When It Is Needed?
- Muscle Hyperactivity: Overactive orbicularis oculi muscles can cause drooping of the lateral brow due to constant tension and movement.
- Aesthetic Enhancement: By relaxing these muscles, Botox helps balance the lifting action of the frontalis muscle, improving the arch and symmetry of the brow.
Understanding the Anatomy Behind Lateral Brow
Orbicularis Oculi Muscle: Surrounds the eye and is divided into segments (pretarsal, preseptal, orbital). The lateral portion is crucial in controlling brow position, located just below or at the level of the outer eyebrow hairs.
How To Inject
- Positioning: Use the non-injecting hand to gently elevate the lateral brow to ensure optimal access and visibility.
- Injection Points: Administer Botox approximately 1 cm above the orbital rim, focusing on 2-3 injection sites along the lateral brow.
- Dosage: Each injection site typically receives 2 to 3 units of Botox, totaling 4 to 6 units per side. Adjust dosage based on individual muscle strength and aesthetic goals.
- Anesthesia: While topical anesthesia can be applied for comfort, it's often unnecessary due to the superficial nature of the injections.
Stay Safe
- Vascular Awareness: The periocular area contains numerous superficial veins. Injecting into the superficial subcutaneous tissue minimizes the risk of hitting these vessels and reduces bruising.
- Bruising Management: Apply firm pressure immediately if bleeding occurs to minimize bruising. Post-injection, advise patients on the possibility of bruising and recommend ice packs as needed.
Post-Injection Instructions
- Monitoring: Advise patients to avoid rubbing or touching the injected area for several hours post-treatment.
- Bruising Awareness: Emphasize the likelihood of bruising due to the vascular nature of the area. Encourage patients to report any persistent swelling or discoloration.
Risks
- Rare Risks: Complications such as unintended effects on the levator palpebrae superioris muscle are minimal when proper injection techniques are followed.
- Patient Variability: Results may vary, with some individuals achieving more significant brow elevation than others.
Practical Tips For Injection
- Injection Strategy: To avoid counteracting the lifting effect, refrain from injecting the lateral frontalis muscle simultaneously with the orbicularis oculi.
- Customization: Tailor treatment based on individual brow anatomy and muscle dynamics observed during facial animation.
By adhering to these detailed guidelines, practitioners can effectively utilize Botox injections to lift the lateral brow, providing patients with natural-looking and harmonious facial rejuvenation results.