Baby Botox: More Natural-Looking Results Than Conventional Injection Techniques?

Micro botox
  • Micro Botox — also known as Baby Botox — is a method of administration where fewer units are injected for a more natural look.
  • It can be used for upkeep between regular Botox injections, or as a preventative measure to stop wrinkles before they form.
  • Micro Botox is also helpful in inhibiting oil production and reducing the appearance of enlarged pores.

Unparalleled as a nonsurgical anti-aging treatment, Botox can refresh one’s appearance in transformative ways. Unfortunately, the demand for Botox has seen it fall into the hands of providers who may lack the necessary experience and knowledge.

The result? Horror stories about drooping eyebrows, frozen foreheads, and lopsided facial expressions that sometimes scare new patients away.

Micro Botox, also referred to as Baby Botox, represents a new approach to administering Botox that ensures subtle and natural results, and eliminates the possibility of the dreaded frozen face. It can also be performed monthly as a maintenance treatment, or as a preventative measure to stop the formation of wrinkles.

How is Micro Botox different from regular Botox?

“When done correctly, Botox helps you look like a more relaxed, less tired version of yourself,” says Dr. Susan O’Malley, owner and medical director of Madison MedSpa in Madison, CT. However, Botox is sometimes injected in a formulaic way, limiting facial expression and creating the appearance of wrinkle-free skin — but at the expense of natural results.

Micro Botox is essentially the same as regular Botox but differs in the method of delivery; fewer units of Botox are used, and these units are distributed over a greater surface area with more shallow injections.

This approach helps to slow the movement of muscles and diminish wrinkling, but not as rigorously as normal injections of Botox. Patients are likely to still notice some residual movement where they have been injected, rather than appear frozen.

More specifically, Micro Botox can be distinguished from regular Botox by the following:

  • Fewer units of Botox are injected

As mentioned previously, the main difference between Botox and Micro Botox treatments is that less Botox is used.

Micro Botox requires a greater distribution of minute quantities of the product over the targeted area, meaning a more bespoke approach to injecting based on the patient’s facial expressions and dynamic wrinkles.

When dermatologists and plastic surgeons first began working with Botox, the trend was to inject a significant quantity of the product into certain areas. Injections would often be spaced relatively far apart, with the intention of paralyzing the muscle temporarily, thus preventing the patient from making facial expressions that would cause wrinkles.

Micro Botox adopts a “less is more” approach.

“We are still using Allergan’s Botox but we are using smaller doses, or microdosing,” says Dr. Tess Mauricio, a Beverly Hills, CA dermatologist at M Beauty Clinic.

For instance, instead of using 25 units to treat frown lines between the eyebrows, a professional administering Micro Botox may use between 15–20 units injected into different points above and between the eyebrows.

  • Greater precision in injection technique

Using fewer units of Botox represents one key element of Micro Botox, but equally important is technique. Precision in where the Botox is injected is also an essential part of this treatment.

“The administration is more of a sprinkling of smaller units per injection for a softer look,” says Dr. Mauricio. “Also, this allows for customization and artistry.”

The provider may inject Botox into a shallower position in the muscle to achieve a more subtle, natural effect — perfect for issues such as crow’s feet.

  • More visits

For some patients, less Botox per visit entails more frequent visits to maintain a fresh appearance. Dr Mauricio advises at least three visits per year to help ensure beautiful results.

For patients with deeper lines or those who wish to keep their skin flawless, a visit once every two months may be beneficial.

Interestingly, some plastic surgeons and dermatologists have noticed that shallow injections of Botox can enhance the skin’s texture by inhibiting oil secretion.

“There is a theory that by injecting tiny aliquots (exact portionss) into the dermis of the greasier areas of the face, including the mid-face and chin, less oil will be expressed into the pores,” explains Dr. Tsippora Shainhouse, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles.

Micro Botox is often injected into the T-zone — the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin — resulting in a smoother overall finish. Pores are tightened, and the skin takes on an airbrushed appearance. Some patients also notice a reduction in breakouts or acne.

These injections around the T-zone last for a few months, but do not penetrate the skin deep enough to affect facial muscle movement.

Of note is that the use of shallow Botox injections to reduce oil secretion is off-label, meaning it hasn’t yet been tested and approved by the FDA for this specific use.

  • Thinner needles

While Micro Botox can still be administered using a standard Botox needle, some practitioners opt for a more delicate needle, such as the AquaGold microneedling system. These needles are finer than a human hair and can deliver Botox to a shallower depth with greater precision.

Some providers use this multineedle system to deliver minute amounts of not only Botox, but also dermal fillers and moisturizers into the dermal layer of the skin for beautiful, skin-plumping results.

Who would benefit from Micro Botox?

Micro Botox represents an ideal option for younger patients who are looking to decelerate the aging process, while still maintaining facial expression and movement. Patients who can benefit most from Micro Botox are:

  • In their 20s and early 30s, as a preventative measure by manipulating and weakening the movement of facial muscles.
  • Interested in trying Botox but also want to maintain a natural look.
  • At ease with frequent maintenance treatments, possibly as often as once every two months, to sustain their results.
  • Have fine to moderate lines; Micro Botox is not suitable for those who already have fully formed static wrinkles.

How much does Baby Botox cost?

“Prices for Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin are per unit,” says Dr Todd Besnoff, a Tampa, FL-based cosmetic surgeon. “Smaller doses are less expensive because fewer units are used.”

The price of a Micro Botox session can also be influenced by the expertise of the provider. A board-certified cosmetic doctor who takes the time to study your facial mannerisms and tailor micro injections to give you flawless results, may be more costly than a less experienced practitioner who provides standard Botox treatments.

Also, take into consideration that Micro Botox often requires more frequent maintenance injections than traditional Botox.

Before you commit, having an honest discussion with your provider will help them develop a treatment plan that gives you optimal results while remaining within your financial constraints.

The final word on Micro Botox

Micro Botox is an ideal “prejuvenation” treatment for individuals in their 20s and early 30s.

In addition to providing a smoothing, radiant look for younger patients, Micro Botox also functions as a proactive anti-aging measure, preventing dynamic wrinkles from becoming etched in the skin as static lines. Micro Botox can also be used monthly to keep your face touched up between larger, standard doses of Botox.

The best way to determine if you would benefit from Micro Botox is to schedule an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who specializes in the procedure.

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