BOTOX® Injections

 The cause for gummy smiles can be of skeletal, dental or soft tissue  (muscular) in origin. Botulinum Toxin injection may be used for  correction of excessive showing of the gums or gummy smile caused by  hyperactive upper lip elevator muscles.  

 In the lower face region, a very common area of concern for wrinkles is  around the mouth. These are known medically as perioral lines and  commonly are referred to as smokers lines or kissing lines. It is  noteworthy to point out that while the deeply creased vertical lines in  the lips can be caused by smoking, it is not the only cause of perioral  lines. They also can result from excessive sun exposure over the years,  habitual puckering of the mouth, excessive use of drinking straws and  even as a hereditary predisposition. For less deep lines, Botox can be  injected into the muscles around the lips to soften both upper and lower  lip creases. For deeper lines, a combination of Botox treatment and  dermal filler injections can be used.

 Overactive muscles in the face specially the Masseter muscle which is  the main muscle involved in closing the mouth can give the appearance of  bulgy angular appearance to one. This is more noticeable in females.  Botox injection directly into the masseter muscle can alleviate this  problem.  Botox slowly and gently reduces the size of the masseter  muscle, which in turn reduces the appearance of a strong and square  jawline. In about 4 weeks one can begin to see the results and the  effects persist typically for around a year. Compared to traditional  uses of cosmetic Botox treatments (ie between eyebrows, and forehead)  the effects for the jawline last much longer. Most patients seem to need  no more than 2-3 treatments over the span of several years to maintain  the result and it is reasonable to consider this treatment very long  lasting but not truly permanent. This treatment is ideal for patients  who are looking for softer facial features, as it’s very effective at  softening the appearance of what’s considered to be a more masculine  jawline. 

 Angular Cheilits is the medical term for dropping of the corners of the  mouth which is often associated with cracked corners of the mouth and  gives one appearance of a constant frown or reverse smile. The condition  can also make one susceptible to fungal infection that tends to  manifest itself as cracked, bleeding and itching of the corners of the  mouth where upper and lower lips meet. This creates an aged look  regardless of actual age. The reason for fungal infections is that  drooping corners of the mouth are prone to saliva accumulation which  creates a moist fold in the skin where fungi will thrive. Minuscule  amounts of Botox injections on the bottom lip which pulls the corner of  the mouth downward, will weaken that muscle, thereby helping the muscles  of the upper lip to pull the corners of the mouth upwards to alleviate  the problem.