Botox

Botox blocks the impulses from the nerves to the tiny facial muscles that are related to expression lines, relaxing the muscles so that they don’t contract. Post-treatment, the overlying skin appears smooth and unwrinkled, while the rest of the untreated facial muscles are able to contract in normal fashion—so you can still have normal (and not inhibited) facial expressions!

Aside from facial smoothening, Botox/Dysport can also be used for these conditions: abnormal contraction of the eyelid, and excessive sweating of the armpits, palms, and soles. It can also be used to make one’s face less angular, soften the look of neck bands, contour the eyebrows, and make enlarged calf muscles smaller.

A limitation, though: Botox cannot improve wrinkles caused by aging and sun damage, since these are unrelated to facial muscle contractions. Intradermal Botox/Dysport injections (Mesobotox) can help with sagging skin, but in severe cases, it cannot replace the need for a facelift or brow lift.

Dynamic wrinkles—a.k.a. worry lines, laugh lines, and crow’s feet—are caused by the repeated contractions of facial muscles when you frown, laugh, or smile.

There is very minimal discomfort and you can resume normal activities immediately.