Because Botox affects the nerves that signal muscle contraction, it is only useful for those types of lines and wrinkles.

Over the years doctors have found that Botox has many off-label uses and has some cosmetically beneficial effects on more dynamically caused wrinkles than originally intended.

Some common wrinkle / line uses

• Frown and worry lines
• Heavy brows (chemical brow lift)
• Chin dimpling
• Down turned mouth corners
• Lip pursing
• Neck bands
• Crow's feet
• Bunny lines
• Gummy smile

Wrinkles and lines that are caused by loss of collagen or elastin are remedied by fillers. Many patients find the combination of both Botox and fillers extends the longevity of both.

The answer to your question is that Botox only works well for certain areas of the face.  For example, the wrinkles commonly referred to as "laugh lines", which extend downward from the side of the nose to the side of the mouth are not addressed with Botox.  Because of the size of the crease in this area and the manner in which it forms, it is treated using dermal fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm or Perlane.

The areas of the face where we commonly use Botox are as follows.  In all cases, Botox works to address the issue of wrinkles in the particular area because it is able to relax the muscles that cause the wrinkles.

• The "11" lines, the vertical lines between the eyes.
• The horizontal forehead lines.
• The crow's feet on the outer sides of the eyes.
• The upper lip "smoker's lines".

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