Botox and dermal fillers (Juvederm, Restylane) are a great way to prevent the signs of aging. Many wrinkles can be minimized or prevented with Botox or Juvederm.
How does Botox work?
Botox temporarily relaxes the muscles, so the muscles cannot contract as strongly and the skin does not wrinkle together. The areas that may have a permanent crease (static wrinkle), will not get better with Botox, but may with Juvederm. Botox is a temporary solution that lasts about 3-6 months. You will then have to make an appointment for more Botox injections. The needles used to administer the Botox are very small and do not go in far at all, most patients do not feel anything. Botox typically works great for the upper face. Areas typically treated are the frowning muscles around your eyebrows, crow’s feet (corners of your eyes), and forehead wrinkles. It can also be used to help prevent migraines by relaxing the muscles that are responsible for clenching.
Smooth skin is a sign of youth. Not only does Botox minimize wrinkles it can also prevent future wrinkles. In the before and after pictures below the patients are frowning. After Botox the wrinkles do not form even when they try to frown, which will help prevent permanent static wrinkles.
Before
After
Before
After
How does Juvederm work?
Juvederm and other dermal fillers are a great way to fill in any voids. These fillers typically last 6-12 months and then will need to be retreated. A strong topical anesthetic or the traditional dental injection will provide a painless experience. Dermal fillers work well in the lower half of your face. Areas generally treated are the lips, corners of the mouth (turns the corners of the mouth up so you do not look like you are frowning), and nasolabial folds (lines from the nostrils to the corners of the mouth).
How much does it cost?
The fee for Botox is $14/unit. The crow’s feet area is usually treated with 12-20 units. The forehead about 6-8 units, and the eyebrows (frown lines) is 20 units. These are average treatment doses so you may need more or less.
Juvederm is sold per vial and is $600. A vial goes a long way. One vial can typically treat the lips and nasolabial folds, but it if the folds are deeper another vial may be needed.
Why should your dentist inject you with these cosmetic treatments?
Because it is our job to deal with very small measurements that make a big difference, most dentists pay closer attention to minute detail than medical doctors. Our training is concentrated in the head and neck anatomy. A proper understanding of how muscles work and where they are located is vital to having a great outcome from Botox. If it is injected in the wrong muscle or too much is injected you can have an outcome that you are not happy with. At Ledger Dentistry, we believe in a more conservative approach. You will receive the minimal amount needed for maximum results. In two weeks (Botox starts to work 1-2 weeks after injecting) you will return for an appearance evaluation in which more may be administered. At Ledger Dentistry, we document injections, the effects and adjust future treatments to ensure you consistently get the results you are looking for.
Unlike Botox, with dermal fillers you can see the difference immediately. As we age the lips get smaller, the corners of the mouth turn down, the nasolabial folds get deeper….. these can be corrected with dermal fillers. A proper understanding of the face and proper proportions is critical for a great result. For instance, the upper lip has the outline of Cupid’s bow lying down, and the upper lip is 67% in size compared to the lower lip, and both taper down to the corners of the mouth.
Ultimately, you must trust whoever is going to treat you. Some pay closer attention to detail than others, and some have a good eye for noticing where the problem area is and how to correct it. There are a lot of black market products out there. Ask your doctor about where and how he procures his product. At Ledger Dentistry, we only purchase Botox and Juvederm from the manufacturer directly, no middle man, so you can be certain we only use genuine products. We also do not over dilute the products to make it cheaper.
If you are ready to see the difference, call our office to find out how you can benefit.