Botox

What is Botox?

Botox from Allergan is a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment used to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. It provides a non-surgical way to slow the natural aging process. Once Botox enters your body, it stops nerve signals from reaching the muscles in your face. Over time, this allows the muscles to relax, causing dynamic wrinkles to fade away.

Aside from being used for cosmetics, Pleasant Family Dentistry administers Botox for TMJ treatment. Botox helps the muscles in your jaws relax, providing significant relief from pain and stiffness for months at a time.

Who can benefit from Botox?

Anyone who is unhappy with the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, or crow’s feet can benefit from Botox. Prior to administering any injections, Pleasant Family Dentistry reviews your medical history and asks about your treatment goals.

Let your provider know if you take any prescription medication, vitamins, or nutritional supplements. Certain drugs, especially blood thinners, can increase your risk of complications like bruising.

How many Botox injections do I need?

The number of Botox injections you receive depends on your health history, symptoms, and treatment goals. Typically, for cosmetic purposes, Pleasant Family Dentistry recommends between five and seven injections; one in the area between your eyebrows and three on the side of each eye to smooth out crow’s feet. Most appointments take 15-20 minutes.

For TMJ treatment, Pleasant Family Dentistry typically recommends four injections. Your provider administers a shot in your forehead and a shot in your temple. Afterward, they administer two more injections, one for each jaw. To ensure a positive outcome, your provider recommends follow-up Botox injections every three to four months.

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are a type of cosmetic injectable used to treat lost facial volume. Lost facial volume occurs due to the natural aging process. As you get older, your skin stops producing collagen and elastin, two proteins responsible for keeping your skin firm, smooth, and supple.

Pleasant Family Dentistry uses the Juvéderm family of dermal fillers. There are several different types of Juvéderm; they may plump your lips, cheeks, or nasolabial folds.

Is treatment with Botox safe?

Treatment with Botox is safe and usually well-tolerated. Following your appointment, it’s normal to experience some mild swelling, bruising, and sensitivity. Avoid rubbing or applying pressure to the treated areas. When you get home, wait to bend over or lie down for at least three hours.

You don’t need to take any time off work, but you should avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 24 hours.

Are the results of Botox permanent?

The results of Botox and dermal fillers aren’t permanent, but they typically last for between four and six months. You know it’s time to schedule a follow-up at Pleasant Family Dentistry when wrinkles and fine lines start to form on your forehead and around your eyes or your TMJ discomfort returns.

To learn more about the benefits of Botox, request a consultation at Pleasant Family Dentistry. Call the office or request an appointment online today.