10 Benefits of Botox: and 4 Mistakes That Could Age Your Face

by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist @ ABZ

We'll cover 10 benefits of Botox to reduce the look of facial aging and how improper use can actually make you look older!

This is super important, especially for us older folks, because what works for someone in their 30s might not do the trick for more mature faces.

And, more importantly, we'll tell you what you can do to prevent it, along with special tips from cosmetic medicine expert, Dr. Sarah Hart.

Wrinkle-Relaxing Injections & Facial Aging

There are many uses and benefits of botulinum toxin, including medical reasons to treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), TMJ, or an overactive bladder.

But one of the most popular reasons people seek out this treatment is its ability to smooth visible signs of aging on the face and neck.

Quick, non-invasive muscle-relaxing injections are commonly used to help create a refreshed, more rested appearance.  However, when not applied correctly, they can sometimes have the opposite effect—making the face appear older, tired, or unnatural.

Keep reading below to learn more ...

Skin-Smoothing Injectables - The Good and the Bad

The GOOD - Neuromodulators work by relaxing facial muscles, preventing them from repeatedly contracting in the same way over and over, which can etch lines and wrinkles into the skin over time.

Injections are strategically placed into certain expressive facial areas where people commonly see the first signs of aging. Forehead creases and crow’s feet around the eyes are some of the most popular treatment areas.

The BAD - On the downside, reducing muscle contractions over time can lead to muscle atrophy. This could contribute to facial sagging and other issues – depending on your age, facial structure, and the amount used.

Good News: These days, more provides try to tailor these procedures to individual needs, with a "less is more" approach. This helps maintain natural movement, preventing an unnatural or frozen look.

According to Dr. Patricia Wexler, at Wexler Dermatology, “Today there are several forms of purified botulinum toxins with different strengths. These differences are useful in our practice since all muscles have slight variations.”

It’s important to find a skilled provider who can customize the right type and strength of neuromodulator for you and determine how often you'll need touch-ups for optimal results.

Keep reading below to learn about the 10 benefits of skin-smoothing injections.

10 Benefits of Facial Muscle-Relaxing Treatments

1. Smoothing forehead wrinkles

Of the top 10 benefits of non-invasive wrinkle treatments, this is the most popular use for facial rejuvenation. The forehead is highly expressive, and lines form quickly due to constant contraction of frontalis muscles.

Neurotoxins are often used to soften forehead lines and may help slow the progression of deeper wrinkles over time.

But, if used incorrectly, this could actually make you look older!

2. Softening Crow's feet 

This quick treatment is often used to soften fine lines around the outer corners of the eyes with a small injection or two

And the good news? This small area requires only a tiny amount of treatment, so discomfort is minimal, and bruising is rare.

However, eliminating crow’s feet with a muscle relaxer alone may not always solve the problem in certain situations. Dr. Sarah Heart explains why ...

3. Relaxing frown lines (The "11s")

The two vertical lines between your eyebrows, often called "11s," can make you look tired or upset.

There’s a way to relax these lines, helping your face look softer and more refreshed in about a week.

But it might hurt a bit. Since the muscles here are a bit thicker, some people notice a slight crunching sound when treated, but it’s quick and temporary.

4. Reducing nose wrinkles ("Bunny Lines")

Some people develop tiny lines on the nose bridge or sides when they smile.  A small, targeted neuromodulator injection may help reduce the appearance of these fine lines, contributing to a smoother look.

Just make sure your injector is trained in this area, as incorrect placement could subtly affect your smile.

5. Soften lip wrinkles

Lip lines, sometimes called “smoker’s lines”, are common with age, even in non-smokers.

A small amount of botulinum toxin can be injected into the orbicularis oris (the circular muscle around the mouth) to help relax puckering and soften lines for a smoother lip contour. Some may need lip fillers too for best results.

6. Lifting the Smile

As we age, the corners of the mouth may start to droop, making us look sad, even when we're not.

Relaxing the muscles on each side of the mouth (depressor anguli oris) may help subtly lift the corners, creating a more neutral and balanced expression.

7. Improving skin tone and firmness

According to a report published online by the Journal of the American Medical Association, suggests that botulinum toxin injections may contribute to increased skin elasticity and firmness, similar to the effects seen with certain radiofrequency skin-tightening procedures.

8. Creating a fuller look: Lip flip

This off-label use is a favorite for those who wish to have slightly poutier lips without fillers.

A few tiny injections above the lip (vermilion border) on either side of the cupid's bow may cause a slight upward curling of the upper lip, creating the appearance of a fuller look.

See my experience and before and after lip flip treatment!

9. Smoothing neck wrinkles and cording

Nothing ages you faster than those dreaded vertical neck cords and bands across the neck. 

This off-label technique is sometimes used to relax the platysma muscle, which may help soften the appearance of horizontal neck lines and reduce the look of banding.

10. Pairing with other skin treatments

Many people choose to combine wrinkle-relaxing injectables with other aesthetic treatments for a more comprehensive approach to skin rejuvenation.

These injectables are sometimes paired with:

• Dermal fillers (for added volume)
• Chemical peels (for skin renewal)
• Microneedling (for collagen stimulation)
• Glowtox facials (for enhanced hydration & radiance)

Many medical spas offer combination treatments as part of a customized anti-aging plan. Consult with a licensed provider to determine the best approach for your skin.

Check out this guide on Combining Botox with Other Anti-Aging Treatments.

Now, let’s talk about off-label uses of these injections and what you should know before trying them.

Off-Label Botox treatments

Note: Botulinum toxins are FDA-approved to treat frown lines and wrinkles in the forehead and crow's feet area.

Some benefits listed above are considered off-label uses... meaning they haven't been approved by the FDA.

For best results, make sure you consult with a board-certified dermatologist or practitioner for safe and quality treatments.

4 Disadvantages That Could Age You

As much as we love the many benefits of Botox for facial aging, there are disadvantages if not used correctly.

Here are 4 common mistakes that can age your face and what you can do about it.

1. Heavy or Droopy Brows

Injecting too much Botox in the forehead area may increase the risk of ptosis (drooping of the brows), which could result in a heavier or more tired appearance for some individuals.

Older people (over 50) with weak frontalis muscles, those with naturally low brows, or those have been getting Botox for forehead lines for many years are most susceptible to ptosis.

What to Do

Ask your injector if lowering the dose of Botox might be a better option. You want to just soften forehead lines, not freeze your forehead. Also, ask if Micro Botox is right for you. 

A study in the Annals of Dermatology found that intradermal injections of botulinum toxin (Micro Botox) were associated with wrinkle reduction and a lower incidence of ptosis (brow heaviness and drooping).

2. Under Eye Wrinkles

Using too much Botox to treat crow's feet (the orbicularis muscle) can cause wrinkles and lines to develop under the eyes.

If the orbicularis muscles are "too relaxed or frozen" this can cause increased movement in other areas of the eye, resulting in the development of under eye wrinkles.

What to Do: 

Ask your injector about using Micro or Baby Botox, which is a diluted version of Botox that is injected intradermally.

It works just under the skin to smooth out wrinkles and lines, but still allows muscle movement for a natural look.

4. More Wrinkles

Injecting too much in one spot can freeze that area, making other parts of your face work extra hard. This can lead to more wrinkles elsewhere or a weird look when you make regular expressions.

What to Do: Freezing any part of your face to eliminate wrinkles is never a good idea if you want a natural look.

Facial movement with a few lines gives your face a youthful, natural, and appealing appearance.

Instead of using Botox to eradicate ALL facial wrinkles, pick an area or two that really bothers you and try a small amount of Botox to soften, not freeze those areas.

How to Get Rid of Botox Faster

Now, let’s get into some common questions people ask about wrinkle-relaxing injections!

10 Benefits of Botox: FAQs

Have questions about the uses or benefits of Botox? Send them here, and we'll try to answer as soon as possible.

---

Before you go ....

Please tap on the💙in the bottom right corner if you found this page helpful. Also, Let’s CONNECT! Click the buttons below to follow me on social media.

Thanks so much!

FREE! Download this Cheek Shaper Video to help lift and firm your cheeks, giving you a more youthful, refreshed look! 💖