Causes of Facial Aging and How Botox Can Help

While there is no treatment to stop or slow the inevitable physiological process of aging, Botox cosmetic treatments can diminish the changes in appearance associated with aging, like wrinkle formation. Many different lines develop on the face after repeated creasing and stiffening, all of which can be treated effectively by Botox injections.

At the top of the face, we see deep horizontal wrinkles across the forehead, followed by “frown lines,” two short vertical lines in between the eyebrows. These may also be referred to as “11” lines for their familiar shape. In addition, the skin over the brow bone tends to sag with age and can cause more wrinkling under the eyebrow. Crow’s feet, the creases at the outer corner of the eye, are often attributed to frequent smiling or squinting.

On the inner corner of the eye, extending lengthwise under the eye, we see wrinkles referred to as “tear-troughs.” You may also see wrinkling atop the nose bridge due to repeated scrunching. A common effect of aging is the development of nasolabial folds or “smile lines”; these lines extend from the outer corner of the nostrils to the outer corners of the lips. If this crease continues past the lips to the chin, this segment is termed a “marionette line.”

You may also see fine vertical lip lines under the nose, on either side of the cupid’s bow. Lastly, a “mental crease” could develop, a horizontal line under the lip but above the bulk of the chin. These specific visual developments that signal aging can all be treated with Botox.

Cosmetic Botox treatments are used for their anti-aging benefits. When injected, the product targets nerves causing muscle contraction, which leads to lines and wrinkles. In doing so, the skin of the face is smoothed out, ultimately resulting in a younger complexion.

Botox is a type of substance called a neurotoxin that works to impair certain nervous system structures. The specific neurotoxin in Botox is called a non-botulinum toxin. It is further differentiated by Type A, or Type B. Non-botulinum toxin A is used for cosmetic purposes, whereas Type B is used for medical treatments.

To understand how this product works, you must first understand why wrinkles develop. As we age, we consistently employ our face muscles, which causes creases to form. For muscles to stiffen, they need to receive an order and power. These necessities are sent via electrical impulses from the brain to the nerve. The electrical signals cause many complex processes to occur at the contact site between a nerve and a muscle, termed a neuromuscular junction, and as a result, the muscle contracts.

When Botox is injected, the nerves are impaired, and electrical communication from the brain to the nerve and muscle can no longer occur. This area of the face is now paralyzed, and the consistent relaxation of the face disallows wrinkles to form. Ultimately, you will see a more youthful appearance. It is important to note that though the muscles are paralyzed, you will not feel numb, as this treatment does not affect the nerves responsible for sensation.

If you are interested in cosmetic anti-aging treatments such as Botox, you have come to the right place! Our exceptional team of physicians and medical staff here at Sunset Hills offers an array of medical and cosmetic services to ensure all of your needs are met in one place. In addition, we specialize in general family medicine and primary care. Appointments can be made easily, either over the phone or online, so please do not hesitate to reach out.

We also offer consultations via telehealth communications, so you do not have to worry about coming into the office every time you need to speak with one of our physicians. We look forward to meeting you and helping you reach all of your aesthetic and medical goals as a patient. We serve patients from Henderson NV, Midway NV, Gibson Springs NV, Paradise Hills NV, and Winchester NV.