Botox and Fillers
05/22/2019
Botox and dermal fillers can both be used to treat wrinkles on the face. Each treatment is delivered via injection. Your provider will inject the muscles that contribute to the specific wrinkles that you want treated. The injection process itself takes just a few minutes with noticeable results within two weeks. The two options have slightly different uses and can be used for more than just wrinkles. Dentists are highly qualified to administer facial injections because of their experience with the anatomy and function of facial muscles.
Botox is primarily used to treat dynamic wrinkles. These wrinkles occur naturally around the eyes and mouth, as well as in between your eyebrows. They become more pronounced with age. Botox injections relax the muscles near these wrinkles. Not allowing the muscles to move reduces the appearance of dynamic wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles are caused by repetitive creasing of the skin by underlying muscles. As we age facial expressions become hyperdynamic as a result of habit. Botox works by relaxing selected muscles and allowing the skin to “recover”. Botox is not used for fine lines caused by collagen breakdown.
Dermal fillers are also used treat wrinkles on the face. They’re primarily used to treat smile lines, though the fillers can also be used to plump up the lips or cheeks.
Botox can also be used to treat symptoms of Migraine Headaches and Temporal Mandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD). These symptoms are often triggered by bruxism and clenching. Botox can reduce the force of the muscular contractions and provide some pain relief.
The primary treatment areas of facial wrinkling are:
* Glabellar/ frown lines “#11’s” (between the eyebrows)
* Horizontal forehead lines
*Crow’s feet (outer eye area)
* Radial lip lines (water bottle lines)
Botox (Botulinum toxin) is a manufactured injectable medication that is used therapeutically to reduce the strength of targeted muscles. It is not new or untested. It was approved by the FDA in 2002 to treat wrinkles and it was approved in 2011 to treat migraine headaches. Due to its intracellular action, Botox takes about 2-10 days to exert a clinical effect. Retreatment usually happens in 3-6 months. It does not freeze your face or make you lose expression. Also, it cannot cause botulism.
Botox and fillers aren’t recommended if you:
- are pregnant or nursing
- have weak facial muscles
- currently have skin issues, such as thick skin or deep scars
- have multiple sclerosis or another type of neuromuscular disease
- Neurological disorders such as ALS, myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome
- Flu or cold symptoms
- Infection or dermatitis in the are being treated
Possible side effects include:
- bruises at the site of injection
- drooping eyelids, which can take several weeks to resolve
- headaches
- allergic reaction
- infection
- itching
- numbness
- redness
- scarring
- sores
The process begins with a quick consult appoint. During this appointment you and the doctor will discuss what areas that you would like to treat and together you develop and discuss and treatment plan. Prior to the actual procedure you should avoid alcoholic beverage for 24 hours. If possible, avoid anti-inflammatory/blood thinning medications for 2 weeks. It should be noted that medications and supplements such as aspirin, vitamin E, Gingo Biloba, St. John’s wort, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, and other NSAIDS have blood thinning properties that can increase bruising and swelling after injections. After the procedure, you should avoid manipulation of the area for 3-4 hours. Avoid massage, facial, peel or micro abrasion for a few days and stay out of the sun.