By Tessa Enright, NP
At beyond | Aesthetics, we specialize in minimally-invasive treatments that help our clients look and feel their best, like BOTOX™. Most of our patients in Camarillo and Ventura are well-versed with the wonders of BOTOX™ for treating the upper face, including frown lines, forehead lines, and crows feet. However, the world of BOTOX extends far beyond these common areas. In this blog, we’ll delve into some intriguing ‘off-label’ uses of BOTOX, exploring how it can enhance both aesthetics and health in unexpected ways.
First, a Little Background…
How Does BOTOX Work?
The primary action of BOTOX is to temporarily paralyze muscle activity. It achieves this by blocking the nerve signals that instruct muscles to contract. This temporary paralysis smooths wrinkles in cosmetic uses and provides relief from muscle-related conditions in medical treatments. It’s this targeted action on nerve-muscle communication that makes BOTOX a versatile tool in both beauty and healthcare.
BOTOX in Medicine and Aesthetics
BOTOX’s therapeutic applications are diverse, with FDA approvals for the treatment for neurological disorders, offering relief from migraine headaches, facial asymmetry, and muscle issues in cerebral palsy, among others. Originally approved by the FDA in 2002 for the temporary improvement of frown lines, BOTOX’s cosmetic approvals have expanded to include forehead lines and crow’s feet.
This extensive history of medical and usage forms the foundation of our confidence in exploring BOTOX’s potential in more creative “off label” ways.
Mastering the Lip Flip
The lip flip procedure is a subtle yet impactful way to enhance the upper lip’s appearance. By targeting the orbicularis oris muscle, we inject a small BOTOX dose to relax the muscle, causing the upper lip to flip upward gently. This creates an illusion of fuller lips, distinct from the volume addition seen with fillers, and focuses on accentuating the lips’ natural shape.
Transforming Smiles: Gummy Smile Correction
Excessive gum exposure during smiling, often a source of self-consciousness, can be elegantly managed with BOTOX. By relaxing the muscles that over-elevate the upper lip, BOTOX reduces the extent of gum visibility, achieving a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile.1
Lip Flip vs. Gummy Smile: Understanding the Difference
While both procedures utilize BOTOX, their goals differ. The lip flip is primarily cosmetic, enhancing the upper lip’s shape, whereas gummy smile correction targets functional aspects of the smile by reducing gum exposure for a more harmonious appearance. Together or alone, these treatments can significantly transform your smile’s aesthetics.
Masseters: Dual Benefits for Jawline and Health
Treating the masseter muscles with BOTOX serves both aesthetic and therapeutic purposes. It can alleviate jaw pain, headaches, and symptoms of teeth grinding. Aesthetically, it slims the face by reducing muscle bulk, offering a more contoured jawline.
BOTOX for Hyperhidrosis: Relief from Excessive Sweating
Hyperhidrosis can be a significant source of discomfort. BOTOX provides a minimally invasive solution, blocking nerve signals to sweat glands and reducing sweat production in areas like underarms, forehead, palms, or feet. This treatment can dramatically enhance life quality, especially in social contexts.2
“Barbie BOTOX”: A New Aesthetic Trend
Inspired by the iconic Barbie doll, “Barbie BOTOX” or “Trap Tox” targets the shoulder muscles for a defined and sculpted appearance. By injecting BOTOX into muscles like the trapezius, we aim to achieve a softer, more feminine contour. This not only enhances the shoulder line but also improves the fit and look of clothing, especially tops and dresses.3
The DAO Muscle: Crafting Happier Expressions
By targeting the DAO muscle, which pulls down the mouth corners, BOTOX can uplift your expression. This treatment softens a “frowning” look, giving a more cheerful and relaxed facial appearance.
Nefertiti Neck Lift: Graceful Elegance Without Surgery
The Nefertiti Neck Lift, named after the famed Egyptian queen, uses BOTOX to relax the platysma muscle along the jawline and neck. This reduces the downward pull, enhancing the neck’s contour and creating a more youthful, elegant jawline.4
BOTOX’s capabilities go far beyond simple wrinkle reduction, offering both therapeutic relief and aesthetic transformations. We encourage you to consult with our experts to find out which BOTOX treatments can best serve your unique needs and goals. Contact us to schedule your consultation at a beyond | Aesthetics location in Camarillo or Ventura.
1 Dinker S, Anitha A, Sorake A, Kumar K. Management of gummy smile with Botulinum Toxin Type-A: A case report. J Int Oral Health. 2014 Feb;6(1):111-5. Epub 2014 Feb 26. PMID: 24653614; PMCID: PMC3959148. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24653614/. Accessed December 29, 2023.
2 Lowe N, Naumann M, Eadie N. Treatment of hyperhidrosis with Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA): Development, insights, and impact. Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Jul 1;102(S1):e32764. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000032764. PMID: 37499084; PMCID: PMC10374185. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37499084/. Accessed December 29, 2023.
3 Benítez PA. Onabotulinumtoxin A for correcting trapezius muscle hypertrophy in Asian women. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022 Jun;21(6):2677-2679. doi: 10.1111/jocd.14423. Epub 2021 Oct 7. PMID: 34622530; PMCID: PMC9293110. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34622530/. Accessed December 29, 2023.
4 Levy PM. Neurotoxins: Current Concepts in Cosmetic Use on the Face and Neck–Jawline Contouring/Platysma Bands/Necklace Lines. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015 Nov;136(5 Suppl):80S-83S. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000001841. PMID: 26441117. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26441117/. Accessed December 29, 2023.
