What is Botulinum toxin type A?

Botulinum toxin type A is an injectable neurotoxin, better known under brand names such as Botox Cosmetic®, Dysport®, and Xeomin®. Neurotoxin treatments are the most popular cosmetic procedure. They are mainly used to smooth dynamic wrinkles, or those wrinkles that form as a result of facial movements like frowning, squinting, smiling, and other expressions we tend to make day after day. The treatment works by blocking nerve impulses to the muscles, causing them to relax. As a result, your expressions soften, and the dynamic wrinkles are significantly reduced.

What Types of Wrinkles can Botox-type Injectables Treat?

Botox-type injectables can help an adult patient of any age improve his or her appearance, helping to look refreshed and youthful. The most commonly treated areas are those where muscle activity influences facial features, such as the following:

• Glabellar lines (a.k.a. “elevens” or frown lines)
• Wrinkles around the eyes, such as crow’s feet
• Forehead creases
• Corners of the mouth
• A “cobblestoned” appearance to the chin

What is the Difference Between Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin?

Now you know that each of these products contains the same active ingredient: botulinum toxin type A, and are designed to address the same types of wrinkles and other cosmetic concerns. So how are they different? The main distinction lies in their formulation, which influences the dosage used, how much the product spreads, and how quickly a patient might see the results. For example, Botox Cosmetic is formulated with an accompanying protein. Dysport contains a smaller version of a similar protein, while Xeomin doesn’t contain an accompanying protein at all. All three products have been used in New Zealand safely and effectively for years. Which of these products is best for you will depend on your unique anatomy, your goals, and your doctor's recommendations.

Choosing a Provider for Injectable Treatments.

Many people think that because Botox is advertised in day spas and other non-medical offices, botulinum injections are on the same level as a manicure, facial, or haircut. We cannot stress enough that this is not the case! Though non-surgical, injections are a medical procedure that requires specific training, knowledge, and skill to administer safely and effectively.

Reasons why dentists are the best options to provide botulotoxin injections.

If you’ve been researching Botox injections lately, you may have been surprised to see a number of dentist offices pop up. After all, shouldn’t a plastic surgeon administer these injections? Actually, your dentist might just be the ideal professional to offer this cosmetic procedure. Here are just five reasons why you should call your dentist to book your Botox treatment.

1. Dentists specialize in your facial structures.

When it comes to an in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy, there’s no one more proficient than your dentist. Dentists are trained specifically in the oral and maxillofacial areas, which include every part of your face from the chin to your forehead. This training allows dentists to have a thorough knowledge of injections in these areas, as well as a comprehensive understanding of the physiology, aesthetic, and underlying vascular and nervous system of your face.

2. Botox is used for more than just your skin.

When you think of Botox, your mind may immediately go to its cosmetic benefits, particularly with wrinkles. However, dentists actually utilize Botox for its clinical purposes as well. Patients with chronic pain of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) or facial pain as a result of bruxism may find relief through the injection of the Botox botulinum toxin. This injection is minimally invasive in comparison to surgical treatments for these issues.

3. Dentists are well-versed in administering facial injections.

Each day, dentists are required to use intraoral injections to administer anesthetics before dental procedures. This makes them experts in quick and pain-free injection! This can come in handy when receiving Botox injections, as it ensures that your procedure will be fast and comfortable.

4. Dentists study the ideal proportions of your facial anatomy.

Dentists spend each day focused on both the structure and appearance of the face and mouth. When performing cosmetic dental procedures, they know how to create the perfect ratio between a patient’s lips and teeth. So who better perform facial cosmetic procedures than the dentist? By receiving Botox from your dentist, you can rest assured that you’re receiving treatment based on a comprehensive understanding of your facial anatomy and what will look best for you!

5. Dentists receive extra training to administer Botox injections.

Dentists not only go through dental school to study the anatomy of your entire facial structure, but they also must go through specialized training to administer Botox injections. This allows your dentist to have both theoretical and practical knowledge of these cosmetic procedures. All in all, if you want to have Botox injections, you’re in good hands with a dentist!

 

What to Expect During Treatment.

Botulinum toxin injections are non-surgical and typically completed during a clinic visit. Your initial treatment will begin with a consultation, during which you will meet with your doctor to discuss your concerns and goals.

Pre-treatment consultation.

During your consultation, your doctor will evaluate your area of concern and go over your medical history. Even though there is little risk of major complications for most patients, it is still imperative that you share your medical history fully and openly with your provider before treatment. There are certain allergies, skin, and neurological conditions, or medications that can make treatment unsuitable for the patient. For instance, you need to tell your cosmetic surgeon if you have been taking NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen) or blood thinners.

Your Botox-type injectable treatment.

Before the treatment, you may be given a topical anesthetic to numb the area before injection, though many patients find this unnecessary, as the needles used to inject botulinum toxins are very thin, and the injections are not very deep. Your provider will reconstitute the botulinum toxin into a solution, and inject this solution into the muscle at strategic points. Most patients describe a pinching feeling during the injection, though not much pain.

You will be able to go back to your normal activities right after treatment, but your doctor may ask you to take the day off from exercise or other strenuous activity and to keep your head upright for the rest of the day. Mild redness, swelling at the injection site, and bruising are the most common side effects.

Following the treatment, you may not see the result immediately. Some people start to see results as early as the next day. For others, it can take up to two weeks. The final results are typically reached 3 to 7 days after initial treatments. If this is your first botulinum toxin treatment, your doctor may initially inject a more conservative amount and touch up the results during follow-up treatment. This helps to ensure natural, optimal results without the risk of over-treating an area.

How Long Do the Results Last?

The wrinkle-reducing effects from botulinum treatments will vary depending on the patient, the area treated, and the product used, but results will typically last anywhere from 3 to 6 months. To maintain your results, your doctor will repeat treatment, adjusting dosage and techniques as necessary to ensure optimal results.

What Else Can Neurotoxins Help With?

While botulinum toxin type A is most commonly used to treat facial wrinkles, cosmetic surgeons can also use neurotoxins to address other aesthetic concerns that are associated with nerve and muscle activity:

Reduce excessive sweating. Botulinum type A injections can be used to interrupt the nerve impulses that activate the sweat glands, helping alleviate embarrassment from excessive sweating on the armpits, hands, or feet.

Hypertonicity of the masticatory muscles and Bruxism.

With an experienced, qualified provider, Botox-type injectables provide natural-looking rejuvenation with a safe, convenient procedure with virtually no downtime. The best way to learn whether you are a good candidate for botulinum toxin injections is to meet with our specialists in Marina Dentists clinics.

For more information or to make an appointment, please contact us at 09 535 1074.