Alexandria, VA
Botox® and Facial Aesthetics
Botox®
People seek Botox® injections to address cosmetic and medical issues. Injections can help patients look more youthful by smoothing wrinkles and facial creases. Healthcare professionals may also use Botox® to treat medical issues like chronic migraines, eye twitching, lazy eye, and temporomandibular joint issues.
Botox® is an injectable treatment made from the Botulinum toxin that the bacterium Clostridium botulinum produces. Botox® is a neurotoxin that targets the nervous system and disrupts the nerve signaling processes that cause muscle contraction. Without this muscle contraction, the muscles are less stiff. Medical professionals inject the drug into the face to paralyze or weaken the muscles and block nerves.
Although the Botulinum toxin is dangerous by itself, Botox® is safe and has few side effects when administered by a professional in a therapeutic context. Manufacturers use small doses of the Botulinum toxin to make Botox® before injecting it into the skin to treat various conditions. To administer this treatment, medical professionals dilute the Botulinum toxin powder with saline and inject it into the neuromuscular tissue. Injections can help relax and soften wrinkles and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Determining Botox® Candidacy
Botox® is an excellent option for those who want an effective yet minimally invasive cosmetic treatment. This popular treatment has high patient satisfaction rates in improving facial appearance and reducing signs of aging. Botox® is low-risk yet effective and does not involve downtime for recovery like cosmetic surgery does.
Botox® may be the right treatment for patients who first start to notice moderate lines on the face, typically after age 30 or so. However, everyone's facial lines form differently due to a combination of factors, including genetics and the environment. Patients should be healthy and not pregnant or breastfeeding. People with allergies to any of the ingredients, muscle or nerve conditions, or active infections may not be good candidates for this treatment.
Dermal Fillers
At Alexandria Old Town Dental, we skillfully incorporate Dermal Fillers into our aesthetic offerings, providing patients with a non-surgical solution to restore youthful volume and smooth facial contours around the mouth and lower face. Patients benefit immensely from receiving this treatment from our dental professionals because of our specialized expertise in facial and perioral anatomy, which ensures injections are precise, comfortable, and delivered with a deep understanding of muscle dynamics and vascular safety. Our focus is on achieving results that not only enhance your lips and surrounding facial features but also perfectly frame your stunning new smile, offering a truly holistic and harmonious aesthetic outcome.
The Injection Process
Although most people do not experience much discomfort while receiving Botox® injections, there is the option to have the skin numbed beforehand. During the injection process, we use a fine needle to inject specific wrinkles or trouble spots. The injection process is both an art and a science to administer the treatment to the correct spots and produce optimal results.
The number of injections varies depending on factors like the extent of the treated area. Typically, each treated muscle received one to three injections. Patients generally experience minimal discomfort during the treatment, and side effects are not common.
Botox® FAQs
The Botox® Process Length
Botox® injection is a streamlined procedure that only takes 15 to 30 minutes to administer. The full effect of Botox® shows up in one to two weeks. The cosmetic results from Botox® are temporary, causing many patients to opt for additional rounds of treatment. Patients can expect Botox® treatment to last an average of three or more months. However, injection results can last longer, up to four or five months, depending on the facial area, dose, and formulation.
Are There Side Effects To Receiving Botox®?
Botox® is a low-risk option when administered by a medical professional. There are some possible side effects, like temporary bruising, headache, and eyelid drooping. We advise patients to avoid rubbing or massaging treated areas for one day not to spread the toxin elsewhere.
Is The Botox® Injection Uncomfortable?
Most patients find the treatment slightly uncomfortable rather than painful. The medical professional administering the treatment may apply some temporary measures to minimize discomfort, like a cold pack. Patients may resume their normal activities immediately after receiving the injection.
Can Anyone Get Botox®?
Patients who are breastfeeding, pregnant, or allergic to cow's milk protein should not receive Botox® treatment. People who have a neurological disease are also not good candidates for this treatment. Minors younger than 18 typically cannot get injections without a parent's permission.
How Much Does Botox® Cost?
The cost of Botox® varies according to different factors. The treatment purpose, provider, location, and dosage are all factors to consider. For example, a subtle lift requires fewer units of Botox® than a deeply wrinkled area.
Does My Insurance Cover Botox®?
Insurance policies cover Botox® treatment in some cases. The guidelines vary according to the reason for the procedure. Patients should review their plans and talk with their insurance company before the appointment.
What Is The Recovery Process Like After Receiving Botox®?
One of the major benefits of Botox® treatment is its minimal recovery time. Downtime after treatment will vary for each person and treatment type, but usually, patients can return to their normal activities immediately. Patients should not rub or massage around their treatment sites for 24 hours after their injections.
Doing so can cause the toxin to spread to areas outside of the treatment site. It is normal to experience some swelling and bruising around the injection site. This is temporary and will disappear in a couple of weeks. Applying ice and taking over-the-counter pain medication can help minimize any pain and discomfort.