Botox treatment is an effective remedy for unattractive facial appearances on different areas of the human face. This article explains Botox treatment areas for cosmetic enhancement, where not to inject Botox, how to identify an ideal site for injection and frequently asked questions on Botox treatment.
The human face is prone to experience changes caused by ageing and sun damage. These changes alter the original youthful appearance through the emergence of facial features such as wrinkles and fine lines. These features may develop at various sites on our faces and may even worsen due to muscle movements, especially when we smile, laugh or show other facial expressions. Multiple remedies are currently used to improve or restore the appearance of our faces. One of the most effective remedies is Botox treatment. The number of people taking Botox treatment keeps on rising.
What Is Botox?
Botox is a drug that reduces the activities of the muscles. It is administered into the required site through injection. The following are the most common regions of the body and facial muscles where Botox can be injected:
The Forehead
Botox is injected into this area to relax the muscles that cause forehead lines and wrinkles. It is also a common site where Botox is injected to treat migraine.
The Corners of the Eyes
Injections are done onto this site for the treatment of crow’s feet.
Corners of the Mouth
Botox is injected into this site to treat smokers’ lines.
The Masseter Muscles
Injections into masseter muscles treat involuntary jaw clenching.
The Back of the Head
Depending on the pain’s origin and position, Botox can be injected to treat migraine.
The Underarms and Soles of the Feet
According to Scamoni et al. (2012), Botox can be injected into these areas to treat hyperhidrosis. It is a condition that causes the body to experience excessive sweating.
The Bladder
Botox can be injected into the bladder as a temporary treatment for the unintentional passing of urine. According to Liu et al. (2014), Urinary incontinence can be caused by urinary tract infection, virginal infection or constipation. It mainly occurs in older people.
The Area Between the Eyes, Also Called the Glabella or 11 Lines
Botox is injected into this site to rectify the appearance of vertical lines.
Where Not to Inject Botox
Botox should not be injected at any part of the face. Cosmetic doctors should follow the following guidelines to carry out a successful Botox injection treatment procedure that would give good results.
- Avoid injection of Botox into the upper layer of the skin called the dermis. It would reduce medication efficacy.
- Avoid injecting Botox into non-muscular tissue near active injection joints.
- Avoid injecting Botox into or near blood vessels. It would cause side effects like swelling and bruising.
- Avoid injecting Botox beneath the targeted muscles to prevent risks of complications.
While they observe these guidelines, cosmetic doctors should follow injection procedures that include preparation of the area of injection, depth of injection, and the right amount of dose to be administered. Injections into each injection site carry specific considerations, determining the chances of experiencing risks associated with the procedure. King (2016) stated that injections to treat crow’s feet is not be administered too close to the upper orbital bone because it may cause eyelid droop or ptosis.
Identifying an Ideal Site for Injection
Several factors are considered to determine the injection treatment area. The main factors include the patient’s desired outcome, physiological conditions, and the condition being treated. Cosmetic doctors should consider these factors pre-treatment to determine where to inject effectively. A facial anatomy guide would help the cosmetic doctor map the injection sites as the patient makes facial expressions like smiling, raising eyebrows and other facial movements.
Not prospective patients are successful candidates for Botox treatment. Patients who present the following conditions should be disqualified from undertaking the procedure:
- Diabetes
- Patients prone to allergies caused by Botox treatments
- Anatomic defects like marked facial asymmetry
- If the patient had experienced facial palsy before
- Skin infection in or around the identified treatment site
- If the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Congestive heart failure
Patients taking blood thinners and certain medications are considered unsuitable for the treatment. King (2017) stated that blood thinners alter the blood’s ability to clot, increasing the risk of bruising.Even though there is no age limit above which Botox treatments are not administered, Cosmetic doctors should be cautious as they administer injections to older people. They should be able to balance the patient’s expectations and possible risks of the treatment for older adults.
Botox Side Effects
Botox treatment is generally a safe anti-wrinkle treatment with minimal chances of side effects occurring. However, it is important to choose a competent cosmetic doctor. It will help one avoid a crooked smile and eyelid drooping. Other side effects include:
- Swelling at the injection site
- Bruising at the injection site
- Headache
- Redness appearance in the injection site.
- Experiencing Flulike symptoms
Some complications may occur due to Botox spreading along the nerve cells from the injection area to other areas. These complications may include the following:
- Experiencing trouble while swallowing
- Muscle weakness
- Blurred vision
- Loss of bladder control
- Experiencing trouble while speaking
Frequently Asked Questions about Botox
Does Botox Hurt?
Botox injections are done using tinny needles, so pain is minimal. Patients who have done Botox treatment describe the feeling as a slight discomfort.
What Is the Difference Between Botox and Fillers?
Botox reduces the activities of muscles that cause facial lines and wrinkles, while fillers plump the skin and replace the lost volume. Both treatments work to offer a youthful facial appearance.
How Long Does Botox Last?
Botox treatment effect lasts 3-4 months after injection. One can keep the result going by receiving additional treatments.
Conclusion
If one is looking to improve the appearance of their face by eliminating facial wrinkles, undertaking a Botox treatment is a good option. The choice of well experienced cosmetic doctor plays a great role in achieving the desired result. Cosmetic doctors should monitor the condition of their patients to help rule out short-term complications that may arise after the injection procedure. Most side effects occur a few hours after injection. Cosmetic doctors should caution patients against engaging in physical activities for at least 24 hours after injection. Patients should consult their doctors if they experience any unusual conditions that may be signs of side effects associated with the spreading of Botox to the surrounding areas.
References
King, M. (2016). Management of ptosis. The Clinical and aesthetic dermatology Journal, 9(12), E1.
King, M. (2017). The management of bruising following nonsurgical cosmetic treatment. The Clinical and aesthetic dermatology Journal, 10(2), E1.
Liu, B., Wang, L., Huang, S. S., Wu, Q., & Wu, D. L. (2014). Prevalence and risk factors of urinary incontinence among Chinese women in Shanghai. International journal of clinical and experimental medicine, 7(3), 686.
Scamoni, S., Valdatta, L., Frigo, C., Maggiulli, F., & Cherubino, M. (2012). Treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin type A: our experience in 50 patients from 2007 to 2010. International Scholarly Research Notices, 2012.
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