Botox: Where it Works Best

Most people know that Botox smoothes facial wrinkles by relaxing the muscles that cause them. Few people, however, are aware of the areas of the face that represent danger zones when it comes to Botox injections.

Botox is routinely used to treat wrinkles involving the upper half of the face. Crow's feet, forehead wrinkles and the lines between the eyebrows (the "11" lines) are prime targets. In trained hands, full doses are given with few complications.

Less frequently, Botox is used to treat wrinkling in the lower half of the face. Wrinkling around the mouth and lips are the most frequent target areas.

Lower doses of Botox are utilized in the lower half of the face due to the increased risk of side effects. Slurred speech, difficulty drinking through a straw and an impaired ability to kiss can occur where muscles around the mouth are relaxed with Botox injections.

Before undergoing any medical procedures, it is important to understand the risks and benefits. If you are contemplating Botox injections to the lower half of your face, be sure to discuss these specific risks with your injector before undergoing treatment.