The phrase “baby Botox” is popping up everywhere these days. And while Botulinum toxin-A is therapeutically indicated for children in some cases (for example in treating pediatric cerebral palsy) the baby Botox we’re referring to has nothing to do with actual babies 👶 . “Baby Botox” in this case refers to a specific technique gaining ground in the aesthetic community where micro doses of the popular neuromodulator are used to create a more natural, softer result.
When injectors microdose with Botox, the patient typically retains a lot of movement in the treatment area. You and your injector may opt for baby Botox if you want to avoid an overly stiff or “frozen” forehead, or if you are looking to correct something other than fine lines and wrinkles, for example uneven eyebrows, dimpling in the chin, a square jaw or a gummy smile.
Who is a candidate for baby Botox?
Whether baby Botox is a good option for you depends on your concerns, your goals, your facial anatomy and how you respond to the treatment. If deep lines in your brow and forehead are your main concern, and you are over the age of 40, then we will likely opt for a standard dosage of botox as microdosing will have little effect.
Botox works by weakening the muscle, so if the muscle is very strong then a microdose simply won’t do. If however, you are looking to soften your look and are OK with the prevalence of some lines and wrinkles, then we may consider going the baby Botox route. Models, actors and other performers opt for microdosing because being expressive is key to their profession.
Like most cosmetic treatments, there are trade-offs. Baby Botox will allow you to retain more movement than a standard dosing, but you will still see some wrinkles and fine lines. You also may need to return for top up treatments more frequently than you would if you had received a standard dose of the drug. And in some rare cases, microdosing with Botox could potentially cause you to develop a partial immunity to it, meaning it won’t work as well over time. In this case, switching brands could be a solution.
Baby Botox and Prevention
Because Botox works by weakening the muscle, young people come to us for baby Botox with prevention as their main concern. The idea here is that if you begin weakening the muscle from a young age, the muscles will stay weak and therefore never end up creating those etched in lines in the skin. (Don’t worry, if you completely stop doing botox, your muscles will build to full strength in no time).
That being said, you should only start getting Botox if there’s something that’s bothering you. Don’t do it simply because your friends are doing it! If you’re starting to notice some fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, in between the eyebrows and in the forehead, then a microdose of Botox can soften your look and help to prevent those deep wrinkles from forming over time.
How long does baby Botox last?
A standard dose of Botox will last anywhere between 4 and 6 months. When we microdose with Botox, we find that patients come back closer to the 3 month mark. However everyone is different (are we sounding like a broken record yet?) and you and your injector may decide on a different time frame for subsequent treatments.
Alternative Uses for Baby Botox
Baby Botox may also describe uses of the drug alternative to the typical forehead, crow’s feet and brow indications. Microdosing in the jaw for example can help to relieve patients of clenching and grinding, while also slimming the jaw. Some patients have Botox injected beneath the nose to diminish gum show when smiling. This latter use of microdosing can be a life changing treatment for some. Another popular area where microdosing is used is in the chin to prevent dimpling and create more projection.
With over 20 years of cosmetic use, Botox has really made a name for itself as a wonder drug. It’s no longer an anti-wrinkle injection alone but a versatile beauty treatment used to treat an array of concerns for patients of all ages. But technique and experience still matter. It’s important you visit a clinic that prioritizes patient safety and natural results.
