Many people are aware that their dentist offers various cosmetic services that can help them enhance their smiles, but did you know that some providers also offer BOTOX injections to help you look younger?
Whether you’re interested in stopping wrinkles from forming or addressing concerns that have already developed, your dentist can safely administer injections to help you achieve your goals. Continue reading to learn more about this popular service and the types of fine lines it can treat!
How Does BOTOX Work?
BOTOX is the brand name for a medication derived from botulinum toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In larger doses, it can cause paralysis that can become fatal in extreme cases, but cosmetic injections rely on a safe, small dosage that temporarily blocks nerve signals to your muscles. This prevents them from expanding and contracting, smoothing the skin and preventing additional wrinkles from forming.
Most patients can expect the results to last for several months, but eventually, your body metabolizes the protein in BOTOX, which allows your muscles to function normally. That means you will require periodic touch-up treatments to maintain a flawlessly youthful visage.
What Types of Facial Wrinkles Can BOTOX Treat?
Are you curious what types of facial lines BOTOX can successfully treat? Before proceeding, you’ll need to consult your dentist to discuss your smile goals. Once they have examined your current condition and know more about the desired results, they might suggest this service to address various concerns, such as:
- Crow’s-feet. Also called periorbital lines or lateral canthal lines, these branch out from the corners of your eyes when you smile, and are the second-most frequent type of fine lines to be treated with BOTOX.
- Glabellar lines. This is the most common target for injections and is located between your eyebrows above your nose.
- Forehead wrinkles. The frontalis muscles under your forehead control eyebrow movement, but as wrinkles form, you might look older than you feel.
- Bunny lines. These are found on the bridge of the nose and are often treated in conjunction with glabellar lines or crow’s-feet.
- Lip lines. Wrinkles around your lips can be smoothed with carefully placed injections to target lines forming in this prominent area.
How Can I Maintain BOTOX Results?
Taking care of yourself following your appointment can help you extend the longevity of your recent cosmetic enhancement. For example, you should avoid rubbing the area or engaging in strenuous activities for the first 24 hours to prevent unwanted spreading. It’s also often recommended that you avoid lying down or bending over for the first 4 to 6 hours to prevent potential migration.
You can also maintain the results by avoiding hot tubs, saunas, and UV exposure, such as from direct sunlight. You should also avoid alcohol for the first day after your appointment because it can suppress your immune system and hinder healing.
If you’re unsure whether your dentist can use BOTOX to treat your facial wrinkles, you can learn more by scheduling a consultation!
About the Practice
Patients at Whitinsville Family Dentistry benefit from a team of dentists eager to help families build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. They collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services, including BOTOX, to meet all your needs conveniently under one roof. Their caring approach is combined with advanced technology to offer more comfortable, accurate services for results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (508) 296-8971.