When Botox Cosmetic won FDA approval for neck injections earlier this year, it became the fourth officially approved area for this wrinkle-relaxing treatment. However, the real magic of Botox lies in its versatility. Specialist injectors across the country are going beyond these approvals, using it off-label to treat everything from gummy smiles to jaw pain, demonstrating its ability to treat both cosmetic and functional problems. This Botox Day, we’re highlighting the favorite injection sites of top doctors nationwide, along with their insights into why these areas deliver such impressive results.
Upper Face
The Gambella
“I recently had Jean Carruthers, who, along with her recently deceased husband, helped bring Botox to cosmetic medicine years ago, in my office. It reminded me of the first area we started treating—the glabella—and what a game-changer it was in making our patients not look anxious, angry, or frowny and helping to correct and prevent those dreaded “eleven” lines. My patients often tell me how much this small correction in expression helps the way they are perceived and treated in this world.”
—New York dermatologist Orit Markowitz, MD
The forehead and eyebrows
“My favorite area to treat with Botox Cosmetic is the forehead. I love the precision of Botox and how effective it is to lift brows or even remove uneven brows, especially with female patients. Another rewarding area is injecting micro-droplets of Botox into the lash line for patients with uneven eyes – it helps make a smaller eye look bigger.’
—New York dermatologist Marina Peredo, MD
“I like to treat the superior aspect of the abdominal muscle. It is located just below the eyebrow and only a few units can give a 1-2mm lift in the right patients. They absolutely love it and come back for it again and again.”
—Charlotte, NC dermatologist Gilly Munavalli, MD
Crow’s Feet and Bunny Lines
“I also like to inject along the jawline (Nefertiti lift) because patients look so amazing and are shocked that Botox can define their jaws so beautifully. Another favorite area is rabbit lines. So many people inject crow’s feet without addressing bunny lines. When I recommend bunny lines to new patients who have gone elsewhere in the past, they are amazed at how much more natural their Botox looks than adding to this area.”
—New York dermatologist Jody Levine, MD
Lower Face and Neck
Platysmal Bands
“I would have to say the platysmic neck bands. Being able to eliminate the lacy neck and full-face pull-down effect with the strip treatment is a win-win. Relaxing these bands allows all our energy-based devices to work better!”
—Beverly Hills, CA dermatologist Ava Shamban, MD
“With over 30 years experience in Botox injections, my current favorite area to treat is the platysma bands of the neck. This technique subtly tightens the lower face and enhances the jawline, creating a dramatic lift that delights my patients.”
—Miami dermatologist Dr. Deborah Longwill
Slimming massager
“My favorite area to treat with Botox is a blowout between the frown lines on the glabella and massages to slim the face. I can’t tell you how many patients I’ve seen with cracked teeth from clenching their jaws at night. Injecting Botox into the masseters not only reduces tension, but also softens and slims the face with additional injections.”
—Interview with Beverly Hills, CA facial plastic surgeon Kimberly J. Lee, MD
Beyond the Basics
Nasal tip
“So the most noticeable results were for my non-cosmetic patients who could not open their eyes in two days after receiving botox injections [and then] they were able to see again. Then, 90 percent of my injections now are for cosmetic purposes. At first, we could only use it to reduce frown lines and crow’s feet. However, now we can do so many other things with it like lifting the tip of the nose, getting rid of chin dimples, lifting neck muscles and more. It is truly one of the most remarkable discoveries in modern medicine.”
— Woodbury, NY ophthalmic plastic surgeon David Schlessinger, MD
Drooping upper eyelids
“I have used Botox as a non-surgical, longer-acting solution to drooping upper eyelids. Initially, my approach was met with skepticism and apprehension, mainly due to a lack of understanding of anatomy and technical nuances by some. However, with more than 1,000 successful treatments delivered, this technique has gained acceptance among experienced providers as a useful option.”
—Boca Raton, FL ophthalmic plastic surgeon Steven Fagien, MD
Scar treatment
“I like to use Botox on scars, including keloids, which can be thick and painful. When all else fails, Botox is often the extra “magic ingredient” that softens or thins a scar. This has helped patients with scars ranging from simple surgical scars to more complex scars from burns or severe trauma.”
—Omaha, NE dermatologist Daniel Schlessinger, MD
TMJ Relief
“Botox is known for its standard uses, but it always gives me pleasure when someone comes in with a challenge they never thought Botox could address, such as jaw pain from clenching their teeth. A few well-placed Botox injections cured the problem and prevented unnecessary surgery.”
—Omaha, NE dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD
“I have found Botox to be incredibly helpful in managing my jaw pain. As someone who clenches and grinds my teeth, I often experience discomfort and even headaches. Botox injections in the masseter muscle have greatly reduced my teeth grinding habits, leading to noticeable relief from jaw pain. Additionally, it has helped me maintain a more defined jawline and a V-shaped face. My patients have also found it very helpful.”
—New York dermatologist Elaine Kung, MD
