A thorough knowledge of anatomy

The toxin must be injected at the correct dose and most of all in the right area, that is right in the muscle in which contractions must be inhibited. This face is made of numerous muscles forming kind of a complex network. These muscles command facial expressions and an exaggerated use can generate undesired wrinkles.

The injection of Botox is performed in a few minutes after having thoroughly chosen the areas to treat. The effects are visible as soon as the first days and are stable during 15 days – 3 weeks. A correction may be necessary 3 to 4 weeks after the injection session. The action of the botulinum toxin lasts during 3 to 4 months after the first treatment, often longer when it is renewed.

There are

• the muscles of joy, consisting in elevating and dilator muscles. The risorius muscle laterally extends the labial angle. This muscle is specific to mankind. It combines its action to the orbicularis oris which stretches the lips to produce a smile or express satisfaction.

• the muscles of sadness, dominated by depressors, with depression of transversal apertures. The corrugator muscle is often associated with sagging and frowning eyebrows; it expresses pain and sadness. The depressor anguli oris depresses the angles of the mouth and creates the bitterness folds. It gives a gloomy look.

• the muscles of attentiveness are the frontalis and the corrugator muscles. The forehead is creased and the eyebrows frowned, leading to the appearance of horizontal forehead wrinkles and of frown lines.

• the muscles of emotion are the corrugator muscle, that frowns the eyebrows, and the procerus, creating horizontal lines on the root of the nose.

There is thus a vast choice of injection sites, different for each personal case. However, Botox is mainly used in three areas:

• the forehead area

• the glabellar area (frown lines)

• the crow’s feet (fine wrinkles around the eyes)

The first treatment lasts approximately 3 months, then each injection extends the duration of the previous one. Ideally, people undergo one treatment every 6 to 9 months.