Stage 2 of Facial Sculpting: Treat Wrinkles with Botox®
Time to cover Stage 2 of Facial Sculpting: BOTOX®! In my previous blog, “The 4 Stages of Facial Sculpting,” I introduced you to my preferred method or technique to sculpting the face in stages instead of sitting my patients in a chair and going all ‘Extreme Makeover Injectables Edition’ on them. There are a couple of benefits to approaching aesthetic enhancements this way. 1. More cost-effective 💰. Receiving treatments in stages is easier on your pocket book. It gives you more time to budget accordingly for the next set of treatments. 2. It gives your body the chance to heal and allow the injectables to settle so that we don’t overdo it, resulting in a ‘done’ look.
Stage 1 of facial sculpting is Kybella™, and today I’ll give you the skinny on stage 2, which is the most popular aesthetic treatment in the United States, Botox®. I’ve treated so many patients with Botox® that you might say that my patients alone have collectively taken a few years off of the face of Pennsylvania 😂. Don’t worry Philly, I’ve got you! 💉
What is Botox®?
Botox® is just one of several different neurotoxins aka neuromodulators designed to relax certain muscles that convey a negative connotation, and to ‘wake up’ other muscles that convey a positive expression. Other neurotoxin brands are Dysport® and Xeomin®. Each has different pros and cons, but essentially function the same. These neurotoxins help to relax the muscles in the forehead, crow’s feet, and platysmal bands in the neck that eventually cause the formation of deep lines and wrinkles due to facial expressions and age. Botox® is also used medicinally for the treatment of chronic migraines and excessive sweating. When using these muscle relaxers, there is usually no downtime associated with them, which means that no one has to know unless you choose to tell them. The results appear gradually and disappear gradually, making the results subtle, yet dramatic.
Why is Botox® Stage 2 of Facial Sculpting?
When I refer to facial sculpting in stages, I’m essentially referring to a lower or upper non-surgical face lift. Not your routine Botox® appointment to address forehead wrinkles. Botox® is stage 2 because I’m looking to smooth out the appearance of wrinkles or skin laxity in the neck after we have sufficiently treated under chin or jowl fat with Kybella™. Relaxing platysmal bands with neurotoxins tightens and smooths the skin of the neck, literally taking years off of your face/neck. People often forget that the neck IS part of the face and should be treated with the same care and attention. Just like your medical-grade skincare should be used on your neck, so should neurotoxins to address the signs of aging.
Why Does my Neck Need Botox®?
Great question! Just like your forehead or the areas around your eyes, your neck begins to form wrinkles as you age. We might not use our necks to smile, but the repetitive movements involved in our daily lives of turning our head causes the platysma muscle or platysmal bands to tense up over time, resulting in bunching of the skin, also known as wrinkles. Additionally, the platysmal bands can tense up with exercise and overuse, causing the neck to pull down the face. Since neurotoxins allow the muscles to relax, they also allow the skin to relax, smoothing out fine lines and releasing tension on the face, allowing the face to retract upwards.
Is Botox® Always Stage 2 of Facial Sculpting?
Not always, because you might not need it! Facial Sculpting is an art form and each canvas requires a different approach to achieve the ultimate portrait of rejuvenation. Our approach isn’t always based on ‘anti-aging’ treatments. If you’re young but had a recent weight loss then you might not need to address wrinkles to the neck. Our focus would be on sculpting and tightening the lower face to improve skin laxity and facial symmetry.
Where Can I get Botox® to Address Neck Lines?
Jennifer Perry is a Registered Nurse, RN First Assistant, and Aesthetic Nurse Injector treating patients at Art of Injection®. You can book an appointment to see Jennifer at one of her convenient locations in Philadelphia or Villanova, Pennsylvania. If you’re interested in the 4 Stages of Facial Sculpting, then please feel free to reach out to book a consultation. Jennifer can’t wait to discuss your aesthetic goals with you!