How does Botox actually smooth wrinkles?
Written by:
Aesthetic doctor
Published: 05/03/2019
Edited by: Bronwen Griffiths
As we age, we start to develop fine lines and wrinkles across our whole body, but forehead lines are arguably the most noticeable and can be a tell-tale sign of our real age. However, Botox™ injections present a remedy for these signs of ageing. This article explains how Botox™ can be used as an anti-ageing treatment.
Why do we develop forehead lines?
Forehead lines are wrinkles that develop across the forehead, above the eyebrows with age and are often associated with getting older, but why do we wrinkle as we age?
For example, when women go through menopause, changes in hormones mean that les s skin-enhancing oestrogen is released, which in turn reduces the amount of elastin and collagen production in the skin. As a result, skin starts to lose its firmness, producing more pronounced wrinkles. This is what we call hormonal ageing and the same occurs with genetic ageing.
Other causes of wrinkles and forehead lines include:
Muscle movement (e.g. frequent brow furrowing) Exposure to the sun and harmful UV raysForehead lines can be effectively treated with Botox™ injections, which relaxes the wrinkles, reducing their appearance.
Read more: Top aesthetic treatments
How do the injections work?
Botox™ has proved to be the most popular and effective aesthetic treatment in the world and is one of the biggest medical advances in cosmetic medicine in the last 20 years. Botox™ injections are capable of erasing age lines and wrinkles, facial contouring, and even improving eye shape, without the need for invasive surgery. Whilst Botox™ is extremely popular, it must be performed by an expert with extensive experience.
When botulinum toxin injections are given, first of all, the muscles to be targeted must be identified by asking the patient to make certain facial expressions. Next, the wrinkle-causing muscles are injected with Botox™ using a very fine needle. With time, the muscle starts to relax as the botulinum toxin blocks the nerve impulses travelling through the targeted muscles. As a result, the skin relaxes and the untreated surrounding muscles pull on the treated area, smoothening the skin and wrinkles.
What can Botox™ be used for?
Smoothing lines and wrinkles:
Crow’s feet (smile lines) Frown lines Forehead lines Bunny lines (nose) Marionette lines (mouth to chin lines) Mouth lines (smokers lines)
Shaping and contouring:
Eyebrow lift or upper eye bag lift Jawline shaping (jowls) Turning up corners of the mouth Nasal flaring and raising the nasal tip Dimpling of the chin Ageing neck (necklace lines) Treating a gummy smile
If you are interested in Botox™ injections, make an appointment with an expert to discuss your options.
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