How Does Botox Work? Get the Full Story from a Plastic Surgeon!

Okay, let’s be real. Have you wondered how Botox injections actually work? Or how those wrinkles got on your face in the first place? And is there really a way to get rid of wrinkles?

In this post, board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Shruti Tannan talks about what causes wrinkles and answers the common question — “How Does Botox Work?”

A Popular Choice for a Youthful Appearance

Botox has become one of the most popular minimally invasive cosmetic procedures in recent years. In fact, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there were approximately 9.5 million neuromodulator procedures performed in the U.S. in 2023. This surge in popularity can be attributed to its ability to effectively reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, providing a more youthful and refreshed look.

Understanding Wrinkles and Facial Muscles

The muscles in your face that allow you to express emotion are unique. When you feel good, you smile to show happiness. Other times, you frown to show sadness, confusion or surprise. Wrinkles are a natural part of aging, but they can also be exacerbated by environmental factors and repetitive facial expressions. As we age, our skin’s collagen and elastin production decreases, leading to a loss of elasticity and the formation of wrinkles. Additionally, repeated muscle contractions, such as squinting or frowning, can create deep lines on the forehead, around the eyes, and between the brows (also known as “11 lines”).

The facial muscles operate differently compared to, say, your biceps or your glutes. Most muscles in your body attach to bones, allowing you to lift, run or jump. However, facial muscles attach directly to your facial skin by way of the muscles (the superficial muscular aponeurotic system). When you make a facial expression, your facial muscles contract, making your skin move (and express) your emotion. This repeated motion over time forms wrinkles that run perpendicular to the direction of muscle contraction. For example, if you gathered up your drapes from bottom to top, they crinkle or pleat horizontally, just like your forehead muscle.

Your forehead muscle moves up and down when you raise your eyebrows in surprise or emphasis. So when you raise them up and your skin has to pleat over the shorter distance from brows to your hairline, the pleats run horizontally. With time and repetition, those temporary pleats, or wrinkles, can set in deeper.

Look closely at the section and image below to see how each of the muscle areas work.

The Science Behind Botox

Botox is a neurotoxin derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When injected into specific facial muscles, it blocks nerve signals, preventing muscle contraction. This temporary paralysis relaxes the muscles, smoothing out the overlying skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. In other words, the Botox injection prevents nearby muscles in the face from contracting. Relaxing these facial muscles will help get rid of wrinkles in the forehead, around the eyes and near the mouth.

While Botox is the most well-known brand name, other botulinum toxin products, such as Dysport, Daxxify, and Newtox (Jeauveau) are also available on the market. These products work in a similar way to Botox and can be effective alternatives for some individuals.

The image below also illustrates how Botox works in different parts of the face.

Benefits of Botox and When to Consider Other Options

Now you know how Botox works, be sure you don’t trust your beautiful face to just anyone with a syringe. You should only see expert injectors. Choosing a reputable, experienced injector, like Kristie Foushee, RN, at an appropriately qualified medical office is important.

Ensure that your practitioner understands how facial anatomy works and what makes some people have different outcomes with Botox compared to others. Make sure you read reviews as well! What are patients saying about the treatments they received? This is your face – you need to know who is working on it. Be sure that the injector understands you and your goals for facial treatment.

Botox offers several benefits, including:

• Reduced Wrinkles: Botox effectively minimizes the appearance of dynamic wrinkles, such as crow’s feet, forehead lines, and frown lines.
• Natural-Looking Results: When administered by a skilled injector, Botox can provide subtle, natural-looking results that enhance your appearance without making you look frozen or artificial.
• Boosted Confidence: A more youthful appearance can boost your self-esteem and confidence.

However, it’s important to understand that Botox has limitations. It is most effective for treating dynamic wrinkles and may not be suitable for addressing static wrinkles, such as deep creases around the mouth or neck. Additionally, Botox cannot lift sagging skin or provide significant volume to the face.

Considering Alternatives: Fillers, Facelifts, and Other Procedures

If you’re considering Botox but it’s not the right fit for your needs, other cosmetic procedures may be more appropriate. Here’s a brief overview of some alternatives:

• Dermal Fillers: Dermal fillers are injectable substances that add volume to the face. They can be used to plump up thin lips, smooth out wrinkles and lines, and enhance facial contours. Hyaluronic acid is a common type of dermal filler, but other materials such as calcium hydroxyapatite and poly-L-lactic acid are also used. Unlike Botox, which works by relaxing muscles, dermal fillers add volume to specific areas of the face.
• Facelift: A Facelift is a surgical procedure that addresses sagging skin and wrinkles in the lower face and jowls. It can also be combined with other procedures, such as a Neck Lift or Brow Lift, for a more comprehensive rejuvenation. While a face lift is a more invasive procedure than Botox or dermal fillers, it can provide dramatic and long-lasting results.
• Other Procedures: There are a number of other cosmetic procedures that can be used to address wrinkles and signs of aging. These include Helix Laser Skin Resurfacing, Chemical Peels, and Morpheus8 Microneedling. Each procedure has its own risks and benefits, and it’s recommended to consult with your board-certified plastic surgeon to determine which option is right for you.

Choosing the Right Treatment

During your consultation at Tannan Plastic Surgery, we can assess your individual needs and goals and recommend the most appropriate treatment options. By understanding how Botox works and its limitations, you can make an informed decision about whether it’s the right choice for you. If Botox is not the best fit, there are a variety of other cosmetic procedures available to help you achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

Are you interested in learning what Botox can do for you? Call (919) 797-0996 to schedule your treatment consultation today!

Folks come to see us from all over. It is common for our patients to travel from all the corners of Raleigh plus Apex, Holly Springs, Fuqua-Varina, Cary, Morrisville, Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Pittsboro, Garner, Knightdale, RTP, Winston-Salem, Kernersville, Clemmons, Wake Forest, Wilmington, Fayetteville and the surrounding areas for our unique approach to cosmetic plastic surgery, Botox, and filler.

If you are looking for the best plastic surgeon and the best Botox injector for you, be sure to do your research! We hope our all-women, all-star team can help you regain your confidence and move forward as the brightest version of you.