The human face is a complex system of bone, muscle, fat, and skin tissues. The intricate relationship between the skin and the underlying muscle and fat tissue plays an essential role in the formation of wrinkles, lines and skin laxity. Botox and fillers are used to compensate some of the changes that happen to the face over time. However, Botox can also be used for the management of migraine headaches and other medical conditions. Botox is a neurotoxin that causes temporary paralysis of the muscle in which it is injected. This paralysis relaxes the muscle and usually helps eliminate some of the overlying skin wrinkles and lines. In certain situations, Botox can also be used to improve the look of your smile. One of the very rewarding uses of Botox is to manage a high smile line, or a “Gummy Smile”, as shown in the pictures below.
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In the example above, the patients’ lip was elevating too high, exposing the gingival tissue when smiling, something this patient wanted to fix. The use of Botox in this kind of situation will provide a resolution for approximately 3-6 months.
One of the most common uses of Botox is for the frown lines formed between the eyebrows. Targeting the underlying muscles with Botox will provide temporary resolution.
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In addition to facial aesthetic application, Botox has also been used extensively by multiple healthcare providers for headache relief and other medical conditions.
Fillers are mainly used to replace lost volume. As we age, a significant amount of fat in the facial structure will atrophy, causing unwanted wrinkles, folds, and lines. Just like Botox, fillers’ effects are temporary and can range from 3 months to 1 year depending on the kind of filler used and where it is applied. Most fillers are applied in the lips and areas around the mouth.
Both Botox and fillers may have risks and complications such as unwanted paralysis, need for multiple applications, allergic reactions, bruising, and others. Luckily, complications are rare and can typically be managed successfully.
Patients who desire to have minimally invasive cosmetic procedures like Botox or fillers would require a consultation to be evaluated and discuss their specific needs and wants with the provider. If they were determined to be candidates for the procedure, a customized treatment plan would be created to address their unique needs.
People typically think of dermatologists, medical spas or aesthetician offices for Botox or fillers, but this is a service that Bay Oral Surgery & Implant Center is going to be adding to its list of services in 2020. Stay tuned for an official announcement with more details coming soon!