Botox

What is Botox?

Botox, from Allergan, is a purified bacteria (called botulinum toxin) that essentially “freezes” the muscles of your face in order to reduce — and sometimes even eliminate — wrinkles. It is effective on both fine lines and deep wrinkles, and there’s no downtime. You can go straight to work after your injections with no issues!

Botox is a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment. It provides a non-surgical way to slow the natural aging process. Once Botox enters your body, it stops nerve signals from reaching the muscles in your face. Over time, this allows the muscles to relax, causing dynamic wrinkles to fade away.

Aside from being used for cosmetics, Illinois Dental Center of Belmont administers Botox for TMJ treatment. Botox helps the muscles in your jaws relax, providing significant relief from pain and stiffness for months at a time.

Who can benefit from Botox?

Anyone who is unhappy with the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, or crow’s feet can benefit from Botox. Prior to administering any injections, Illinois Dental Center of Belmont reviews your medical history and asks about your treatment goals.

Let your provider know if you take any prescription medication, vitamins, or nutritional supplements. Certain drugs, especially blood thinners, can increase your risk of complications like bruising.

How many Botox injections do I need?

The number of Botox injections you receive depends on your health history, symptoms, and treatment goals. Typically, for cosmetic purposes, Illinois Dental Center of Belmont recommends between five and seven injections; one in the area between your eyebrows and three on the side of each eye to smooth out crow’s feet. Most appointments take 15-20 minutes.

For TMJ treatment, Illinois Dental Center of Belmont typically recommends four injections. Your provider administers a shot in your forehead and a shot in your temple. Afterward, they administer two more injections, one for each jaw. To ensure a positive outcome, your provider recommends follow-up Botox injections every three to four months.

Is treatment with Botox safe?

Treatment with Botox is safe and usually well-tolerated. Following your appointment, it’s normal to experience some mild swelling, bruising, and sensitivity. Avoid rubbing or applying pressure to the treated areas. When you get home, wait to bend over or lie down for at least three hours.

You don’t need to take any time off work, but you should avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 24 hours.

Are the results of Botox permanent?

The results of Botox and dermal fillers aren’t permanent, but they typically last for between four and six months. You know it’s time to schedule a follow-up at Illinois Dental Center of Belmont when wrinkles and fine lines start to form on your forehead and around your eyes or your TMJ discomfort returns.

To learn more about the benefits of Botox, request a consultation at Illinois Dental Center of Belmont. Call the office or request an appointment online today.