There’s nothing quite as frustrating as having a wicked case of RBF (Resting B*tch Face). We know the drill; people tend to shy away from you at first, and then later tell you things like, “I can’t believe how nice you are! When we first met, I totally thought you hated me.” RBF strikes again.
We get it. We really do.You know that you’re super cool and super sweet, but your face seems to be telling people otherwise.
Luckily for you, Entre Nous Aesthetics in Menlo Park offers easy, quick, pain-free treatments that provide subtle, long-lasting results, so you can stop googling, “how to cure RBF” and start looking as chill and easy-going as you are! It’s time to take some real action to get rid of the RBF once and for all. Keep reading to figure out how!
What causes RBF?
Typically, the biggest culprits of RBF are downturned features, specifically a downturned mouth. Everybody has unique facial features, and some people are blessed with corners of their mouth that are perpetually up-turned, rendering them happy as a clam at all times. Others have a neutral positioned mouth.
But those of us wondering how to cure RBF usually have downturned corners of the mouth, which can give the false appearance of anger and annoyance.
How to cure RBF | DAO injections
The muscles in the corners of the mouth are called the depressor anguli oris (DAO) and they are typically responsible for turning down the corners of your mouth to express displeasure or anger. You can think of them as the scowl muscles.
Someone with RBF may have especially strong DAO muscles, resulting in a downturned mouth even when they are just simply resting their face. This can occasionally lead to some very dirty looks from strangers.
Strategic injections in the DAO muscles can turn your expression from displeased to pleasant in just a few seconds. How, you ask? Botulinum neurotoxin (Botox)! Botox is designed to block nerve impulses that make the muscles contract. Typically, we use Botox as a way to smooth out signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.
But when injectable treatments like these are placed into the DAO, they relax the muscles and allow them to turn up slightly, reversing the effects of a downturned mouth! With this treatment, you’ll get subtle results that leave you looking like the friendlier, less stressed out version of yourself.
How it works
Take a look at how the process works at Entre Nous Aesthetics. We’ll be with you from our first meeting to your final results:
Consultation
Each of our treatments begins with an in-depth consultation. For your RBF treatment, this is especially essential, as it allows us to take a close look at your unique facial features and determine the amount of Botox needed and the exact placement of injections.
During the consultation, you’ll also be able to ask any questions you may have about the treatment, and we would be more than happy to answer them! Keep reading to get the answers to some commonly asked questions about this treatment.
Treatment
You’ll arrive for your Botox injections, and we’ll lead you to one of our sanitary treatment rooms. You can sit back and relax while your expert injector marks the area of treatment and strategically injects the neurotoxin into your DAO muscles.
Typically, patients report little to no pain associated with the procedure, though you might feel a pin-prick at the injection site. The treatment should take no longer than 15 to 20 minutes!
Recovery
There is absolutely no downtime associated with this injectable treatment at Entre Nous Aesthetics. You are free to return to all normal activities immediately after treating downturned lip corners with Botox.
Results
Patients report simply loving the results of their DAO injections! The relaxed muscles allow the lips to rest in a soft smile, giving the face a kind, naturally youthful appearance.
Results of the injections last around 2 to 4 months. We recommend returning every 3 months to maintain your results.
Frequently asked questions
Does Botox hurt?
This is a totally valid question, as the process does involve needles. However, Botox and other injection treatments typically do not require anesthetic, and patients report very mild if any discomfort.
There may be a slight pinch at the point of injection. If you’re particularly worried about pain, we always make topical anesthetics available to all of our patients.
Do you carry other neurotoxins?
We do! In addition to Botox, we also carry neurotoxin products from Dysport and Jeuveau. These brands achieve similar results as Botox, but they tend to be better suited for larger treatment areas like the forehead. We recommend Botox for your DAO injections.
What else does Botox treat?
Botox works to treat fine lines and wrinkles on the forehead, in between the eyebrows, and around the mouth. Botox is also helpful in managing hyperhidrosis, as well as chronic TMJ pain.
How many units of Botox will I need for my DAO muscles?
The amount of Botox required will, of course, vary depending on your unique facial anatomy, the severity of your downturned DAO muscles, and other factors. However, generally we can estimate that we will require 4 to 8 units of Botox to adequately relax the DAO muscles and turn your downturned corners up.
Paired procedures for a fully rejuvenated look
While you’re learning how to cure RBF, take a look at some of the other amazing treatments we offer for a completely revitalized look! We are able to perform these complementary procedures during the same treatment session as your DAO injections.
Cheekbone contouring
We perform cheekbone contouring with the use of dermal fillers like Sculptra® or those from the JUVÉDERM® and Galderma families. This no-downtime, non-invasive treatment sculpts and defines your cheekbones and achieves results in as little as one treatment.
If you’re looking for that supermodel look with cheekbones that could cut glass, this is the treatment for you. Results can last up to two years before requiring additional injections!
Jawline enhancement
Whether you want the ultra-chiseled look or just a subtle enhancement, we can help you define your jawline with hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. Our expert aestheticians study the contours of your face in order to optimize results that are best suited for your features. Results can be as dramatic or subtle as you’d like!
Chin augmentation
Similar to the jawline and cheekbone contour, we can help you achieve a more balanced profile with dermal fillers for the chin. The chin plays a huge role in the symmetry and overall aesthetic balance of your facial features. With this treatment, you can walk out of the office with a completely revitalized look and beautiful facial symmetry!
Lip augmentation
Perhaps the perfect pairing for your DAO injections, lip augmentation is the process by which one of our expert injectors adds volume to your lips with dermal fillers. Hyaluronic acid based dermal fillers are completely safe, as hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in your body.
Lip fillers can treat:
- Thin lips
- Asymmetrical lips
- Imbalanced lips
- Wrinkled and/or deflated lips
Why choose Entre Nous Aesthetics for your injections?
Entre Nous Aesthetics combines compassionate care with cutting-edge, state-of-the-art technology to create the premier medical aesthetics destination in Menlo Park. Founded by Sandra Ewers, MS, PA-C and our medical director, Dr. Jane Weston, the entire team at EN embraces the idea that everyone deserves to look as good as they feel.
Our discreet office and highly-skilled staff create an environment of trust that allows anybody to enjoy the benefits of preventative and curative medical aesthetic care. So whether you want to know how to cure RBF, or you’d like to enjoy any of our other medical aesthetics treatments, Entre Nous Aesthetics is the place for the job!
Schedule a consultation with us
Are you ready to stop wondering how to cure RBF? Contact us today so we can schedule your in-depth consultation. During this step, we’ll discuss your expectations, desired results, and lifestyle factors.
Our comprehensive consultation allows us to customize a treatment plan that is unique to your facial features, optimizing results and guaranteeing that you get rid of that RBF once and for all.
Not quite ready to commit to an in–person consultation just yet? No worries! Try out our free virtual consultation tool. You just enter your areas of concern and issues you’d like treated, and we’ll send you customized treatment recommendations straight to your inbox!