Beyond Botox: Surprising Uses for Cosmetic Injectables
When most people think of cosmetic injectables, they think wrinkles. Forehead lines. Crow’s feet. Maybe the “11s” between the brows.
And yes — Botox®, Juvéderm®, and Restylane® do a beautiful job smoothing lines. But that’s only part of the story.
At Rick J. Smith, MD, we often work with people who don’t want to look “done.” They just want to look less tired, a little more refreshed, and more like themselves on a good day. That’s where injectables really shine.
Here are several surprising ways injectables can help beyond wrinkle control.
Softening a gummy smile
If your gums show more than you’d like when you smile, you’re not alone. Many women mention it casually, usually right before a photo.
In certain cases, Botox can gently relax the muscles that lift the upper lip too high. The goal isn’t to change your smile. Instead, it’s to help your teeth show more naturally so your smile feels balanced.
It’s subtle. Most people won’t know what changed. They’ll just think your smile looks great.
Creating a gentle brow lift
No dramatic arches or frozen foreheads here. Dr. Smith can strategically place Botox to slightly relax the muscles that pull your brows downward, allowing your brows to sit slightly higher on their own.
The result is a more awake look, like you slept well and had a calm morning. People often say they look less stressed or less worn down, even though they can’t quite put their finger on why.
Smoothing neck bands that age you
Over time, vertical neck bands can become more noticeable, especially when talking or turning your head. For some women, they make the neck look tense or aged, even when the face still feels youthful.
Botox can soften the pull of those muscles, helping your neckline look smoother and more relaxed, and let your neck match how good you feel everywhere else.
Restoring volume
One of the biggest changes women notice in their 30s and 40s is volume loss. Cheeks flatten slightly, under-eye areas look hollow, and the face just doesn’t look as rested as it used to.
Dermal fillers like Juvéderm and Restylane can gently replace that lost volume and bring back soft contours that help you look refreshed.
This kind of filler work often makes makeup sit better and photos look more like “you.”
Softening lines around the mouth
Lines around the mouth can show up even if you take great care of your skin and don’t smoke. They’re part of talking, smiling, and living.
Fillers can soften these lines without affecting how your mouth moves. The goal is to keep your smile looking smooth and natural, especially when you’re relaxed.
Improving overall facial balance
Sometimes it’s not about one line or one area. It’s about harmony.
A small amount of Botox paired with carefully placed filler can bring balance back to your face so nothing stands out for the wrong reason. This approach is especially popular with people who want others to say, “You look great,” not “Did you have work done?”
Why Botox and fillers work so well together
Botox relaxes your overworked muscles, and fillers support areas that have thinned or flattened. When used conservatively and thoughtfully, they complement each other beautifully.
Dr. Smith focuses on:
- Preserving your natural movement
- Avoiding trends or exaggerated results
- Enhancing what’s already there
- Keeping results appropriate for your age and lifestyle
Our philosophy resonates deeply with people who want refinement, not attention.
A quiet refresh
If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, I just look tired, injectables are worth a conversation to help reflect how you actually feel.
If you’re curious about Botox, Juvéderm, Restylane, and how they might work together for you, call Rick J. Smith, MD, or request a consultation online. We can discuss your goals, answer your questions honestly, and help you decide what makes sense for you.
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