Sometimes when I go to visit my parents my dad will ask me “is that Botox in your lips?” and I have to explain that no dad, it’s not Botox. You don’t put Botox in your lips. It’s filler in my lips. At that point he has no idea what I am talking about, nor is he interested in learning, so he changes the subject.
The truth is, BOTOX® Cosmetic (not to be confused with BOTOX® which is used to treat such things like blepharoplasm, cervical dystonia, chronic migraines, focal spasticity, overactive bladder, strabismus, and severe underarm sweating) is used off-label in lots of areas that you wouldn’t typically think it would be used. Off-label just means the FDA did not officially clear it for use in the area the prescriber is choosing to inject. Very common! Your prescriber can make a judgment call that the area they are about to treat is best treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic.
Some common areas where off-label uses of BOTOX® Cosmetic is used include:
Bunny Lines – Bunny lines are those annoying lines that appear horizontally across your nose. An injection or two on each side of your nose is usually all it takes to soften those lines.
Jelly Roll – The “jelly roll” is that bulge located just below the eye and appears mostly during laughing, smiling, and squinting. It can give a look of tiredness or your eyes can appear puffy. Placing a small amount of BOTOX® Cosmetic under the lash line can reduce and soften the under eye area, possibly opening up the eyes a bit.
Pebble Chin –A pebbly appearance, or dimples, are also known as “pebble chin”. This area is easily rectified with small amounts of BOTOX® Cosmetic in the mentalis muscle, presenting a more softened look.
Gummy Smile – The “gummy smile” can be corrected by precisely injecting BOTOX® Cosmetic into a few of the muscles that elevate your lip. This treatment will lower the upper lip, which in turn covers the gums as you smile.
Jawline Reduction – If you are unhappy with the size of your jawline, BOTOX® Cosmetic injections can soften the masseter muscle. Softening this muscle will give the appearance of more balanced features and a less prominent looking jawline.
DAO – The DAO, the muscle also known as the depressor anguli oris, is responsible for the downward pull on your mouth. A small amount of BOTOX® Cosmetic can be injected into each side for a subtle improvement in downturned corners of the mouth.
Platysmal Bands – BOTOX® Cosmetic is the simplest, effective method for treating platysmal bands, the two strips of muscles that start at the base of your neck and run up the front and right sides of your neck. Treating your platysmal bands helps to relax the muscles, resulting in a smoother appearance.
Calf reduction – Multiple injections and treatments to the calf muscles reduce muscle activity and cause the muscles to shrink. Inactive muscles will gradually become smoother and show less definition, without restricting calf function.
While reading through this list you may think to yourself “who does this??” In my world, many people are doing these treatments. Everyone has something that bothers them that you would never think about. I have a blunt friend who has no problem pointing out your imperfections and telling you what you can do to fix them. She told me to fix my pebble chin which I never even noticed before, but of course now I am always making a face in the mirror that highlights my chin. She’s not wrong, but it doesn’t bother me so I am leaving it alone.
For me, my interest really got piqued when I was doing my research and came across calf reduction. I have larger calves and cannot wear tall boots. This has plagued me for many years. I just want to wear tall boots!! Some people think I am crazy and envy my muscular legs. I think they are crazy and envy their thin calves.
It’s the proverbial “the grass is always greener on the other side”.
In any case, there’s BOTOX® Cosmetic which can help with some of these strange places. I implore you to do your research and get a consultation with an experienced injector. They will take the time to address your area of concern, discuss cost and post-treatment instructions, and give you realistic expectations. There are many qualified injectors out there and if they cannot treat you, they will refer you to someone who will.
I’ve already booked my consultation and I’m hoping to go boot shopping soon. Wish me luck!!
