Personalization of Botox injections

  Botox injections are personalized Botox has become a powerful tool for cosmetic surgeons to correct dynamic wrinkles on the upper face. The most common injection sites include between the eyebrows (Kawasaki lines), the forehead (head-lift lines), the outer canthus and the corners of the eyes (crow’s feet).  After a long period of practice and observation, more and more cosmetic surgeons believe that the injection site and dosage should be individualized according to the patient’s own conditions. This is because each patient has differences in muscle anatomy and strength, baseline asymmetries, and relationships with neighboring structural units. Of course, there are also differences in the results expected by the patient.  Between the eyebrows Injecting a full dose of Botox is likely to result in stiffness of the muscles between the eyebrows and the upper face, including the brow, so the dose should be reduced in moderation. This requires the plastic surgeon to assess the degree of contraction of the interbrow muscles (including the frown and descending interbrow muscles) at rest and during facial expressions such as frowning, raising the eyebrows and smiling. The results are classified as mild, moderate or severe. The dose, injection site, and dilution of Botox can affect interbrow lines, brow position, and movement of the medial frontal line and should vary from person to person.  Forehead Changes in the forehead and between the eyebrows cause relative movement of muscle groups. The frontalis is the ascending brow muscle, while the interbrow and orbicularis oculi are the descending brow muscles, so injection sites and doses need to be considered when performing forehead treatments. The best results can only be achieved when forehead height and width, muscle strength, symmetry, and baseline brow position are all factored into the treatment plan.  The goal of treatment for forehead lines is to reduce fine lines without causing drooping of the brow and stiffening of the expression. Preoperative assessment of the frontalis muscle strength is required. Local paralysis of the upper facial descending brow muscle can correct a mild drooping of the brow and thus make the eyes appear larger. Medial forehead injections with too much Botox can make the outer brow lift appear less natural. Therefore, when repositioning the brow, a balance should be sought between position, symmetry, and the patient’s desired outcome.  Periorbital wrinkles are one of the earliest signs of aging. In older patients, static wrinkles due to photodamage are more pronounced and are not as effective with Botox alone. Patients not only want to reduce wrinkles, but also want to make their skin look more youthful through the procedure.