Fine lines and wrinkles don’t necessarily mean you’re getting old and aren’t always a sign of aging. They usually develop in your mid-thirties to early forties due to repetitive movements carried out by the surface of your skin in areas such as around your mouth when you smile and your forehead when you frown. As time goes on, your skin begins to lose its elasticity and is unable to bounce back to its original state causing the fine lines to progress into wrinkles. Fortunately, your Cosmetic Dentist in Glasgow can make your fine lines and wrinkles disappear using Botox, to make your skin look young and refreshed once again.
What is Botox?
Botox (botulinum toxin) is the most popular cosmetic injectable used in most parts of the world to treat fine lines and wrinkles. It works by releasing the toxin Botulinum to prevent certain muscles from moving thus causing the skin to appear tighter and smoother. Botox shots block chemical signals from the nerves that are responsible for causing muscles to contract. This is why we find they are most commonly used to relax facial muscles that cause you to smile and frown.
What issues can Botox help treat?
While the most popular area to use Botox is the face, this is not the only area of the body that can receive Botox shots. Additionally, Botox helps to treat a variety of medical conditions such as:
- Neck spasms – neck muscles sometimes contract in an uncontrolled manner causing you to experience pain and discomfort; they can even cause your head to twist into uncomfortable positions. Botox stiffens these muscles which in turn stops the spasms from occurring.
- Lazy eyes – a lazy eye is most commonly caused by an imbalance of the muscles used for moving the eye
- Sweating
- Migraines
- Bladder problems – if you experience urinary incontinence, Botox may be a suitable primary solution for you as it stops your bladder from contracting so frequently.
What does the process of getting Botox involve?
Receiving Botox is not usually a painful procedure; however, you can make the procedure more comfortable for yourself by asking your dentist to apply a local anaesthetic to the treatment area beforehand in order to numb your skin. The dentist will then proceed to inject multiple sections of the treatment area with tiny amounts of the toxin into your skin or muscles using a thin needle. They may sometimes require the help of an ultrasound to guide the needle into the correct area for areas of the face or body that are more complex. The number of Botox shots you require in one treatment area is usually dependent on the size of the area. For example, your chin may only need a couple of shots whereas the palm of your hands may require more. After the treatment is complete, it is best to avoid rubbing or massaging the treatment area for at least twenty-four hours; this is to ensure the Botox does not migrate to areas of the face where it is not needed or wanted which can cause your face to appear botched. Additionally, try not to lie down for two to four hours after the treatment is complete.
Risks
It is important to note that as with all cosmetic procedures, Botox comes with its risks and so it is highly important to have a consultation with your dentist beforehand to discuss the ins and outs of Botox and come to an informed agreement on whether the procedure is the correct solution for you to go ahead with. The most common risks associated with Botox include:
- Pain or swelling on the injection site
- Infection at the injection site
- Droopy eyelids
- Headaches
- Drooling from the mouth
- Watery or dry eyes
- Spread of Botox to undesired areas of the body
Your dentist will advise you on what precautions you should take post-treatment in order to avoid any of these risks from occurring however in the rare occasion that they do occur, it is best to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Feeling pain or discomfort or experiencing some inflammation after the anaesthetic wears off is completely normal and can be treated with over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatories. This should subside within twenty-four hours of having the treatment done. It is also important to note that Botox is not a permanent solution to your condition, and regular top-ups are required in order to maintain the effects; the effects can last for up to four to six months after which another top-up may be required if you feel as though you need it.
