Botulinum toxin is one of the most popular aesthetic treatments for softening expression lines and rejuvenating the face. However, a frequent question asked by potential patients is : “Will I still be able to smile naturally after botulinum toxin ?” This concern stems from the common belief that botulinum toxin freezes the face and prevents any natural expression. In this article, we will demystify this concern and explain how botulinum toxin works, its impact on facial expressions and why you can still smile naturally after a well-performed treatment.
The botulinum toxin is a purified neurotoxin that temporarily blocks the nerve signals that regulate muscle activity. By relaxing the muscles responsible for expression wrinkles — such as those that cause forehead lines, crow’s feet and the frown line between the eyebrows — botulinum toxin smooths the skin and visibly reduces wrinkles without surgery.
Botulinum toxin is also used for the treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis.
Contrary to certain misconceptions, botulinum toxin does not “paralyze” the face. When injected correctly by an experienced doctor, it targets only the specific muscles that create wrinkles, while preserving the mobility of other muscles, especially those involved in positive facial expressions such as smiling.
Deconstructing the myth of the “frozen face” : one of the most widespread ideas about botulinum toxin is that it leaves the face frozen and expressionless. This myth often comes from cases where botulinum toxin has been poorly injected, with doses that are too high or injections in the wrong place. However, an experienced doctor uses precise doses and an appropriate injection technique to obtain a natural result, open the eyes and achieve a brow lift : treating the frown lines and crow’s feet induces a slight lifting effect of the eyebrow. It should be noted, however, that the brow lift, as such, is not an indication for botulinum toxin.
With a meticulous approach, botulinum toxin is injected only into the muscles responsible for the targeted wrinkles, while leaving intact the muscles that control the smile and other natural facial expressions. Thus, after a well-performed treatment, you can smile, laugh and express your emotions just as you did before.
Botulinum toxin is also injected to prevent the appearance of static wrinkles, this is the Baby botulinum toxin.
There isn’t really an answer to the question « at what age should one start botulinum toxin injections ? ». In reality, the ideal time to begin the treatment depends on several factors.
Cases where a face appears frozen after a botulinum toxin treatment are often the result of poor technique or an excess of product injected. Here are some factors that can cause this effect.
Choose a qualified and experienced doctor : choosing the right doctor is crucial to ensure natural results. An experienced injector knows facial anatomy in detail and knows how to adjust the treatment for each patient.
Follow post-treatment recommendations : to maximize results and reduce the risk of complications, it is essential to follow the post-treatment instructions given by your doctor.
Plan regular maintenance sessions : the effects of botulinum toxin generally last between 5 and 6 months. To maintain the results, regular maintenance sessions are recommended.
When botulinum toxin is injected by an experienced doctor, it does not prevent you from smiling or having natural expressions. In fact, it can improve the overall appearance of the face by smoothing wrinkles while preserving natural expressiveness and without any alteration of the smile.
Article written by Dr Romano Valeria
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