One of the more common misconceptions about Botox is the "frozen" or expressionless look. Botox injections are an art and knowing how much botox to inject is a critical part.
"Baby Botox" refers to dosing botox in a softer and more subtle way to allow facial expression but still improve fine lines and wrinkles. Baby botox is typically delivered in smaller but more precise doses and only where it is most necessary.
Higher doses of botox can freeze the face, eliminate expression, and result in a shiny and rigid look. By using lower doses, the skin appears more natural with a less heavy look where facial expression is maintained.
Baby botox also refers to the practice of using botox in younger patients whose goal is to prevent wrinkles from forming. For patients in their 20s and early 30s, preventing lines and wrinkles from forming is the goal. This practice is also know as "preventative botox."
Baby botox techniques are useful in maintenance of facial aesthetics by prolonging results of more invasive procedures such as a facelift, browlift, eyelid rejuvenation, laser, or chemical peel. Also, using smaller botox doses more frequently can maintain one's appearance by keeping wrinkles at bay rather than allowing botox to completely wear off between treatments.
Baby botox techniques are also useful in treating area where more subtle results are warrented such as upper lip lines, marionette lines, chin wrinkles, or neck lines. Lightly treating these areas softens wrinkles without causing unnatural muscle weakness or alterations in expression.
Botox is delivered in "units" and the total cost per treatment reflects how many units of Botox were delivered. With baby botox dosing, fewer botox units are used and the cost should be proportionately lower. It is advisable to always ask how many units of botox you are receiving.
Dr. John L. Burns, Jr., MD is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and is President of The Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute; one of the largest plastic surgery group practices in the United States. Dr. Burns specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face, breast, and body.