Botox is one of the world’s most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatments, with more than 7.3 million Botox injections performed across the globe in 2022 alone.
But while Botox is typically the go-to solution to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, it can also be used to create a slimmer, tighter appearance.
How does it work? What results can you expect to see? I’ll answer these and other key questions below.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox (botulinum toxin A) is an injectable substance that blocks neurotransmitters causing muscle contractions in the face, neck, and other areas of the body. When injected into the forehead, for example, Botox prevents muscles in that area from contracting as usual whenever you form expressions.
Repeated muscle contractions over a number of decades will cause wrinkles and fine lines to form. Botox helps stop the development of new wrinkles and smooths existing ones to create a more youthful look.
Botox can also be used to treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) when injected into the armpits, hands, and other areas. That blocks signals sent to overactive sweat glands to prevent excessive sweating.
Similarly, Botox may be injected into several areas on the head to treat chronic migraine.
What Types of Botox are Available?
At VBeauty Medical Spa, I typically use four reputable and reliable botulinum toxin (A) brands: Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Nuceiva.
- Botox – Botox is the most well-known brand of botulinum toxin (A). This has been in use for decades, primarily for treating wrinkles and fine lines. Botox Cosmetic is a treatment specifically for targeting wrinkles and fine lines on the face and neck.
- Dysport – Dysport was created by Ipsen Pharma, a French company. Dysport is similar to Botox, but it contains slightly different proteins that can cause the substance to disperse through a larger area more efficiently. This product is mainly used to treat glabella lines — the frown lines that develop between the eyebrows.
- Xeomin – Xeomin and Botox both use the same purified botulinum toxin (A), but Botox contains additional proteins that make for a more complex formulation. As Xeomin is purified, it has no additives and may not cause allergic reactions in the same way as Botox. It may also achieve quicker results that last longer.
- Nuceiva – Nuceiva (often dubbed “newtox” in Canada) was approved by Health Canada in 2019. It works in the same way as Botox, but Nuceiva is approved solely for cosmetic treatments. Botox, on the other hand, is widely used for medical applications (e.g. treating excessive sweating and chronic migraine). The results and their duration tend to be the same or similar.
Regardless of the brand I use for your treatment, rest assured that I’ll discuss the process, results, and potential side effects during your free consultation. That means you can go into the procedure and understand exactly what it involves and what you can expect.
How Can Botox Help You Look Slimmer?
Neck Revitalization
Sagging skin is a common sign of aging. It’s caused by the body’s gradual reduction in collagen and elastin levels. Collagen is an essential protein that keeps skin strong, firm, and plump. Elastin is another protein, which gives skin its elasticity and allows it to retain its shape after being stretched.
Decreased production of collagen and elastin creates loose skin across the body, but it can be particularly noticeable around the jawline and neck. Botox can be injected into multiple areas on the neck to create tighter, firmer skin.
Botox injections will also target dynamic wrinkles caused by moving the neck muscles. Existing wrinkles will be less visible, and new ones will be less likely to form.
By tightening and firming the skin on the neck, I can help you develop a slimmer, more streamlined appearance in that area. VBeauty Medical Spa’s Neck Revitalization also incorporates Profhilo Bioremodelling, which plays a key part in smoothing and plumping the skin.
Masseter Muscles Treatment
Botox can be injected into the masseter muscles at the back of the jaw, which helps with chewing. If the masseter muscles are particularly strong and thick, they can give the face more of a square and bulky shape.
However, Botox will relax the masseter muscles and gradually give your face a slimmer shape. A square face may transform into a softer shape, such as an oval. Combining this treatment with my Neck Revitalization procedure can cultivate a slimmer look and reduce visible signs of aging.
Botox for Trapezius Muscle Reduction
Botox is an effective treatment for reducing the size of the trapezius muscles, which can contribute to a more masculine shoulder appearance. By injecting Botox into the trapezius muscles, we can achieve a more streamlined, feminine silhouette. This treatment works by relaxing the muscle, leading to a gradual reduction in size over time.
Botox for Slimming Cuffs
Achieving a slimmer appearance extends beyond the face and neck. Botox can also be used to slim cuffs (the muscle area around the wrists). By relaxing the muscles in this area, Botox helps to reduce bulkiness, creating a more delicate and refined look for the wrists and lower arms.
Botox for Appetite Suppression
Did you know that Botox can assist with weight management? By targeting the ‘hunger point’ around the tragus of the ear, Botox injections can help suppress appetite. This treatment, when combined with a healthy lifestyle, can aid in long-term weight loss. The effects are gradual, helping you manage hunger and maintain a balanced diet more effectively.
Botox for TMJ (Teeth Grinding)
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can cause significant discomfort and dental issues. Botox injections into the jaw muscles (masseter muscles) can provide relief by relaxing these muscles, reducing the frequency and intensity of grinding. This treatment not only alleviates pain but can also help prevent further dental damage.
Botox for Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)
Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, can be both embarrassing and uncomfortable. Botox injections can effectively treat this condition by blocking the nerve signals responsible for excessive sweating. This treatment is commonly used for the armpits, hands, feet, and other areas prone to excessive sweating. The results can significantly improve your quality of life, helping you stay dry and confident.
What Other Treatments are Available to Make You Look Slimmer?
At VBeauty Medical Spa, I offer other treatments designed to create a slimmer look. They work in different ways but can achieve incredible results.
Morpheus8
Morpheus8 by InMode is a fractional treatment that penetrates subdermal tissue by up to 8mm. The Morpheus8 Body procedure can be used to treat pockets of fat that refuse to shrink or disappear even with exercise and a healthy diet. This will lead to a slimmer, smoother shape.
Morpheus8 is also highly effective at stimulating the body’s production of collagen and elastin to tighten sagging skin.
Kybella
Kybella is a treatment for removing excess fat beneath the chin, performed across up to six sessions. It involves injecting deoxycholic acid into this area, which gradually eliminates fat cells. Kybella will leave you with a leaner, smoother profile., with full results usually visible after six months.
Profhilo Bioremodelling
Profhilo Bioremodelling is an injectable treatment featuring one of the highest hyaluronic acid concentrations available. It hydrates treated skin and remodels sagging, aging skin from the inside
The Profhilo biodegrades to release hyaluronic acid steadily, bringing moisture to treated areas. It also promotes the production of collagen and elastin to lift and tighten the skin, leading to a slimmer appearance.
Want to Try a Slimming Treatment in Toronto?
All of the treatments I’ve explored in this post can help you enjoy a slimmer look, whether on your face, neck, or other areas of your body.
Want to find out which option is best for you? Book your free consultation at VBeauty Medical Spa today.
