BOTOX® for the Upper Face

There are many factors that contribute to the aging human face. Some of these factors are external, but others, including the muscles under our skin, are internal. For more than six decades, scientists have known that botulinum toxin can temporarily block the ability of our nerves to communicate with our muscles. Since the late 1970s, botulinum toxin has been used as a prescription medicine to fine tune muscle function in order to achieve various medical and cosmetic benefits. For many years, it has been used in dermatology to soften the effects of our facial muscles on our aging skin with amazing results.

In the United States, botulinum toxin is available as BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, and Xeomin®. All of these are equally effective in softening lines and wrinkles of the upper face. Horizontal forehead lines, frown lines between the brows, and smile lines around the eyes are all very responsive to botulinum toxin. Treatment with botulinum toxin helps correct existing lines and also may prevent the development of future lines and wrinkles when treated on a regular and consistent basis. In addition, botulinum toxin can be utilized to elevate the lateral eyebrows and reduce hooding of the upper eyelids. This technique may be applied alone or in conjunction with reducing facial lines. Men and women can benefit from treatment with botulinum toxin, and though treatment parameters will vary based on patient age, there are no age restrictions when considering the benefits of treatment.

See more BOTOX® before and after photos

Typically, botulinum toxin is injected into the superficial muscles of the forehead and the area around the eyes, every three to four months to improve lines and wrinkles. During treatment, a very small needle is used to inject minute amounts of medicine into carefully selected facial muscles. Individually tailored treatment will allow for substantial softening of the lines of the upper face, while allowing for normal facial expression involving the eyebrows and eyes. Over time, regenerative cells called fibroblasts will repair pre-existing lines by rebuilding the collagen structure of the skin. In essence, treatment is both preventative and restorative.

Side effects of botulinum toxin treatment are typically minimal to none. As with any injection, a needle mark or small bruise is always a possibility, and these resolve quickly. Some patients may occasionally experience a frontal headache for a day or two after treatment, although on the other hand, some patients experience relief from tension headaches due to the relaxing effect of the drug. Rarely, it is possible to have a temporary upper eyelid droop or unevenness of the eyebrows. Such events are correctable upon follow up within a couple of weeks. Most patients return to regular activities immediately after treatment as downtime is generally not required. Botulinum toxin treatment can be a very effective part of a complete facial anti-aging treatment regimen, so if you would like to learn more please schedule a cosmetic consultation at Advanced Dermatology to have a full evaluation performed and treatment plan created.