Mention Botox and images of smoothened-out wrinkles are likely to come to mind.

While many people use the aesthetic procedure to relax fine lines, Dr Low Chai Ling, medical director and founder of SW1 Clinic, said Botox – the trademarked name for botulinum toxin – can also be used for other forms of beauty enhancements.

Said Dr Low: “The main cosmetic indication of Botox is to relax and lessen dynamic lines on the face, such as frown lines and crow’s feet. But over the years, the use of Botox has been expanded to include reducing the size of jaw muscles and slimming the face.

“And because Botox can cause sweat glands to shrink, it can even be used for the treatment of hyperhidrosis, a condition characterised by excessive sweating. This means it can be used on the underarms or palms, too.”

FOR THAT COVETED GLASS EFFECT

Beyond tackling wrinkles, Botox can help to improve the complexion when diluted doses are injected superficially into the skin, not the muscles.

Referring to the microinjections of minuscule doses of Botox as Microbotox, Dr Low said this procedure can give the face a supple “glass effect” appearance. By causing sweat glands and sebaceous glands to shrink, it results in smooth and clear skin without the loss of movement in major facial muscles.

Patients who have undergone Microbotox at her clinic have reported smaller-looking pores and a complexion that is less oily and more translucent, Dr Low said.

Botox works well in other areas besides the face. According to Dr Low, it can be used on the neck to treat platysmal bands (the two strips of muscles that run from the base of the neck to the jawline) and on the lower jawline to lessen the downward pull of these muscles.

When platysmal muscles lose their tautness over time, the surrounding skin starts to sag, resulting in an unflattering “turkey neck”. To give the area a mini-lifting effect, Dr Low recommends a Botox treatment at SW1 Clinic called the Nefertiti Lift. “When done well, Botox can make you look younger and refreshed without any tell-tale signs.”

What’s more, Botox may help to retard the ageing process, said Dr Low. “By reducing the hyperactivity of the muscles, you are reducing the repetitive action of muscle contraction, which results in unwanted crinkling of the skin,” she explained. “By preserving the skin’s integrity over time, skin that is subjected to less stress of excessive movements tends to age in a slower manner.”

WHEN LESS IS MORE

On Botox treatments potentially causing an unnatural look, Dr Low said this unwanted effect is related to the dose used and the way the treatment is administered.

High dosages can indeed result in a stiff expression. But when the right dose is administered in the right muscles, natural expressions are maintained, she said.

“When done correctly by an experienced medical doctor, Botox is a safe treatment. The injections should also be virtually painless, with little to no downtime,” Dr Low added.

Additionally, before you take the plunge and book a Botox treatment, Dr Low advised people to be certain that the facial lines they want to treat are dynamic lines, which are lines that appear when a facial expression is made. This includes frowning, smiling or squinting.

“Static lines, such as your nasolabial lines, will not respond to Botox and are better treated with fillers. Using the right treatment will give you the best results while maintaining the natural beauty of your face,” she said.

Individual results may vary.

SW1 Clinic is located at Paragon, 290 Orchard Road, #13-03, and at OUE Downtown Gallery Tower 2, 6A Shenton Way, #02-19/20. The clinics are closed till May 4 but SW1 Shop remains open. Email help [at] sw1clinic.com or visit sw1clinic.com for more information.