Botox® Treatment & Services
What is Botox?
The widely recognized brand of neuromodulation agents called Botox contains Botulinum Toxin, a purified protein with cosmetic applications.
The Botox process involves injections that contain purified bacteria into areas of concern to freeze the muscle at the point of injection. When injected into the muscles, Botox releases neurotoxins that prevent the muscles from contracting and help them to relax.
Dr. Thayne Blunston at Blunston Dental Group is trained in both upper and lower face Botox treatments.
Botox Treatment: What To Expect
Before Treatment
Before the treatment starts, any questions and concerns you have will be addressed to ensure the dentist understands your desired results.
Some have described the injections as a mild pinch, similar to a bug bite. The injection is directed into the muscle under the skin. The needle is very fine in order to help prevent any bruising, pain, or swelling.
After Treatment
It's important to avoid certain activities for the first several hours after your treatment. You must not bend your head or lay down for a sustained period of time.
Do not rub or otherwise touch the treated area to avoid moving the Botox and affecting other muscles. In rare cases, some people report getting headaches after an injection.
Botox FAQs
- How long does a Botox treatment take, and what is involved?
A Botox treatment usually takes between 15 and 25 minutes and does not require anesthesia. A fine needle is used to inject Botox into specific muscles, and topical anesthesia (numbing cream) may be used.
- Is Botox safe?
Our authorized prescribers are familiar with the relevant anatomy, and will employ measures associated with the safe and effective use of BOTOX. This includes properly storing the product, selecting the right dose, and properly administering it according to specific techniques. Our clinicians will provide patient-specific care and, for your safety, may inquire about any alterations to the anatomy such as previous surgical procedures.
- How long does a Botox treatment last?
Generally, Botox treatments last 3 to 5 months, depending on how it's metabolized by the individual person.
- What is included with the first consultation?
At your first consultation, the dentist will conduct a comprehensive facial and/or dental assessment, so the optimal treatments can be recommended to suit your goals. If they determine that Botox is right for you, your treatment appointment will be scheduled.
- Is there anything I should do to prepare for treatment?
Yes. Starting about one week before the procedure, avoid alcohol. We also recommend that you stop taking anti-inflammatory medications and aspirin two weeks prior to treatment to reduce bruising.
- What are the risks associated with Botox?
Side effects from Botox are rare, and if they do occur, are typically mild and transient. They can include:
- Pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site
- Droopy eyelid or eyebrows
- Headache or flu-like symptoms
- Eye dryness or excessive tearing
- Crooked smile or drooling
If you do experience more than mild side effects that last hours to weeks after receiving Botox, call us immediately.
- Who should avoid Botox treatment?
These people should avoid Botox treatment:
- People who have previously had an allergic reaction to Botulinum toxin type A injections.
- People with muscle problems or chronic diseases affecting the muscles.
- Children under the age of 18 years.
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- People with infection at the proposed injection site.
- What are the recommendations for aftercare?
- Try to contract the treated muscle areas periodically for up to four hours after treatment, by frowning and lifting eyebrows to allow the toxin to reach all of the treated muscle.
- Avoid rubbing or touching the injected areas and avoid having facials and massages for 48 hours to ensure that the treatment remains at the site of injection.
- Avoid vigorous exercise and alcohol-based products on the area treated for 48 hours.