Getting rid of Wrinkles Around the Eyes, Forehead and Face

Forehead

Around the eyes

Around the nose

Around the mouth

The chin

The neck

When it comes to cosmetic applications, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved botulinum toxins only for the treatment of glabellar folds (“frown lines”) between the eyebrows. Yet physicians commonly use both Botox and Dysport “off-label” to minimize the appearance of other dynamic facial wrinkles (ones caused by muscle contractions).

Results for all these cosmetic applications usually become visible within days and may last from three to six months. Both Botox® and Dysport® are often used in conjunction with other cosmetic dermatologic treatments, such as dermal fillers and laser therapies, to maximize the skin’s rejuvenation and restore overall appearance.

Forehead

There are two kinds of forehead wrinkles that can be successfully treated with either Botox or Dysport: the verticle ones that appear between your eyebrows and the horizontal ones that appear across your brow. Softening these wrinkles (which can be quite deep) will help you look more rested and less angry. Carefully placed injections of the drugs can also help lift your eyebrows and “open up” or freshen your appearance.

Around the eyes

Formed over time from sun exposure and displayed when smiling, squinting and during other dynamic facial movements, the tiny “crow’s feet” lines at the sides of the eyes (known medically as lateral orbital lines) can be seemingly erased with botulinum toxin treatments. The drug works on the orbicularis oculi muscle that encircles your eye, weakening it and keeping it from contracting.

Around the nose

"Bunny lines" are those wrinkles that appear on either side of the nose when you scrunch up your nose. They're formed by the nasalis muscle, which is an upside-down horseshoe-shaped muscle at the top of your nose. Botulinum toxin treatments can help minimize the appearance of bunny lines that have become more permanent.

Around the mouth

With age, the corners of the mouth droop, creating a sad, dour-looking appearance. Botulinum toxin can help prevent the muscle action that creates that downward tilt, thus giving your mouth a more youthful and “up” look. The small lines that form around the mouth (sometimes called “smoker’s lines”) can also be treated. Very small amounts of the drug are used in this area to help ensure that the lips do not become immobilized.

The chin

Sometimes dubbed "the pouting muscle," the mentalis is the chin muscle you use to push up your lower lip. As you age, the skin above the mentalis may develop a rippled or dented appearance. Botulinum toxin treatments can reduce the activity of the mentalis muscle and give your chin a smoother contour.

The neck

Some physicians use botulinum toxin to smoothe out tightened bands of skin on the neck. The drug is injected into the underlying platysma muscle, reducing the appearance of the horizontal lines and vertical neck cords that develop with age. The treatment is most effective for people who do not have much excess neck skin. It is also very important to have a skilled physician apply the drug in this area as improper injecting may impact critical functions such as swallowing.

COSMETIC APPLICATIONS

Forehead

Around the eyes

Around the nose

Around the mouth

The chin

The neck