Botox, also known as botulinum toxin or Botox, is a toxic protein secreted by Clostridium botulinum during reproduction and is widely distributed in nature. In recent years, Botox has been extensively used in medical aesthetics for its ability to slim the face and reduce wrinkles, making it highly popular among beauty seekers.However, many may not realize that excessive Botox injections can backfire, potentially making you look older!
Some individuals experience this troubling phenomenon: despite receiving facial slimming injections to reduce jawline fullness, they develop hollows beneath the cheekbones, appearing overly gaunt and aged.Why does this happen? First, it's crucial to understand that botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin. Its primary function is to block the connection between nerves and muscles, preventing muscle contraction. Prolonged lack of contraction leads to muscle atrophy—the very principle behind its slimming effect on the face.
Therefore, Botox must never be injected into the masseter muscle beneath the cheekbones, as this can easily cause sunken areas and an aged appearance.
Secondly, excessive Botox dosage—particularly when injected too high near the masseter muscle—can spread and paralyze the masseter muscle beneath the cheekbones.
Additionally, when a patient's face is already relatively thin, partial paralysis of the masseter muscle can cause the unaffected muscle above it to atrophy to varying degrees due to the lack of traction from the underlying muscle.
Generally, an experienced practitioner can minimize this risk, but patients should be mentally prepared for this possibility before undergoing Botox injections.