As we age, vertical bands often become more prominent in the neck due to overactive platysma muscles. These bands can create a sagging or strained appearance, making the neck look older and the jawline less defined. Botox for platysma bands is a highly effective treatment that helps smooth and rejuvenate the neck by relaxing these muscles.

When Botox is injected into the platysma, it reduces muscle tension in the neck, which softens vertical neck bands for a smoother, less crepey appearance. The procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and requires no downtime, making it an excellent option for those seeking a refreshed appearance without surgery.

Ideal for individuals noticing signs of aging in the neck, Botox for platysma bands offers natural-looking results that can last 3-6 months. Additionally, this treatment can be combined with other neuromodulator or filler procedures to enhance overall facial and neck rejuvenation.

Traptox is a specialized Botox treatment designed to slim the trapezius muscles, which connect the neck to the shoulders. Overdeveloped trapezius muscles can not only cause increased tension symptoms, but they can also give the neck and shoulders a bulky appearance, often resulting in a more masculine or stressed look. Traptox helps to relax and reduce the size of these muscles, creating a more slender, elongated neck and a smoother shoulder contour.

This procedure is ideal for individuals who feel self-conscious about the bulkiness of their shoulders or those who experience muscle tension in the trapezius area due to stress or posture. Traptox not only enhances the aesthetics of the neck and shoulders but also provides relief from chronic tension. Results typically become noticeable within a few weeks and can last up to six months.

By targeting the trapezius muscles with precision, Dr. Annie Chiu can give you a more graceful and refined neck and shoulder profile, perfect for those seeking an elegant, feminine silhouette or relief from muscle tension.

Masseter Botox is an effective treatment for slimming the lower face and reducing the prominence of the masseter muscles, which are responsible for grinding. Some individuals develop overactive or enlarged masseter muscles, leading to a square or bulky jawline. By injecting Botox into the masseters, the muscles gradually reduce in size, creating a softer, more tapered V-shape facial appearance.

This treatment is popular among individuals who want to achieve a less square, more heart-shaped face or those who suffer from jaw tension or teeth grinding (bruxism). Botox helps to relax the masseter muscles, not only slimming the jawline but also alleviating discomfort related to TMJ disorders. The results of masseter Botox injections can be seen within a few weeks and typically last 4-6 months.

Jawline shaping with Botox and other neuromodulators is an excellent non-surgical option for contouring and refining the jawline. Often referred to as the Nefertiti Lift, this treatment involves strategically placing Botox along the jawline and neck to relax the muscles that pull the face and specifically the jowls downwards, creating a more defined and lifted appearance.

Jawline shaping is ideal for individuals who notice sagging or a lack of definition in the lower face. By relaxing these downward-pulling muscles, the procedure lifts and tightens the jawline, offering a more youthful lifted appearance. This non-invasive treatment can significantly improve the appearance of jowls or a double chin and can be customized to achieve the patient’s desired look. Results from jawline shaping can last several months and are perfect for those seeking subtle yet effective facial rejuvenation without fillers or surgery.

Although sweating is normal, studies show 1-5% of the population suffers from excessive sweating—under the arms, on the hands and feet, or on the forehead. If you have sweating that causes you social or professional awkwardness, have to change shirts or socks multiple times a day, or if you are just someone who is sensitive to deodorant and antiperspirants, you may be a candidate for Botox treatment for excessive sweating.

Medically known as hyperhidrosis—Botox or other neuromodulators for hyperhidrosis offers a very high satisfaction rate, and results typically last 7-12 months to significantly decrease or inhibit sweat and odor in the treated areas. Our patients at The Derm Institute range from students to those who frequently engage in public speaking—if you struggle with worrying about sweat stains or odor, ask Dr. Chiu about this treatment.  It is simple, fast, and with a bit of topical numbing, painless.

The most commonly treated areas include:

• Underarms
• Palms
• Scalps and foreheads
• Soles

The effects of all the brands of neuromodulators including Botox are not immediate, and it typically takes around 4–7 days for the results to begin to appear. It may take up to two weeks for maximal results.

The neuromodulator family of treatments for dynamic wrinkles includes a number of different brand names, the most well-known being Botox, as this brand was the first to market. Botox is commonly used nowadays as a generic term like “Kleenex” in cosmetic procedures to describe treatment with any neuromodulator. Comparisons between brands should be considered like “Coke and Pepsi”, as the clinical effects are very similar with very slight subtle differences (some feel a bit less heavy, some have a softer blend, etc). Dr. Annie Chiu and The Derm Institute are unique in customizing every patient treatment individually in choosing which brand or brand combinations to achieve the optimal desired outcome. Dr. Chiu offers all brands of neuromodulators on the market and will partner with each patient to find the best combination to achieve the desired correction and duration that desired.

Pricing of neuromodulator treatments such as Botox varies greatly depending on the treatment area, degree of correction desired, and muscle mass (men typically require more product because of larger muscles on the face). In-person consultations are usually required to determine pricing. Commonly treated areas include frown lines, crow’s feet, horizontal forehead lines, and neck bands. Ballpark costs using Botox or Dysport range between $350-450 for each one of these areas treated.

You can go back to work right after any neuromodulator treatment without having to worry about swelling, redness, or downtime.

Neither Botox nor any other brands of neuromodulators produce significant discomfort at all. Treatments are comfortable and easy. Most patients find that their injections feel like a slight pinching or pricking sensation. Numbing cream can also be used if needed.

The results of all the common brands of neuromodulators like Botox, Dysport, etc usually last for about 3–4 months, depending on the patient. Daxxify is a long-lasting brand of neuromodulator that has been shown to have a longer duration of results up to 6-7 months. As the effects wear off and the facial muscles return to normal function, the wrinkles will gradually reappear. Most patients choose to have repeat treatments every 3-6 months to maintain a smooth, wrinkle-free face.

Daxxify, otherwise known as Daxi, is a longer-lasting version of Botox-like products that can last up to double the length of time in effect. 

Neuromodulator treatments like Botox produce very few side effects. Botox is the number one cosmetic treatment performed because of the comfort, safety, and ease of treatment.

While Botox treatment doesn’t require a recovery period, you may want to avoid exercise for at least eight hours. Exercise accelerates blood circulation, which may reduce the effects of Botox injections, which is why most practitioners ask that patients avoid rigorous physical activity for the rest of the day.

None of the brands of neuromodulator injections to treat wrinkles are currently recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Botox for hyperhidrosis has been studied by the FDA and is approved for this use under the arms.  Excessive sweating (like excessive oil production) is a nuisance, not a necessity for the body. It does not stop sweating all over the body—the treatment only eliminates or significantly reduces sweating in problem areas.

Anyone who struggles with sweat or odor can be a potential candidate for treatment with Botox for sweating. If you find dress shirts being ruined, feeling self-conscious about sweaty palms, or simply do not find deodorant and antiperspirants effective—Botox for sweating is an incredibly easy, effective, and pain-free treatment. Other neuromodulator brands such as Daxxify and Dysport can also be used to treat excessive sweating.

Botox for sweating or hyperhidrosis is a quick and simple treatment requiring about 15 minutes only. Topical numbing is used to minimize the treatment to virtually pain-free.

Our patients experience reduced sweating for 7-12 months. We recommend twice-a-year treatment if you want to maintain full results.