When Botox Cosmetic gained FDA approval for neck injections earlier this year, it became the fourth officially approved area for this wrinkle-relaxing treatment. However, the real magic of Botox lies in its versatility. Expert injectors across the country go beyond these approvals, using it off-label to treat everything from gummy smiles to jaw pain, showcasing its ability to address both aesthetic and functional concerns. This Botox Day, we’re highlighting the favorite injection spots of top doctors nationwide, along with their insights into why these areas deliver such impactful results.
Upper Face
The Glabella
“I recently had Jean Carruthers, who, alongside her recently deceased husband, helped bring Botox to aesthetic medicine years ago, to my office. She reminded me of the first area we started treating—the glabella—and what a game changer it has been for getting our patients not to look worried, angry or frowning and helping correct and prevent those dreaded ‘eleven’ lines. My patients often tell me how much this little fix in expression helps the way they are perceived and treated in this world.”
—New York dermatologist Orit Markowitz, MD
The Forehead and Brows
“My favorite area to treat with Botox Cosmetic is the forehead. I love the precision of Botox and how effective it is to lift the eyebrows or even out uneven brows, specifically with female patients. Another rewarding area is injecting microdroplets of Botox at the lash line for patients with uneven eyes—it helps to make the smaller eye appear larger.”
—New York dermatologist Marina Peredo, MD
“I love treating the superior aspect of the orbicularis oculi muscle. It lies right below the eyebrow, and just a few units can give a 1-2 mm lift in the right patients. They absolutely love it and come back for it time and time again.”
—Charlotte, NC dermatologist Gilly Munavalli, MD
Crow’s Feet and Bunny Lines
“I also love injecting along the jawline (Nefertiti lift) because the patients look so amazing and are in shock that Botox can define their jawlines so beautifully. Another favorite area is the bunny lines. So many people inject the crow’s feet without addressing bunny lines. When I suggest bunny lines to new patients who have gone elsewhere previously, they are astonished at how much more natural their Botox looks from adding in this area.”
—New York dermatologist Jody Levine, MD
Lower Face and Neck
Platysmal Bands
“I would have to say the platysmal bands on the neck. To be able to eliminate the stringy neck and the pull-down effect on the entire face by treating the bands is a win-win. Relaxing those bands allows all of our energy-based devices to work better!”
—Beverly Hills, CA dermatologist Ava Shamban, MD
“With over 30 years of experience in Botox injections, my current favorite area to treat is the neck’s platysma bands. This technique subtly tightens the lower face and enhances the jawline, creating an impressive lift that delights my patients.”
—Miami dermatologist Dr. Deborah Longwill
Masseters for Slimming
“My favorite area to treat with Botox is a toss-up between the frown lines in the glabella and the masseters to slim the face. I can’t tell you how many patients I’ve seen with cracked teeth from clenching the jaw at night. Injecting the masseters with Botox not only reduces tension but also softens and slims the face with additional injections.”
—Interview with Beverly Hills, CA facial plastic surgeon Kimberly J. Lee, MD
Beyond the Basics
Nasal Tip
“So the most remarkable effects were for my non-cosmetic patients who couldn’t open their eyes in two days after receiving Botox injections [and then] were able to see again. Subsequently, 90 percent of my injections now are done for cosmetic purposes. At the beginning, we were only able to use it to decrease frown lines and crow’s feet. However, now we can do so many other things with it, including lifting the tip of the nose, getting rid of dimpling on the chin, lifting neck muscles and more. It is truly one of the most remarkable discoveries in modern medicine.”
—Woodbury, NY oculoplastic surgeon David Schlessinger, MD
Upper Eyelid Ptosis
“I have utilized Botox as a longer-acting nonsurgical solution for upper eyelid ptosis. Initially, my approach was met with skepticism and concern, largely due to a lack of understanding of the anatomy and technical nuances by some. However, with over 1,000 successful treatments delivered, this technique has gained acceptance among experienced providers as a useful option.”
—Boca Raton, FL oculoplastic surgeon Steven Fagien, MD
Scar Treatment
“I love using Botox for scars, including keloids, which can be thick and painful. When all else fails, Botox is often the extra ‘magic ingredient’ that softens or thins a scar. This has helped patients with scars ranging from simple surgical scars to more complex scars from burns or major trauma.”
—Omaha, NE dermatologist Daniel Schlessinger, MD
TMJ Relief
“Botox is well known for its standard uses, but it always gives me pleasure when someone comes in with a challenge they never imagined Botox could treat, such as jaw pain from clenching teeth. A few, well-placed injections of Botox cured the issue and prevented unnecessary surgeries.”
—Omaha, NE dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD
“I’ve found Botox to be incredibly helpful in managing my jawline pain. As someone who clenches and grinds my teeth, I often experience discomfort and even headaches. Botox injections in the masseter muscle have significantly reduced my teeth-grinding habits, leading to noticeable relief from jaw pain. Additionally, it has helped me maintain a more defined jawline and a V-shaped face. My patients have found this very helpful as well.”
—New York dermatologist Elaine Kung, MD
