We all want to make a good first impression when we meet someone. We want them to think that we’re friendly, confident, intelligent, and polite. But even though you can control what you say and how you behave when you first meet someone, there are some factors you can’t control, like your resting facial expression.
Even if you smile at someone when you greet them, lines and wrinkles could be communicating something entirely different. Over time, wrinkles become etched into our faces, permanently changing our resting expression and sometimes affecting first impressions. Here’s what you should know if your “frown lines” are affecting others’ opinions of you.
What are Frown Lines?
Frown lines are just what they sound like! When you frown, areas of your face contract and furrow. Over time, that muscle activity leads to “dynamic wrinkles.” Dynamic wrinkles are caused by repetitive facial expressions, with muscle activity leaving those expressions permanently etched in the face.
Changes in your resting facial expression can affect the way people perceive you. Depending on the location of your dynamic wrinkles, people might think you are angry, tired, sad, or worried, even when you feel fine and well-rested. The human brain is trained to read facial expressions, whether they’re made at the moment or reflected in wrinkles developed over time.
Can Frown Lines Be Fixed?
Many people think that frown lines can be fixed by using expensive skin creams or getting professional skin resurfacing treatments. While these solutions can improve fine lines caused by volume loss, they are not effective for dynamic wrinkles. This is because dynamic wrinkles are caused by muscle activity, not skin aging.
The good news is that there are ways to address frown lines. Neuromodulators, such as the wildly popular Botox, are perfect for smoothing away dynamic wrinkles and creating a friendlier, more youthful expression.
How do Neuromodulators Work?
Botox and other neuromodulators work by blocking signals from the nerves before they reach the facial muscles. Once the product is injected, it begins to relax the muscles and smooth out frown lines. After about 1-2 weeks, the area appears smoother and much more youthful. The effects last for 3-4 months, on average, and patients will need to schedule regular maintenance appointments if they want their results to last.
These products are derived from botulinum toxin, which is the toxin that causes botulism. That might sound scary, but the toxin used to produce cosmetic neuromodulators is extremely safe and has been extensively tested for decades. Botox is one of the safest cosmetic products on the market and has been used millions of times. Serious side effects are extremely rare.
About Botox Treatments
Botox is an injectable product that must be administered by a trained plastic surgeon or dermatologist. A fine needle is used to inject the solution into specific muscle groups, a process that usually takes under half an hour and involves very little discomfort.
There is no downtime after Botox injections. Patients might experience minor side effects and should avoid lying down or massaging their face directly after the injections, but can typically get back to their normal activities right away.
It is important to get Botox injections from an experienced provider. Although many medical professionals offer the treatment, there are possible complications that can occur with inexpert injections. Although the treatment is straightforward, it takes a lot of skill to create beautiful, natural-looking results.
Make Better First (And Second, and Third) Impressions
First impressions are important, but it’s also important to remember that your resting facial expression could cause confusion for even people you know well. If your resting face is angry or worried, people might misinterpret your mood and emotions in any given situation.
Botox injections won’t guarantee that people will understand your feelings, but they will give you a more neutral “blank slate” for communication. Don’t work harder than you need to in letting people know how you feel! Botox can help you feel more confident and communicate with ease. Plus, you’ll look younger and friendlier!
Talk to a Botox Expert
If you’re ready to say goodbye to dynamic wrinkles and improve your first impressions, then it might be time to consider Botox. It’s a convenient and affordable treatment option that’s safe for most men and women over the age of 21. You’ll still be able to express yourself and you’ll remove those forbidding frown lines that make you look angry all the time.
At Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique in Houston, TX, we take pride in providing our patients with incredible results from Botox. Our experienced aestheticians will discuss your goals with you and help you decide if the treatment is right for you. We look forward to welcoming you to our state-of-the-art facility. To schedule your Botox consultation at Mirror Mirror, call us today at (281) 810-9083.