After years of squinting, laughing, frowning, smoking, and worrying, the skin around the eyes and on the forehead develops deep lines and wrinkles often referred to as “expression lines.” A common concern is that thy make us look older, tired, or stressed. Not to worry, expression lines and advanced furrows can be quickly and significantly reduced using Botox. Botox can also be used to help relax “gummy smiles.” Having BOTOX treatments at your dental office is very logical. Dentists have extensive training in the facial muscles and very few other professionals perform as many injections as dentists. Botox treatments can be combined with your dental cleanings!
WHAT IS BOTOX?
Botox is a therapeutic muscle-relaxing agent derived from a bacterium called Clostridium Botulinum. For over a decade, ophthalmologists have employed Botox for its original intention; the treatment of blepharospasm (abnormal blinking or eyelid tic). Trained HealthCare Providers also have been utilizing Botox for years as a cosmetic treatment for correcting visible signs of stress and aging.
HOW DOES THE SERUM WORK?
The contractions and movements of our facial muscles are controlled by signals from the brain. Botox is a purified protein that simply prevents these muscles from allowing response to such messages. As a result, the muscles relax and the overlying skin remains unwrinkled and smooth.
WHAT IS THIS TREATMENT LIKE?
Botox is injected into the specific muscle that is contracting and causing the facial lines and wrinkles. Treatment is effective, safe, and takes approximately 10 minutes. The procedure is virtually painless and no anesthetic is required. Following treatment, patients are able to immediately resume regular activities.
HOW LONG DOES ANTI-WRINKLE TREATMENT LAST?
Effects usually last three to four months, and then gradually fade away. Following several treatments, results may last four to eight months or even longer. Smile, laugh, frown, and make all the facial expressions you want and stop worrying about wrinkles!
ARE THERE ANY POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS?
Side effects, if any occur, are usually mild and temporary. Botulinum toxins contain proteins that, in some circumstances, may be naturally safeguarded against by the body’s ability to produce antibodies. If antibodies are formed, the therapy will generate a lesser response. Temporary bruising sometimes is experienced, but resolves within two to three days. In rare cases, there can be a slight drooping of an eyelid or asymmetry of expression. If this should happen, return to your trained healthcare provider.
WHAT TYPE OF RESULTS WILL I SEE WITH BOTOX?
Typically, the effects of the serum are visible within four to seven days. Maximum benefits are reached between ten to fourteen days. Once the muscle becomes dormant, and the skin softens, patients notice a more relaxed and youthful appearance. Anti-wrinkle treatments are temporary and need to be retreated every three to six months to maintain the desired effect.