DR Song Vision Southern California Eye Physicians & Surgeons

Botox

Botox combats wrinkles that are created when nerve cells within the muscles beneath the skin release a chemical called acetylcholine. This chemical triggers a muscle contraction that creates wrinkles. The Botox product, medically known as Botulinum Toxin Type A, is an injectable compound that disrupts the release of acetylcholine, which essentially paralyzes the muscle and stops the contraction. Results are fully evident within one week after treatment and remain for a minimum of three months. Botox typically reduces wrinkles by 80 percent. Patients are typically between the ages of 35 and 60. Results vary among individual cases, and the results are temporary. You will need to plan for additional injections, depending on your long-term treatment goals.

Botox can be utilized to help change the shape of the nose. Botulinum injection into the columella (strut) at the bottom of the midline of the nose base can help reduce the downturn of the nose while smiling. Botulinum injection into the outer nostril muscles can reduce flare of the nostrils when smiling. It is only temporary but can help avoid surgery or alarplasty.

Crow's Feet

Botox treatment into the orbicular muscle (muscles encircling the eyes) that is responsible for squinting can reduce the fine lines around the eyes (Crow's feet), or laugh lines. This can also help raise the eyebrows.

Frown Lines

Botox injections can also be applied in the forehead to help reduce frowning and eyebrow depression. These muscles include the procerus and corrugator muscles, as well as frontalis muscle. The procerus muscle is responsible for the horizontal lines on the bridge of the nose, known as "bunny lines." The corrugator muscle is responsible for the vertical crease in the glabellar region between the brows, known was the "#11 lines."

Nasal Flare

PREOP : Nasal flare Before Botox

POSTOP : Nasal flare After Botox

Down-turned mouth

Botox can be used to lift the corners of a down-turned mouth. The Depressor Anguli Oris (DAO) is the muscle that allows you to purposefully make the down-turn of the corners of your mouth. Botox into the DAO muscle can diminish the downward pull on the corners of the mouth, subtley allowing the muscles that elevate the corners to take over. By softening the mouth, this results in a smile and more relaxed appearance. It also minimizes the appearance of marionette lines.