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What is Botox©?
Botox© is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medication derived from a naturally occurring substance and produced in a highly regulated environment. Botox© temporarily relaxes muscles in specific areas where the medication is injected. This medication is injected precisely into the muscles located in the forehead, between the eyebrows (glabella/eleven lines), and along the side of the eyes (crow’s feet) where strong contraction of these muscles can produce heavy folds visible on the skin. There are other areas of the face where Botox© can be placed that are considered FDA off-label. For example, Botox© is injected into the lower jawline in a muscle (masseter muscle) that can become tense and make the jawline appear wider than is preferred. The purpose of Botox© is to address aesthetic concerns about the face.
What Condition Does the Procedure Address?
Botox© addresses the effects of strong contraction of some facial muscles over time. These effects include deep folds in the skin evident when talking and expressing emotion, also known as dynamic wrinkles. This contrasts with static wrinkles, which are present when the face is at rest. Both dynamic and static wrinkles become more evident with age. Treatment with Botox© can improve the appearance of dynamic wrinkles while preserving an individual’s range of expression.
Dynamic wrinkles can make individuals appear older because they accentuate changes occurring at the skin surface, including static wrinkles. Many describe the appearance of these changes as “harsh.” They are frequently evident in the forehead, between the eyebrows, and on the sides of the eyes.
Why Choose Dr. Harmon
The desire for youthfulness is understandable. There is no area more important than the face. After all, the face cannot be hidden. It is how we present ourselves to the world. Dr. Harmon works with a refined eye and trained hands to develop a personalized treatment plan with you, utilizing advanced techniques in surgical and non-surgical care of the face, nose, eyes, neck and hair.
Fellowship trained facial plastic surgeons have a unique specialized skill set in performing surgical and non-surgical procedures on the face, nose, eyes, neck and hair. The pathway to becoming a facial plastic surgeon begins with five years of rigorous training in head and neck surgery. This training is focused on all aspects of surgery for the head and neck, in addition to aesthetic and reconstructive procedures.
A small pool of top performing graduates from head and neck surgery programs are then selected to complete sub-specialty training as a fellow in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS).
Dr. Harmon completed his fellowship in facial plastic surgery through the AAFPRS with the world-renowned facial plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew Jacono on Park Avenue in New York City. Dr. Jacono is world renowned for developing the extended deep plane facelift technique. Dr. Harmon is one of the few surgeons in the world, and the only surgeon in the Cincinnati area, fellowship trained in this technique by Dr. Jacono.
Quad A Accredited Surgery Suite
Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery is proud to have a Quad A accredited operating room and facility in our office. Our single-physician, single-specialty facility meets or exceeds the strict guidelines and high standards set forth by Quad A, demonstrating our strong commitment to patient safety and excellence in surgical care. We utilize the services of board-certified anesthesiology physicians only as well as our own personal clinical support staff to ensure the most comfortable, safest experience for our clients.
Overview of the Procedure
The team at Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery works tirelessly to prepare patients well for their procedure. The time spent with patients and resources provided facilitates a smooth transition from the procedure through recovery. The following overview is a broad summary of the information provided to patients:
Procedure Consultation
Expect a detailed, informative discussion with Dr. Harmon about your concerns and aesthetic goals. He will develop a personalized treatment plan to address these concerns and goals.
Pre-Treatment Preparation
There is no specific pre-treatment preparation necessary prior to treatment with Botox®. However, there may be some surgical or non-surgical treatments that could dictate the time frame in which Botox® can be administered. It is also ideal to avoid blood thinning medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen for one week prior to treatment if possible.
Day of Treatment
It is ideal to arrive without makeup or other skin care products on the planned treatment sites. However, whether these products are in place or not, Dr. Harmon will clean the skin thoroughly prior to administering Botox® treatment.
Follow-Up Appointment
Dr. Harmon follows up with patients approximately two weeks after their first treatment with Botox®. He does this to confirm that the appropriate dosage has been administered. All follow-up appointments would be for re-administration of Botox® once the effects have worn off and as needed.
Social Readiness
Patients are advised against massaging their face or exercising for twenty-four hours after treatment. Most patients are socially ready by the following day.
Ideal Candidates for Botox©
Ideal candidates for Botox© are those who experience deep, coarse folds when speaking or expressing emotion (dynamic wrinkles) in the following areas:
- Forehead
- Between the Eyebrows, otherwise known as the glabella, frown lines, or eleven lines
- Side of the eyes, otherwise known as the crow’s feet
Most candidates for Botox© range in age from their twenties (20s) to seventies (70s). Consultation is essential to determine candidacy for the procedure because there may be factors that preclude this procedure for certain individuals. Reasonable expectations must be established about what Botox© can and cannot accomplish as with all cosmetic procedures.
What to Expect from Recovery
Recovery from Botox© treatment is specific to the individual but is generally minimal. The risk of swelling and bruising from injecting the medication is low.
If swelling does occur, it tends to resolve within twenty-four (24) hours. If bruising does occur, it tends to resolve within five (5) to seven (7) days.
The effects of Botox© usually start approximately three (3) to five (5) days after treatment. The maximal effect of treatment is usually reached by approximately fourteen (14) days after treatment.
The effects of Botox© gradually fade over a period of approximately three (3) to four (4) months for most individuals.
Swelling is resolved
Effects of Botox© start
Bruising tends to resolve
Maximal effect of treatment is reached
Effects of Botox© gradually fade
Benefits of Botox©
Botox© treats dynamic wrinkles, which contribute to facial aging. The benefits of Botox© include:
- Smoother appearance to the face when speaking or expressing emotion
- Relief of muscle tension at the site(s) of injection
Risks of Botox©
The risks of treatment with Botox© are low and primarily related to the use of small needles to administer the medication rather than the medication itself. Botox© has been administered millions of times with a high degree of safety. The potential risks of Botox© treatment include, but are not limited to:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Allergic reaction
- Dispersion of the medication to other areas
Combine Botox© with Other Facial Enhancements
Botox© can treat dynamic wrinkles in a minimally-invasive manner, which other surgical and non-surgical treatments cannot. As a result, they are an excellent complement to other procedures including, but not limited to:
Deep plane facelift
A deep plane facelift helps restore youthful structure, while Botox© may soften dynamic lines. Together, they can enhance both form and expression for a naturally refreshed look.
Brow Lift
Botox© can extend and refine the results of a brow lift by maintaining a lifted, relaxed brow position and help prevent new creases from forming over time.
Blepharoplasty
While eyelid surgery may rejuvenate the eye area structurally, Botox© can target crow’s feet and frown lines to further enhance brightness and openness around the eyes.
Laser skin resurfacing
Laser resurfacing smooths skin texture and helps improve tone; Botox© may complement these results by relaxing wrinkle-causing muscles, creating an overall smoother and more radiant appearance.
Fillers
Fillers help restore volume and contour, while Botox© can refine expression lines. When used together, they may offer a balanced, non-surgical approach to facial rejuvenation with natural, harmonious results.
Book Your Consultation
Take the first step toward your aesthetic goals with a personalized consultation. Dr. Harmon will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and guide you through your options. Schedule your consultation today and discover how expert care can make a difference.
Read More About
Guide to Botox©
This blog post is adapted from a presentation we have given for interested groups who wanted more information about the use of Botox© in Cincinnati. We at Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery recognize the intelligence and sophistication of our clients. They want to understand the treatments they receive at a deeper level. It is important to seek not only a fellowship-trained but also a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon if you have aesthetic concerns about your face and/or neck. A Brief History of Botox© Research on the use of botulinum toxin (e.g. Botox©) for therapeutic purposes began in the 1960s for patients with strabismus, or "cross eyes." It was first FDA-approved for therapeutic use on strabismus in 1989. It was not until 2002 – thirteen years later - that the FDA approved Botox© for cosmetic use. It was first approved for cosmetic use between the eyebrows, also known as the glabella or "eleven lines." Botox© was then approved for additional areas (underarms, crow's feet, and forehead) over the next 15 years. Other botulinum toxin products (Xeomin©, Dysport©, Jeuveau©) gained approval for cosmetic use in that period as well. How Botox© Works Botox© is delivered at much lower doses for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes than exists naturally. However, its mechanism-of-action is the same. It works at the junction between the muscle and nerve that signals the muscle to contract. Botulinum toxin binds to a terminal at the end of the nerve and prevents the release of molecules that would otherwise signal the muscle to contract. Its effects wear off as the body gradually breaks down and replaces these proteins. The treatment is effective for dynamic rhytids, or coarse wrinkles that develop when we move our faces. When evaluating the effectiveness of any treatment it is best to find the highest quality studies, which are generally randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Even better are studies that combined the data from multiple RCTs. The Cochrane Library is the gold-standard source of medical research. However, it is not always possible to find research on any subject you desire in this database because of the immense work involved studying each question. Fortunately, The Cochrane Library has published on the effectiveness of botulinum toxin in a paper entitled "Botulinum Toxin Type A for Facial Wrinkles." They evaluated 65 RCTs that included a total of 14,919 patients. Injection of botulinum toxin in the glabella was compared with placebo. Results ranged from 4 weeks to 2 years after treatment. They concluded that botulinum toxin is likely effective at week 4 after treatment, which is an important finding. Its effectiveness is reflected in its ubiquity. Botulinum toxin was the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure worldwide in 2020 according to statistics compiled by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), with approximately 6.2 million injections performed. The most common age range to receive injections was 35 – 50 years. Common Questions About Botox© A common question is whether Botox© administration is painful. A 31-gauge insulin needle is used, the smallest needle size available in clinic. As a result, treatment is generally associated with little-to-no pain. Another common question is whether Botox© administration is safe. The answer is yes in a significant majority of cases. Its approval by the FDA is an endorsement of its overall safety profile. The best way to evaluate the safety of Botox© treatment is to review both the highest quality data (i.e. RCTs) but also the Adverse Event (AE) reporting to the FDA that occurs whenever a medication is approved for use by the FDA. A 2005 study of FDA-reported AEs associated with botulinum toxin type A used for both therapeutic and cosmetic purposes demonstrated the vast majority of reported AEs at the time were labelled "non-serious," with 63% of those AEs being a "lack of effect," 19% involving an injection site reaction (e.g. pain, bruising, swelling, allergic reaction), and 11% involving eyelid ptosis, or a drooping eyelid, which is a temporary possible risk that can be decreased with appropriate technique. A significantly smaller percentage of AEs were labelled as "serious," the most common of which was swallowing difficulties. It is important to note, however, that reported AEs included injection of botulinum toxin for neck banding, which is in an area very close to muscles that contribute to swallowing. That could explain the above reporting. Moreover, a large majority of AEs reported with botulinum toxin administration were for therapeutic use (e.g. strabismus), not cosmetic use. It is suspected that serious AEs are likely related to both the amount used and the location it is used. Therapeutic uses involve much higher doses than cosmetic uses and are placed in areas with a higher risk of functional problems. Assessing individuals for possible contraindications and appropriate counseling and informed consent is essential. It is very important to evaluate patients who may not be good candidates for the medication. One example is patients with a history of neuromuscular disorders, including Myasthenia Gravis (MG) and Lambert-Eaton Syndrome (LES). Pregnant and/or nursing mothers should not receive it. Patients actively taking aminoglycoside antibiotics or streptomycin should not receive it because the antibiotics could potentiate the effects of the medication. Dr. Harmon has a detailed discussion of the potential benefits and risks of injecting Botox© with every client who is interested in treatment. As a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon, he has the detailed understanding of facial anatomy necessary to provide these treatments safely and effectively. Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon It is important to seek a double board-certified, fellowship-trained specialist in plastic surgery of the face and neck when you have concerns about your face or neck. Why Choose Dr. Harmon The mission of Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery is to help people along their journey towards self-confidence, to feel good about feeling good. Dr. Harmon is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Dr. Harmon values making patients feel welcomed, listened to, and respected. Dr. Harmon graduated with honors from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science degree in molecular biology. Dr. Harmon earned his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Harmon underwent five years of extensive training in head at neck surgery at the prestigious residency program at the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Harmon then underwent focused fellowship training in cosmetic facial plastic surgery through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) with the world-renowned surgeon, Dr. Andrew Jacono, on Park Avenue in New York City. Request a Consultation Request a consultation with Dr. Harmon at Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery in Cincinnati. Visit our clinic. You will learn more about Dr. Harmon's credentials, style and approach. Build a relationship with our dedicated team. Do not stop at searching "plastic surgery near me." Get in touch with us today to learn more! Contact Us References Brin MF, Boodhoo TI, Pogoda JM, James LM, Demos G, Terashima Y, Gu J, Eadie N, Bowen BL. Safety and tolerability of onabotulinumtoxinA in the treatment of facial lines: a meta-analysis of individual patient data from global clinical registration studies in 1678 participants. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009 Dec;61(6):961-70.e1-11. Camargo CP, Xia J, Costa CS, Gemperli R, Tatini MD, Bulsara MK, Riera R. Botulinum toxin type A for facial wrinkles. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021 Jul 5;7(7):CD011301. Cohen JL, Scuderi N. Safety and Patient Satisfaction of AbobotulinumtoxinA for Aesthetic Use: A Systematic Review. Aesthet Surg J. 2017 May 1;37(suppl_1):S32-S44. Coté TR, Mohan AK, Polder JA, Walton MK, Braun MM. Botulinum toxin type A injections: adverse events reported to the US Food and Drug Administration in therapeutic and cosmetic cases. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2005 Sep;53(3):407-15. Guo Y, Lu Y, Liu T, Zhou Y, Yang P, Zhu J, Chen L, Yang Q. Efficacy and Safety of Botulinum Toxin Type A in the Treatment of Glabellar Lines: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Trials. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015 Sep;136(3):310e-318e. Jia Z, Lu H, Yang X, Jin X, Wu R, Zhao J, Chen L, Qi Z. Adverse Events of Botulinum Toxin Type A in Facial Rejuvenation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2016 Oct;40(5):769-77. Sundaram H, Signorini M, Liew S, Trindade de Almeida AR, Wu Y, Vieira Braz A, Fagien S, Goodman GJ, Monheit G, Raspaldo H; Global Aesthetics Consensus Group. Global Aesthetics Consensus: Botulinum Toxin Type A--Evidence-Based Review, Emerging Concepts, and Consensus Recommendations for Aesthetic Use, Including Updates on Complications. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016 Mar;137(3):518e-529e.
Can Botox© and Similar Products Improve the Appearance of Scars?
The treatment of scars is complex and often requires multiple modalities of treatment, including lasers, chemical peels, topical medications, injected medications, and even surgery. For more information on the treatment of scars, please visit the linked blog post. One proposed treatment for scars is Botox© and similar medications which are also referred to as Botulinum Toxin-A. A recent study sought to answer the question of whether Botulinum Toxin-A is an effective treatment for scars by combining the data from multiple previous studies to perform something called a systematic review and meta-analysis, which is a qualitative and quantitative study of the effects of an intervention. For more information on how physicians review the literature, please visit the linked blog post. It is important to seek not only a fellowship-trained but also a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon if you have aesthetic concerns about your face and/or neck. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Demonstrated the Effectiveness of Botox© and Similar Medications in Treating Scars A systematic review and meta-analysis published in medical literature reviewed approximately 20 studies to evaluate the effects of Botulinum Toxin-A on scar formation. This study demonstrated an improvement in the appearance of scars with treatment with Botulinum Toxin-A when compared with incisions that were not treated, also known as the control (1). A more recent systematic review and meta-analysis confirmed these findings, especially for the use of Botulinum Toxin-A in the forehead and upper lip (2). Typically, the best method to assess scar formation is with what is called a split-scar study. A split-scar study involves the treatment of half the scar with the other half of the scar serving as the control. Many of these papers included split-scar studies and utilized methods of assessing the appearance of scars that have been approved as being objective enough to be included in medical studies. The Mechanism of Action by Which Botox© Can Improve Scar Appearance is Not Known The mechanism by which Botox© and other similar products can improve the appearance of scars is not yet clear. It may be that the medication affects the cascade of signaling molecules that affect the healing process. It may also be that, by reducing the contraction of muscles around the incision, there is less tension on that incision, thereby improving the appearance of the scar. More research is required to determine the mechanism of action of Botulinum Toxin-A on scar formation. Botox© and Similar Products are a Promising Treatment for Scars but Remain FDA Off-Label While the potential benefits of the treatment of scars with Botulinum Toxin-A is promising, It is important to note that the FDA has not yet reviewed and approved the use of Botox© and similar products for the treatment of scars. However, as with many other interventions, the road to FDA approval starts with research demonstrating the effectiveness of the treatment, as evidenced by the above study. Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon It is important to seek a fellowship-trained specialist in plastic surgery of the face and neck when you have concerns about your face or neck. Why Choose Dr. Harmon The mission of Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery is to help people along their journey towards self-confidence, to feel good about feeling good. Dr. Harmon is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Harmon values making patients feel welcomed, listened to, and respected. Dr. Harmon graduated with honors from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science degree in molecular biology. Dr. Harmon earned his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Harmon underwent five years of extensive training in head at neck surgery at the prestigious residency program at the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Harmon then underwent focused fellowship training in cosmetic facial plastic surgery through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) with the world-renowned surgeon, Dr. Andrew Jacono, on Park Avenue in New York City. Request a Consultation Request a consultation with Dr. Harmon at Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery in Cincinnati. Visit our clinic. You will learn more about Dr. Harmon's credentials, style, and approach. Build a relationship with our dedicated team. Do not stop searching "plastic surgery near me." Get in touch with us to learn more. Contact Us References Rammal A, Mogharbel A. Effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin-A on Face, Head, and Neck Scars: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Facial Plast Surg Aesthet Med. 2023 Nov 7. Rammal A, Mogharbel A. Effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin-A on Face, Head, and Neck Scars: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Facial Plast Surg Aesthet Med. 2024 Jul-Aug;26(4):379-385.
What Can Botox© Treatment of the Corner of the Jawline (Masseter Muscles) Achieve?
Patients have increasingly sought treatment of the corner of the jawline with products such as Botox© for cosmetic and functional purposes. The muscles treated are called the masseter muscles. This blog post seeks to clarify what the masseter muscles are, what cosmetic and/or functional concerns they can contribute to, and how treatment with products such as Botox© may benefit these cosmetic and/or functional concerns. My expertise as an aesthetic facial plastic surgeon is in addressing cosmetic concerns with the masseter muscles. Any functional improvements are wonderful potential secondary benefits. It is important to seek not only a fellowship-trained but also a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon if you have aesthetic concerns about your face and/or neck to determine whether treatment of your jawline with Botox© is right for you. The Masseter Muscles Are for Chewing The masseter muscles are large, strong muscles that sit on either side of the back corner of the jawline. They are one of multiple muscles that contribute to chewing. Tension in this muscle can contribute to jaw pain as well as teeth grinding at night, also known as bruxism. Large masseter muscles can contribute to fullness in the back of the jawline, resulting in the appearance of a wide jawline, which can be an aesthetic concern, especially in women. Treatment of the Masseter Muscles with Botox© Can Benefit a Patient Aesthetically Products such as Botox© are injected into the lower part of the masseter muscles, which attaches at the back and bottom corner of the jawline. Botox© is injected into the deep muscle to be effective while still preserving strong chewing function. The purpose of this treatment is to reduce the size of the masseter muscle by reducing its strong contraction. The overall aesthetic effect that can be achieved is a reduction in the width of the jawline. Treatment of the Masseter Muscles with Botox© Can Benefit a Patient Functionally Products such as Botox© are frequently placed in the same location in the masseter muscles to treat tightness in the jaw as well as bruxism. Patients seeking treatment of enlarged masseter muscles often mention the above concerns as well. And, while the primary purpose of placing Botox© in the masseter muscles at Harmon Facial Plastic surgery is for aesthetic purposes, any potential functional benefit is welcomed. Patient often return to clinic excited because their jaw symptoms improve after treatment. Treatment of the Masseter Muscles with Botox© is Safe and Effective but an FDA Off-Label Use It is important to note that injection of the masseter muscles with Botox© or other similar products is an FDA off-label use of these medications. However, there are multiple locations in which these medications have been used FDA off-label for many years safely and effectively. For example, Botox© was FDA approved for use in the forehead in 2017 but had been used safely and effectively in this location for many years prior to its approval. It is important to have a conversation about this with your facial plastic surgeon. Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon It is important to seek a fellowship-trained specialist in plastic surgery of the face and neck when you have concerns about your face or neck. Why Choose Dr. Harmon The mission of Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery is to help people along their journey towards self-confidence, to feel good about feeling good. Dr. Harmon is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Harmon values making patients feel welcomed, listened to, and respected. Dr. Harmon graduated with honors from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science degree in molecular biology. Dr. Harmon earned his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Harmon underwent five years of extensive training in head at neck surgery at the prestigious residency program at the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Harmon then underwent focused fellowship training in cosmetic facial plastic surgery through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) with the world-renowned surgeon, Dr. Andrew Jacono, on Park Avenue in New York City. Request a Consultation Request a consultation with Dr. Harmon at Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery in Cincinnati. Visit our clinic. You will learn more about Dr. Harmon's credentials, style, and approach. Build a relationship with our dedicated team. Do not stop searching "plastic surgery near me." Get in touch with us to learn more. Contact Us
FAQ
Who administers Botox© at Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery?
Dr. Jeffrey Harmon administers all Botox© himself. Dr. Harmon has the detailed understanding of facial anatomy and the experience as a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon to provide the safest, most effective treatment.
Can Botox© treat all wrinkles anywhere in my face and neck?
No. Botox© can be used to reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles, or those wrinkles that become more prominent with movement of the facial musculature. More superficial, static wrinkles that exist at rest and are due to changes in the skin are best treated with laser resurfacing. Botox© can be used to treat dynamic wrinkles in the forehead, between the eyebrows (eleven lines) and on the sides of the eye (crow's feet). However, Dr. Harmon does not use it to treat wrinkles around the mouth (smoker's lines), under the eyes, or in the neck.
What areas of the face will Dr. Jeffrey Harmon NOT treat with Botox©?
Dr. Harmon will NOT treat the upper lip (i.e., lip flip) or the lower eyelids with Botox©. This is due to the risk of causing functional problems to the mouth and eyelids, respectively.
What is "traptox" and is it worthwhile?
"Traptox" is an abbreviation for the non-surgical procedure whereby Botox© or a similar product are injected into the trapezius muscles. The trapezius muscles are paired triangular-shaped muscles that extend across the back of the neck, shoulders, and back. They help control movement of the neck and shoulder blades. The term "traptox" has been widely circulated on social media. In fact, it is one of the most common locations to inject Botox© or a similar product in South Korea, where it was pioneered – see the blog for additional information on facial plastic surgery in South Korea. The purpose is to create the appearance of a longer neck. We at Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery do not recommend injecting Botox© or a similar product in this location. This is because the trapezius muscles are essential to maintaining stability of the neck and shoulders. Weakness of these muscles can lead to neck and shoulder pain. For example, patients with head and neck cancer sometimes require removal of the nerve that controls movement of this muscle. A non-functional trapezius muscle can lead to debilitating shoulder pain in such a case.
Is Botox© a common treatment?
Yes, Botox© is a common non-surgical treatment. The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) release statistics each year that provide insight into the state of plastic surgery around the world. ISAPS reported botulinum toxin was administered 1,477,000 times in the United States in 2020.
What type of anesthesia is required?
Botox© administration is generally minimally painful and usually requires no anesthesia. Some individuals may require topical anesthesia, however.
How long does Botox© last?
Botox© generally lasts 3 to 4 months. However, there are rare instances where treatment can last less than 3 months or longer than 4 months.
Can regular treatment with Botox© prevent the formation of wrinkles?
While a reasonable idea, there is currently no clinical evidence that early treatment with Botox© prevents the formation of wrinkles.
Can men benefit from Botox©?
Absolutely, men can benefit from Botox© placed in the same locations as women. In fact, men tend to develop much stronger, coarser wrinkles with age. Botox© can be an excellent option to treat these wrinkles.
What areas of the face does Dr. Jeffrey Harmon treat with Botox©?
Dr. Harmon treats the forehead, glabella (i.e., eleven lines, frown lines), crow's feet, bunny lines, mentalis muscle (i.e., chin dimples), masseter muscles (i.e., jawline) and underarms (for excessive sweating) with Botox©. He performs all Botox© injections himself.
Can Treatment with Botox© Give Me a Brow Lift?
Yes, treatment with Botox© can lift the eyebrows beautifully, though not as effectively as a surgical brow lift. The effects are also temporary, lasting only as long as the medication lasts. The mechanism by which Botox© treatment results in a brow lift is counterintuitive. Unlike a surgical brow lift, in which the brows are lifted and secured from above, a brow lift using Botox© weakens the muscles below the eyebrows that pull the eyebrows down. There is a common misconception that treating the forehead with Botox© results in a non-surgical brow lift. In fact, treatment of the crow's feet and frown lines between the eyebrows results in a non-surgical brow lift, because muscles in these locations function as the brow depressors.
What is "jelly roll" Botox© and is it worthwhile?
"Jelly roll" Botox© refers to placing Botox© or similar medications in the lower eyelid in an area of a muscle, called the orbicularis oculi, that helps close the eye by lifting the lower eyelid. It is intended to reduce the bunching that can occur in some individuals with active muscle movement at this location. The term "jelly roll" Botox© has been used widely on social media. It is a treatment that is off-label for Botox© and other medications as defined by the Food and Drug Administration. We at Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery do not offer treatment of this location with Botox©, because weaking of the muscle at the lower eyelid can limit eyelid closure and temporarily change the shape of the lower eyelids. The potential problems associated with these changes include, but are not limited to, dry eyes and vision changes.
Written by Dr. Harmon
Discover the expertise and compassionate care of Dr. Jeff Harmon, a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon deeply rooted in the Cincinnati community. A former collegiate athlete and Cornell University graduate, Dr. Harmon brings discipline, precision, and a global perspective to his surgical practice—refined through elite fellowship training in New York City.
Located in Hyde Park, Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery proudly serves patients throughout the Cincinnati area offering personalized facial aesthetics with world-class skill and a hometown heart.