What is Botox? How to Get Botox in Reno
The term ‘Botox’ is short-hand for Botulinum Toxin which is a neurotoxin in the form of a purified protein. It is injected into the facial muscles and blocks the transmitters between the motor nerves that innervate the muscle to contract. This causes the wrinkles in the skin to smooth, giving the face a more young and radiant appearance. Botox can be a minimally invasive alternative to surgery in esthetic dentistry cases i.e. a “gummy” smile and it can be used to treat orofacial pain and bruxism in patients with chronic TMJ.
Give your Face a Well-Earned Break!
The areas that are treated with Botox include wrinkles of the forehead, wrinkles between the eyes (glabellar region), wrinkles around the corner of the eyes (crow’s feet) and wrinkles around the lips (smokers or water bottle lines). Botulinum Toxin can also be used to reduce the thickness of the masseters (jaw line) for a more slimming and pleasant esthetic result. The effects of Botox (Botulinum Toxin) can be visualized in two to ten days and results last approximately three to four months. At that time, the patient will require retreatment.
Migraines, Bruxism, Trigger Points and TMJ Therapy
Many people suffer from a mild to moderate level of facial pain, whether it is from headaches, migraines, stress, their bite or TMJ dysfunction. Botulinum Toxin or Botox is frequently being used in dental offices to treat these troublesome issues. Studies have shown patients who received these injections experienced significant improvement in pain, function, ability to open their mouth and decreased levels of muscle tenderness. Only your dentist can determine if you are a candidate for this treatment as well as the amount and the frequency of injections depending on the severity of your condition.
What are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal Fillers are smooth injectable gels made of natural hyaluronic acid (HA) that work by increasing volume to weakened facial features and help promote collagen growth. As we age, our skin begins to sag and wrinkle by losing collagen that is filled with hyaluronic acid (HA). Dermal Fillers are injected to help plump the skin and gently lift it to restore collagen loss due to the normal aging process. They can also help the body to create its own natural collagen and restore your face to a more natural, younger appearance.
Dermal fillers can be used on facial wrinkles, smile lines, frown lines and Marionette lines. Injection time takes approximately 30-45 minutes. It takes 4 weeks for the filler to fully integrate into the tissue but you can typically can see results right after treatment. Results last six to nine months.
Why you should get Botox and Dermal Fillers from a Dentist – see THE face experts!
Although receiving Botox only takes a few minutes and is relatively painless, the injection process requires precision placement of the Botulinum Toxin with a very fine needle. This is why a dentist who is qualified for botox injections is your best bet. A dentist by trade has an intimate knowledge of the face – its bone structure, musculature, nerves and the interactions between all three. They use this knowledge along with improved fine-motor skills, excellent hand-eye coordination and spatial perception in their daily practice. The dentist will identify the best points to maximize wrinkle reduction, but will also know how to minimize any associated risks from injections. Going to one place instead of having to make two separate trips to see two specialists is also an obvious benefit. It will save you time and money while getting the best expert at the same time.
What to Expect on the Day of the Appointment and Recovery!
The most common side effects of Botox injections include bruising, redness, and swelling. More rare side effects are possible and will be reviewed at your appointment. To avoid adverse reactions, do not touch or manipulate the treated area for 2-3 hours following injections and maintain an upright position. For dermal fillers, side effects may include tenderness, bruising, mild pain, swelling, lumps and redness at the injection site and generally resolve within a few days. For 24 hours after your appointment, avoid direct sunlight, heat, strenuous exercise and alcohol. Also avoid microdermabrasion peels for 3-5 days and laser light treatment for 2-4 weeks post injections.
To reduce the possibility of bruising and swelling, it is recommended to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours and aspirin or any anti-inflammatory medications for a period of one to two weeks prior to your procedure. As always, we recommend that you consult your physician before stopping any medications. Other safety contraindications include pregnant or lactating patients, hypersensitivity to Albumin 9 or gram-positive bacterial proteins, flu or cold symptoms, history of keloid formation, neurological disorders including ALS, myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome and dermatitis or infection in the facial areas being treated.
We want our patients to look and feel their best! Please contact us today for a complimentary consultation. We would be delighted to help assist you.
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