12 Surprising Benefits of Botox Treatment Injections
Botox can do more than reduce wrinkles – find out some of the surprising benefits of Botox.
What is Botox?
Botox is a brand name for a type of neurotoxin called botulinum toxin.
Sounds scary, I know, but in small, controlled doses, it can do wonders for reducing wrinkles and fine lines on the face (among other benefits).
Botox is best for targeting those dynamic wrinkles (the ones that occur from repeated facial expressions), but I’ve also seen them effectively treat deeper static lines.
Here’s how it works: when injected into the muscles of the face, Botox temporarily paralyzes the muscles, preventing them from contracting and causing wrinkles.
This can smooth out crow’s feet, forehead lines, and frown lines, giving you a plump, youthful appearance.
The best part? Botox is a non-invasive procedure with minimal downtime, so you can return to your normal routine quickly.
Many people refer to Botox as the “lunchtime procedure.” And yes, you can do this on your lunch break without anyone noticing. Just realize that sometimes there’s a tiny bit of swelling.
But, like any cosmetic procedure, Botox isn’t without its risks. It’s important to have it done by a licensed and experienced professional to ensure safety and natural-looking results.
Is Botox Safe?
Yep, Botox is FDA-approved for cosmetic treatment and certain medical uses.
It’s been around for years and is considered safe when administered by a licensed and trained professional.
That being said, like any medical procedure, there are potential risks to be aware of.
Side effects can include bruising near the injection site, headache, and temporary muscle weakness.
In rare cases, there can be more severe complications, so discussing the risks with your doctor and ensuring you’re a good candidate for the treatment is important.
Overall, Botox is generally safe when done with a qualified professional. Still, it’s always best to research before taking the plunge.
Benefits of Botox Treatments
Botox is not just for getting rid of wrinkles and fine lines – although it’s great for that, too. Botox has actually been used for all kinds of medical conditions, like migraines and excessive sweating.
Here are a handful of Botox benefits that you may not have know:
01 | Botox Prevents New Facial Wrinkles From Forming
Obviously, one of the main benefits of Botox is its ability to reduce and prevent the appearance of facial wrinkles effectively.
Really, fine facial lines, deep lines, crepiness- Botox can handle it all.
When Botox paralyzes the facial muscles, they will not be able to fold and move, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and prevents new ones from forming.
If you have deeper static lines (deep 11s in the middle of the eyebrows, for example), it may take a few treatments before they soften entirely. But, with regular treatments over time, you can reduce or eliminate the appearance of deep lines.
The great thing about Botox is that you can customize your treatment plan.
Want to keep a little movement to look natural? No problem – opt for lower doses or “baby botox.”
Want to freeze your face completely? You can do that too!
02 | Botox Can Give You a Brow Lift
Are you tired of your droopy, heavy brows making you look tired and older than you feel? Botox might be the answer for you.
Aside from reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, Botox can also give you a subtle, natural-looking brow lift.
By strategically injecting Botox into the muscles around the eyebrows, the skin is lifted, and the brows are raised, giving you a more awake and youthful appearance.
I have slightly hooded lids, and Botox has been effective in helping me hold on to a blepharoplasty because it raises my eyebrows and gives me more lid space.
I have my provider focus more on brow lift (injection in the center and outer area) vs. all-over forehead smoothing.
03 | Botox Can Smooth Your Under Eyes (aka Jelly Roll)
Did you know Botox can reduce wrinkles that bunch underneath your eyes? They call this the “jelly roll,” and you can eliminate it with a tiny drop of Botox under each eye.
I’ve been doing this for five years now and never going back.
04 | Botox Can Snatch Your Jaw
Many assume that Botox is primarily for the forehead and upper face. Still, Botox can be administered anywhere, including the neck and jaw.
A common area to get Botox is the platysma bands within the neck.
Our muscles naturally pull down the jowl area throughout the day, and Botox can soften this area, preventing repeated “pulling,” which gives you a heavier lower face.
I tried this once and personally didn’t like the feeling of it.
Whenever I did crunches or activated my neck, I could feel the stiffening of the Botox. I eventually got used to it, but it wasn’t for me. I have seen amazing results on others, though!
Related: Improve Your Jawline With the NuFACE Trinity: My Before and After Results
05 | Botox Can Give You a Barbie Neck
Barbie Botox, aka Botox, injected into the trapezius muscle, can relieve back pain AND give you a slender, elegant neck and shoulder line.
Technically, this is an “off-label” use of Botox, but it has gained popularity over the past few years. By temporarily paralyzing these muscles, they’ll atrophy and become slender.
06 | Botox Can Help Chronic Migraines
Botox helps by releasing certain chemicals involved in nerve signaling, particularly those responsible for triggering pain pathways.
When injected into specific muscles in the head and neck, Botox interrupts the signals that lead to migraine attacks. This not only reduces the intensity of muscle contractions but also helps calm the overactive nerves that contribute to migraine pain.
Botox creates a sort of “quiet zone” in the nervous system, preventing the cascade of events resulting from those dreaded headaches.
So, instead of reaching for the painkillers, you can kick back, relax, and enjoy fewer migraine days thanks to Botox!
07 | Botox Can Relieve Muscle Spasms and Twitching
Botox can also help with muscle spasms and twitching.
When muscles are constantly contracting and causing uncontrollable movements, it can be super annoying and even painful. But that’s where Botox comes in!
By injecting Botox into the affected muscles, it can block the signals that cause the spasms and twitching. This can provide relief and make everyday movements much easier and more comfortable.
So, if you’re dealing with muscle spasms or twitching, talk to your doctor about whether Botox injections could be a potential solution.
It’s definitely worth considering if it means getting some relief from those annoying muscle issues!
08 | Botox Can Relieve TMJ Disorders
Botox injections can be used to relax the muscles in your jaw, which can help reduce pain and improve jaw function.
When you have TMJ disorder, your jaw muscles can become tense and tight, leading to pain and discomfort. Botox works by blocking the nerve signals that cause muscle contractions, allowing the muscles to relax.
Not only can Botox help with pain management, but it can also improve jaw movement and function. It’s a non-invasive treatment option that can provide relief for people suffering from TMJ disorders.
So, if you’re dealing with TMJ pain and discomfort, it might be worth considering Botox as a treatment option.
One note of caution that I’ve seen circling around – some people LOVE the cosmetic effect of Botox in their jaw because it paralyzes those muscles, which will give you that sexy v-line taper.
However, after repeated treatments, that area may atrophy, and you may be more prone to sagging jowls.
Just consult a qualified healthcare professional or Botox provider to see if it’s the right choice for you.
09 | Botox Makes Your Skin Glow
And here’s why I’m faithful to my quarterly Botox treatments.
Turns out, it’s not just for reducing wrinkles – it can also make your skin glow!
Botox can help relax the muscles and improve blood flow when injected into the skin, giving your complexion a more radiant look.
So, if you’ve been considering Botox for wrinkles, know that it could also reduce signs of aging and give your skin a beautiful glow!
Related: The Ultimate Skincare Essentials List for Women Over 40
10 | Botox Stops You From Sweating
Botox has been a long-standing treatment for excessive sweating, known as hyperhidrosis.
So, how does it work? Well, when Botox is injected into the sweat glands, it blocks the nerves that stimulate sweat production. This means that you can say goodbye to those embarrassing sweat stains.
It’s not just limited to the underarms, either. Botox can also treat excessive sweating on the palms of your hands, the soles of your feet, and even the scalp.
And the best part? The results can last several months, so you can stay sweat-free for a good chunk of time.
11 | Botox Can Fix Facial Asymmetry
Disclaimer: Everyone’s face is assymetic. And that’s what makes us beautiful.
However, if you’re bothered because your face looks slightly different or one eyebrow sits higher than the other, Botox might be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Facial asymmetry can be caused by several factors, including genetics, aging, and even habits like sleeping on one side of your face more than the other (guilty!).
Botox works by temporarily paralyzing the facial muscles, which can help to even out any imbalances and create a more symmetrical appearance.
12 | Botox Can Turn That Frown Upside Down (Literally)
When injected into the DAO (Depressor Anguli Oris) muscles, which are responsible for pulling down the corners of the mouth, Botox can help prevent your smile from drooping downwards.
By selectively weakening these muscles, Botox prevents them from pulling the corners of your mouth downward, helping to lift and rejuvenate your smile.
I have some asymmetry in my lower face, where my mouth pulls slightly to the right. I get 1-2 units in my right DAO muscle each time to prevent those muscles from activating, which evens everything out.
Botox can also give you a pouty upper lip with a “Botox Lip Flip.” Read: Botox Lip Flip vs. Filler: Here’s What You Need To Know.
How Many Units of Botox Do I Need?
This depends on what exactly you’re treating.
When I first started getting Botox, my only concern was my 11s and forehead. I think I had 25 units or so, which lasted four months.
Now, I get a Botox everywhere – forehead, crow’s feet, bunny lines, dao, and sometimes my chin. About 50 units for my whole face.
How Much Does Botox Cost?
This will vary across providers and geographic locations.
Botox is priced “per unit” with an average of $12-$16 per unit. Let’s say you get 40 units across your face. You’re looking at approximately $480 – $640 per session.
Be sure to research reputable providers in your area. Botox (or any medical treatment) is not something you want to skimp on.
When Will I See The Results of My Botox Treatment?
You’ll start to see results in three days, but the full results will take about two weeks.
How Long Does Botox Last?
Botox lasts for about 3-4 months. But it depends on the individual.
Some people’s Botox wears off quicker, while others can go a bit longer before needing a touch-up.
Factors like metabolism, muscle strength, and the treated area can affect how long Botox lasts.
Also, the more botox you receive in a treatment area, the longer it will take to wear off. The less you get, the quicker it wears off.
So, if you’re considering Botox, keep in mind that you might need to schedule regular appointments to maintain that smooth, wrinkle-free look.
If you have deeper wrinkles, it may take a few sessions to see the desired results since it will take time to reverse the set lines from repeated facial expressions.
For best results, I like going every 3.5 to 4 months.
What Else Should I Know?
I’ve been getting Botox since my early thirties (I’m over 40 now), and here are a few things I’ve learned along the way.
1. You’ll see the best results by going consistently (but you don’t need to be scheduled every three months)
I noticed that most of the places I’ve gone to for Botox are eager to schedule you for your next appointment exactly three months out.
I can’t blame them – gotta make that money. BUT you get to decide how often works for you.
I usually feel ready for a touch-up at around four months. Many people wait six months in between treatments.
I do feel that Botox works best when you go regularly rather than just when you’re getting ready for an event.
2. Botox can be like whack-a-mole
When you first get Botox, you usually treat a small, single area. Then, you start to notice other areas that could benefit from Botox, which then results in treating other areas; let me explain my experience:
1. I initially treated just my forehead – I loved it. It was easy peasy and under $300 at the time ($)
2. I wanted a bit more brow lift, so we ADDED a few extra units to the lateral brow area to lift that ($$)
3. I decide to add a few drops to target the crow’s feet ($$)
4. Because of freezing the crow’s feet area, my eyes didn’t naturally “squint” when I smiled, but instead, I noticed very slight bunching under the eyes (the skin has to go somewhere!)
5. To address the under-eye area, we added a few drops under the eye ($$$)
6. Somewhere along the way (likely from treating the forehead), I noticed “bunny lines,” which occur when your muscles start to overcompensate in another area; this was an easy fix with a few extra units of Botox on each side of the nose. ($$$$)
Overall, my Botox looks great and is not overdone, but you can see how you can start getting a little heavy-handed with the treatment.
It’s important to remember that when you “freeze” one area, your muscles will overcompensate and recruit in other areas. bot
I’ve found the best method for me now is to treat everywhere lightly, and I personally skip the crow’s feet Botox because I like my eyes to look natural.
3. Different brands of neurotoxin do the same thing
You have Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau, Xeomin, and Daxxify, which all do the same thing.
Each neurotoxin has slightly different components that might work better for you and your treatment goals. For example, Dysport is known to work quicker (within 24 hours) but also wears off sooner.
And that sums up some of the best benefits of Botox! I’m a huge fan and believe in its power as an anti-aging treatment, and I’m forever grateful for its ability to hold my face up over the years.
