What muscle do I inject with Botox to prevent this line from forming when I smile? (Photo)

Hello ,
thanks for your question.
A face to face consultation is important to understand better the situation and address your concerns. The muscle responsible for pulling the left side of your face when you smile is likely the zygomaticus major muscle. This muscle runs from the cheekbone to the corners of the mouth and is responsible for elevating the corners of the mouth when you smile.

Botulinum toxin is a neuromodulator that works by blocking nerve signals to targeted muscles, which can temporarily relax or weaken the muscle's activity. While Botox is most commonly used to target muscles in the upper face, such as the forehead and around the eyes, it can also be used to target the zygomaticus major muscle to improve a gummy or asymmetrical smile.

When using Botox to target the zygomaticus major muscle, I usually inject a small amount of Botulinum Toxin into the muscle on the stronger or more active side of the face. This will weaken the muscle's activity, allowing for a more symmetrical smile. It's important to note that Botox injections in the lower face can affect other muscles that are responsible for facial expressions, so it's essential to have this procedure performed by an experienced doctor who has a thorough understanding of facial anatomy and competent with aesthetic medical treatments.
Hope this helps,
Many Thanks
Dr Giuseppe Fiore

Hello !

The muscle you are likely referring to is the zygomaticus major muscle, which is responsible for pulling the corners of the mouth upwards and outwards when you smile. It's possible that this muscle is weaker on your left side, which could explain why the pull is not as strong and noticeable.

Botox can be used to target specific muscles and weaken their contractions, which can help to reduce the appearance of certain wrinkles and lines on the face. In your case, Botox could potentially be used to weaken the zygomaticus major muscle on your right side (the side that pulls more strongly) and help create a more symmetrical smile.

When you speak with a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, about using Botox to target this muscle, you can ask specifically for a treatment to weaken the zygomaticus major muscle on your right side. The healthcare professional can then tailor the treatment to your specific needs and provide you with more information on what to expect during and after the procedure.

It's important to note that while Botox can be effective for targeting specific muscles, it may not be suitable for everyone. Your healthcare professional can advise you on whether this treatment is appropriate for you and what the potential risks and benefits are.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !