections for the nose do not involve altering the structure of the nose itself, but rather focus on addressing certain aesthetic concerns.
Nasal Tip Lift: Some patients dislike the appearance of a droopy tip, especially when smiling. Botox can be used to lift and contour the nasal tip. By injecting Botox into the depressor septi nasi muscle, which pulls the tip downward, the muscle is relaxed, allowing the nasal tip to elevate slightly. This can create the illusion of a more refined, lifted nose.
Nasal Flaring: Some patients dislike the appearance of wide or flared nostrils, especially when smiling. By injecting Botox into the muscles responsible for nostril widening, the muscles are weakened, resulting in a more balanced and narrower appearance of the nostrils.
Bunny Lines: Bunny lines are diagonal wrinkles that appear on the sides of the nose or nasal bridge area when scrunching the nose. Relaxer injections can be used to soften these lines by injecting small amounts into the muscles causing their formation.
It is important to note that while relaxers have various potential applications, it should always be administered by a trained medical professional. A facial plastic surgeon, plastic surgeon, or dermatologist can evaluate your specific concerns and determine the most appropriate and safe treatment plan for you.
Contact the office today for your relaxer consultation!
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