Neurotoxin Injectables Can Treat So Much More Than Wrinkles
Neurotoxins—such as BOTOX® Cosmetic, Jeuveau® and Letybo®—are all purified proteins derived from the botulinum toxin. We tend to think of neurotoxins (“NTs”) for wrinkles of the upper face, such as frown lines, forehead creases, and crow’s feet. But neurotoxins can be used for many different areas of the face, neck, and even the underarms.
In today’s blog post, our experienced Nurse Practitioner, Gigi Schlueter, here at the medical spa and plastic surgery practice of Dr. Max Lehfeldt offers some helpful information on the many additional areas and concerns that neurotoxins are capable of improving:
Neck
Vertical Neck Bands (Platysmal Bands)
Are you bothered by vertical neck bands that make you look older? Say goodbye to vertical neck bands with NTs. The platysma muscle, located in the front of the neck, plays a role in neck movements and facial expressions. It runs from your jawline down to your collarbone. One of the main causes of neck bands is natural aging, which leads to loss of skin elasticity and weakening of the platysmal muscle. These bands contribute to a sagging or “turkey neck” appearance. By injecting into the platysma muscle, NTs relax the muscle and can reduce the appearance of platysmal bands to create a smoother, more youthful neck.
Hyperhidrosis / Excessive Underarm Perspiration
Excessive underarm sweating is also called axillary hyperhidrosis. People who have this have overactive nerves that trigger glands in the underarms, producing excessive and unnecessary sweat. It is a medical condition. While there is no cure for axillary hyperhidrosis, there are NTs that can provide relief. One of the uses for NTs in the armpits is the reduction of sweating by 82–87%. The effects can typically last 4–12 months, or up to 14 months in some cases. People who receive underarm NT injections tend to see results 2–4 days after treatment.
Jowls
Jowls refer to the sagging skin that forms around the jawline. As we age, the skin loses its elasticity and firmness, leading to jowls. This sagging can create a droopy, aged appearance which many seek to correct. NTs to this area work to temporarily relax the muscles responsible for pulling the skin downward. When injected into specific areas around the jawline, NTs help to lift and tighten the skin, improving the appearance of jowls. They offer a non-invasive way to achieve a tighter facial shape and youthful jawline.
Lip Flip
A NT lip flip is a non-surgical procedure that makes your upper lip look plumper and more prominent. During the procedure, your practitioner injects NT just above the upper lip to create the illusion of a larger lip. It relaxes the muscle above the lip, resulting in the upper lip flipped upward. For those considering lip filler but wanting to see what it would look like before doing it, this is a good option.
Brow Lift
NTs are non-surgical procedures that use injections to elevate the brows. They do that by relaxing the muscles in the outer brow that pull the brow down, allowing other muscle groups to elevate them without opposition. This creates a more wide-eyed look. There is no downtime or scarring. Full results are seen in 10–14 days.
Nose Lift
NT injections can be used to temporarily provide a subtle nose lift by injecting small amounts of NT into the depressor muscles that pull the tip of the nose downward. NTs block nerve signals that tell a muscle to contract, and when targeted to the depressor septi nasi—the muscle at the base of the nose—they can relax this muscle and allow the tip of the nose to rise slightly. The results are subtle.
Masseters
NT to the masseters is a non-surgical treatment that involves the injection of botulinum toxin into the masseter muscles. When you bite down, feel for the hard muscle along your jawline back by your ear. That is your masseter muscle. Those muscles are responsible for chewing, and the injection works to relax the muscles, which can work to reduce jaw pain and tension. Masseter NT is used to treat several conditions, including teeth grinding, jaw pain, and headaches. It is also used for cosmetic purposes to slim the face down by reducing the size of the jaw muscle.
Chin
Dimpling and wrinkling in the chin can be part of the natural aging process. It may make you self-conscious or make you look older than you are. When injected in this area, NTs limit the movement of muscles under the skin and smooth out wrinkles in that area. They can also elongate the chin, giving the face a more oval appearance.
Nasal Flare
NTs can be used to minimize nasal flare. They work on the dynamic action of nostril flaring, not static nostril flaring. By injecting NTs into specific areas around the nose, the pull of the muscles causing the flare can be softened and the nose can appear slimmer.
Bunny Lines
Bunny lines are those wrinkles you see on either side of your nose when you wrinkle it. NTs are a minimally invasive procedure that can reduce the appearance of bunny lines. By limiting facial movement, you’re less likely to see bunny lines with time and repeated treatment. The average number of NT units in this area is 6.
Gummy Smile
A gummy smile, or excessive gingival display, is a common aesthetic concern that can cause self-consciousness for the affected individual. This occurs when the upper gum area is prominently visible while smiling. NTs relax muscles of the upper lip and help lower the elevation of the lip during smiling.
Smile Above the Smile / Second Smile Line
The horizontal line you may see above your upper lip is due to hyperactive muscle action. NTs work by relaxing the surrounding muscles and reducing further creasing. The potential downside is it might result in less upper lip show. So, although treatment may remove the crease, it may make your upper lip look smaller.
Would you like to learn more about neurotoxin injectables and what they can do for you? Please contact us today with any questions you may have, or to schedule a consultation.