Botox can treat a number of esthetic and functional concerns, from managing tooth grinding to softening fine lines and wrinkles.
Tooth grinding, when not treated, can damage the teeth and restorations, create jaw pain and headaches, and contribute to bone loss and gum recession. Botox now provides a simple alternative treatment option for tooth grinding and associated jaw tension.
Gummy smiles, or display of excess gum tissue when smiling, are traditionally treated with aggressive surgical intervention, involving reduction of the bone around the teeth and crowning of the teeth. The application of just a few units of Botox now provides a noninvasive, quick, inexpensive and effective alternative, by relaxing the hyperactive lip muscles to a more esthetically pleasing position.
Wrinkles are a natural part of the aging process, and their prevention and treatment is certainly a personal choice. If you find that the early signs of aging are becoming apparent on your face, you may consider adding Botox to your anti-aging routine.
Pre- Treatment Instructions
In an ideal situation it is prudent to follow some simple guidelines before treatment that can make all the difference between a fair result or great result, by reducing some possible side effects associated with the injections. We realize this is not always possible; however, minimizing these risks is always desirable.
Patient must be in good health with no active skin infections in the areas to be treated
Patient should not be needle phobic
Avoid alcoholic beverages at least 24 hours prior to treatment. Alcohol may thin the blood which will increase the risk of bruising.
Avoid anti-inflammatory and blood thinning medications ideally, for a period of two (2) weeks before treatment (please check with your medical doctor before stopping any medications). Medications and supplements such as Aspirin, Vitamin E, Gingo Biloba, St. John’s Wort, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Vioxx, and other NSAIDS are all blood thinning and can increase the risk of bruising/swelling after injections. Schedule Botox® appointment at least 2 weeks prior to a special event which may be occurring, i.e., wedding, vacation, etc. etc. It is not desirable to have a very special event occurring and be bruised from an injection which could have been avoided.
Post-Treatment Instructions
The guidelines to follow post treatment have been followed for years, and are still employed today to prevent the possible side effect of ptosis (drooping of the eyelids). These measures should minimize the possibility of ptosis.
No straining, heavy lifting, vigorous exercise for 3-4 hours following treatment. It is now known that it takes the toxin approximately 2 hours to bind itself to the nerve to start its work, and because we do not want to increase circulation to that area to wash away the Botox® from where it was injected. Avoid manipulation of area for 3-4 hours following treatment. (For the same reasons listed above.) This includes not doing a facial, peel, or micro-dermabrasion after treatment with Botox®. A facial, peel, or micro- dermabrasion can be done in same appointment only if they are done before the Botox®.
Facial exercises in the injected areas is recommended for 1-hour following treatment. This is to stimulate the binding of the toxin only to the localized area. It can take 2 -10 days to take full effect. It is recommended that the patient contact the office no later than 2 weeks after treatment if desired effect was not achieved and no sooner to give the toxin time to work. Light makeup may be applied before leaving the office.
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