Tips For Professionals: Treating Glabellar Lines With Botox

Glabellar lines reduction with Botox tips

Available in more than 78 countries around the world, Botox is a botulinum toxin injectable that has diverse clinical and cosmetic uses. In many countries in South America and Europe, Botox has been indicated for the treatment of medical conditions such as blepharospasm, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), urinary incontinence, cervical dystonia, overactive bladder, and spasticity. In addition, Botox has been used by doctors to treat acne and TMJ. More commonly, Botox is used in cosmetic procedures to treat moderate to severe lateral canthal lines (or crow’s feet) and forehead lines caused by frontalis muscle activity. Additionally, it has shown remarkable results in the treatment of moderate to severe glabellar lines that are the result of procerus or corrugator muscle activity.

Botox exerts its anti-aging effects through the induction of muscle paralysis. More specifically, Botox binds to the cholinergic nerve terminals to prevent the release of acetylcholine (ACh). Subsequently, this causes partial denervation and, as a result, reduced muscle activity and stiffness.

Glabellar lines Botox treatment

Glabellar lines on the face are usually results of the activities of the orbicularis oculi and corrugator muscles. The muscles are able to move the brows medially, creating a frown or furrowed brow. At the same time, the depressor supercilii and procerus pull the brows inferiorly. The muscles for each patient differ greatly in terms of their size and location, but in most cases, the lines caused by facial expression are perpendicular to the direction in which the contracting muscles of the face act.

As mentioned above, Botox is effective at treating glabellar lines. Infused with a potent neurotoxin called botulinum toxin, Botox helps to stop the inward and downward actions of glabellar muscles, which are the culprit for the creation of glabellar lines.

Prior to the treatment, the patients will need to undergo a thorough medical examination. During the examination, the practitioner will carefully assess the areas surrounding the eyes, including the periorbital or periocular region. During the consultation, practitioners will make a drawing to illustrate the positions of glabellar lines, and then devise an appropriate treatment plan.

To prevent aesthetically displeasing results, doctors should perform small injections into the outer edges of the mid-forehead muscles on each side of the face. (For best results, other areas that need rejuvenation, such as the lateral outer brow or crow’s feet, should also be treated). Aesthetically speaking, the injections in the mid-forehead helps to give a lateral brow lift, which opens up the eyes. If used consistently, Botox can help to reduce the appearance of deep vertical glabellar lines while preventing the formation of new lines.

As with all other aesthetic procedures, patients must be made aware of the potential complications of Botox before injections. They should only proceed with the treatment if they find the potential risks acceptable, in which case they need to sign a written consent form.

Who is an ideal candidate for Glabellar line reduction with Botox?

Botox is ideal for most patients who want to reduce the glabellar lines on their face. It is the perfect treatment option for those who suffer from glabellar lines associated with procerus or corrugator muscle activities. Taking only a few minutes to complete, Botox for glabellar line is designed for patients who are always on the go. Plus, Botox injections are minimally invasive and virtually painless, making it the perfect choice for patients who are sensitive to pain.

In general, Botox should not be used in patients who have a known allergy to botulinum toxin or other excipients in the formulation.  As a precaution, patients who are allergic to any other botulinum toxin-based injectables should refrain from using Botox. Patients who have an infected injection site should also avoid using Botox. Botox is intended for adult patients of more than 18 years of age. The effects of Botox in pediatric patients are not well studied; hence, it is not recommended to use Botox in patients less than 18 years of age. At the same time, Botox should not be used in patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding (unless it is medically justified to do so).

Treatment tips for professionals

Injection Technique

Botox should only be injected by trained, experienced practitioners. Under no circumstances should patients inject themselves; otherwise, serious injection-related complications may occur. When performing a Botox injection, it is important to ensure the sterility of the needles and syringes. Botox injections should always be performed under sterile conditions. A topical anesthetic is generally not required during the injection process, but some patients may prefer it. In order to prevent any discomfort, botulinum toxin injections should be used at room temperature.

To reduce the risk of ptosis, practitioners should avoid injecting Botox near the levator palpebrae superioris, especially if the brow depressor complexes are large. At the same time, practitioners should place lateral corrugator injections at least one centimeter above the bony supraorbital ridge. They must not inject Botox less than 1cm above the central eyebrow. To ensure patient safety, doctors should make sure that the injected dose or volume is accurate and is always the minimum effective dose. When treating the glabellar lines with Botox, practitioners should inject in a pattern specific to the musculature of each patient. Overall, good injection techniques are essential to the success of the treatment, as they help to minimize the risk of complications, such as skin bruising.

Botox dosage for glabellar lines

The dosage of Botox required should be based on the patient’s ability to activate the injected superficial muscles. To use Botox for glabellar lines, administer 0.1ml (four units) of reconstituted Botox into the five treatment sites via intramuscular injection. The procerus muscle requires one injection, while each of the corrugator muscles need two injections. This adds up to a total of 20 units. To prevent a frozen look, practitioners should always start the treatment with a small dose.

Duration of action for glabellar lines

Patients can expect the effects of Botox to last for three to four months. As with most cosmetic injections, repeat treatments are required to maintain the results. Appropriate injection techniques may help prolong the duration of Botox’s effects. Therefore, it is recommended to choose an experienced doctor who has strong injection skills.

Expected results of Botox for glabellar lines

Botox for glabellar lines is able to effectively reduce or soften glabellar lines. One to two days after treatment, chemical denervation of the muscles will start to occur. Within the first week of treatment, the intensity of the effects will continue to increase. If used correctly, Botox can create natural results without creating a frozen look. Experience the dramatic anti-aging effects of Botox today!