Botox® is a botulinum toxin, which when injected in small doses, blocks nerve signals to the muscle, relaxing and relieving tension in the muscles. This can help to not only improve your smile, but to relieve head and facial pain.
Dr. Travis is licensed to provide these injections and, as a dentist, he is an expert in facial and dental structure, making him someone you can safely trust to provide both your cosmetic and therapeutic Botox®. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call us at 503.692.9386.
What can Botox® help me with?
- TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction) and Teeth Grinding
- High lip lines
- Facial swelling
- Migraines and muscle pain
- Wrinkles and other effects of aging
- Balancing facial asymmetry
What’s involved when getting Botox® injections?
Prior to administering Botox® injections, the dentist needs to check the patient’s suitability for treatment. When used in conjunction with certain medications and substances, Botox® may not produce the desired results. It is exceptionally important therefore, to be honest about prior medical history. Botox® is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.
The Botox® injections take 10-20 minutes to administer, depending on the amount required. Because it is non-surgical, the Botox® procedure will be performed at the dental office. Driving ability will not be impaired by the treatment, so there is no need for a designated driver. The injections are no more painful than a bug bite or pinprick, but nitrous oxide (laughing gas) can be used to reduce anxiety if necessary.
Normal activity can be resumed immediately after the Botox® treatment, but strenuous activity should be avoided for 24 hours after treatment. It may take several days to feel the full benefits of the treatment, but Botox® will continue to work for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1) What is Botox® used for?
Botox® is used to reduce lines and wrinkles on the face by relaxing the facial muscles. Wrinkles and lines are often caused by repetitive facial expressions and results in fewer wrinkles and lines on the face.
2) Where does it work best?
Botox® works best on the horizontal surprise lines on the forehead, frown lines (vertical lines between the eyebrows), crow’s feet (fan shaped lines extending from the outer corner of each eye), smile lines (lines that extend from the nose to the corner of the mouth), and smokers’ lines (vertical lines around the lips).
3) What is getting Botox® like?
Common concerns include the amount of pain from the injections and the amount of swelling of the face after treatment. When performed by a professional. Botox® injections rarely cause bleeding and are relatively and relatively painless. Often times, the pinch of the injection ends before the pain is even registered. Some slight puffiness is to be expected immediately following the procedure.
4) Do the injections hurt?
Any injections can hurt but choosing a skilled doctor can help to minimize pain. The needles used for Botox® are very small, so pain is minimal or even non-existent. In addition, topical anesthetic cream and cold packs may be applied to reduce pain.
5) How long does Botox® last?
The effects of Botox® last about 3 months. As its effects start to wear off and the facial muscles begin to move freely again, lines and wrinkles start to reappear. To maintain a line-free look, Botox® injections need to be administered several times each year.
6) If I am getting Botox® for a special event, when should I book my treatment?
Botox® appointments should be booked 2 to 3 weeks before a big event, since that is how long it takes to see the full effects of the treatment. Some redness, selling, and tenderness may occur in the first seven days after treatment, but these effects subside quickly. Patients can expect a line-free look by the second or third week.
7) What is the best age for Botox® treatment?
This depends upon the patent’s sun exposure, lifestyle, and skin color. In general, patients start to receive Botox® is between the ages of 35-40. Regardless, younger patients should not look to Botox® as a preventative treatment.
8) What happens to the botulinum toxin once it’ s in the body?
Once botulinum toxins enter the body through Botox® injection, it may migrate up to 3 Cm from the injection cite. When botulinum toxin remains in its intended position, it blocks the nerve endings, thus relaxing the affected facial muscles. However, even if some molecules were to enter the bloodstream, the cosmetic dose is too low to cause systemic toxic effects and the molecules would be quickly broken down into harmless amino acids.
9) Can Botox® be used in combination with other treatments for better results?
Botox and dermal fillers are commonly used together. When these two treatments are combined, their results can last for as long as a year, whereas the result of the Botox® alone last a maximum of 6 months Botox® relaxes the facial muscles and filler add volume, resulting in a smoother look.
10) How can I be certain that what I’m getting is actually Botox®?
It can be very difficult to distinguish real Botox® from counterfeit Botox®. This is why it is important for patients to have confidence in the practitioner. We would never risk our reputation on using fake Botox®.
11) Are there any medical side effects?
If properly injected, the side effects of Botox® are minimal. Common side effects include muscle weakness, bruising, bleeding, pain, redness and swelling at or near the injection site. Headaches, neck or back pain, muscle stiffness, dizziness, drowsiness and lethargy can also result for treatments. Other side effects include flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat and runny nose. It is also possible to have an allergic reaction to Botox®.
12) Does Botox® have unwanted cosmetic side effects?
The severe side effects include permanent disfiguration and loss of facial muscle functionality due to paralysis of the facial nerve. Less severe side effects include drooping of the brows and upper eyelid, partial or slight paralysis of the face, swelling of the eyelids, eyes pointing upward or downward instead of straight ahead, and skin rash. Patients should consult their physician for more information about the possible side effects of Botox® treatment.