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Botox® For Facial Esthetics

Botox — the “miracle” injection that smoothes facial wrinkles — is one of the most common cosmetic procedures in the country. But did you know that you can go to the dentist to get rid of your laugh lines and crow’s feet? 

What is Botox

Botox is a safe and FDA approved purified neurotoxin protein. When it’s injected into the muscle, it blocks nerve cells from passing signals back and forth, which then stops muscles from contracting. When that happens, the muscles relax and soften. For three to six months after Botox injections, new lines stop forming and existing lines stop deepening. And since muscles are still and soft during that period, the lines you stare at every day in the mirror will even look smoother.[1] 

Benefits of Botox

There seems to be few conditions that a little Botox can’t fix. In fact, doctors accidentally found out that Botox can help with pain disorders. When early Botox patients received injections for uncontrolled blinking disorders and neck spasms, they reported experiencing relief from headaches and joint pain, too. Now, the injections are commonly used to treat pain conditions like migraines.

Can any Dentist Provide Botox Injections?

If you’re considering getting Botox treatments from your dentist, it’s important to find a practitioner that has completed live-patient training courses for medical professionals, like the Botox and filler curriculum developed by the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. It’s a course that trains health care providers on how to use Botox injections to treat medical and esthetic issues, including:

  • Reducing nasolabial folds (smile lines)
  • Stabilizing downturned oral commissures (when the corners of your mouth start migrating south)
  • Smoothing marionette lines
  • Lip enhancement techniques
  • Reducing frontalis (forehead) wrinkles

But why go to the Dentist for Botox?

Dentists are specialists in treating conditions involving the inside of the mouth and jaw. They’re more knowledgeable than most medical professionals about maxillofacial structures, too, including muscles and nerve endings throughout the entire face. If your dentist completed specialized training on administering Botox injections, you know you’re in good hands. For patients who are considering surgery or other invasive procedures for treating problems associated with grinding their teeth, wearing dentures, muscle tension or spasms, then consider talking to a doctor of dental surgery first, like Dr. Ho at Westlake Hills Dentistry, about a non-invasive Botox procedure. 

Botox Side Effects

Botox is an extremely safe treatment option with a high success rate. There are some side effects associated with injections, all of which are typically mild. They include redness, bruising or swelling at the site of the injection. This type of reaction usually occurs a few days after the procedure. Some patients report feeling a tight sensation, moreso with injections to the forehead.

Get more information about Botox Treatments

To find out more about Botox treatments and whether you qualify, contact Westlake Hills Dentistry. As a health care professional who has completed comprehensive live-patient dermal filler training, Dr. Ho can discuss all of your dental and esthetic Botox needs.

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References

  1. Satriyasa BK. “Botulinum toxin (Botox) A for reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles: A literature review of clinical use and pharmacological aspect.” Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2019;12:223-228

https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S202919