Your Maple Ridge Invisalign® Provider
Our dental team at Alouette Dental Centre is pleased to offer Botox injections.
What is Botox?
Botox, a brand of neuromodulating agents that's widely recognized, contains Botulinum Toxin. This purified protein has both cosmetic and therapeutic uses.
During the Botox process, injections containing purified bacteria are placed into areas of concern to freeze the muscle at the point of injection. When injected into a patient's facial muscles, Botox releases neurotoxins that prevent these muscles from contracting, which helps them to relax.
Dr. Wilson Heung at Alouette Dental Centre is trained in both upper and lower face Botox treatments.
Botox Treatment: What To Expect
Before Treatment
We can address any questions you may have before starting the treatment to ensure your desired results are understood and to help you feel comfortable.
Some have described the sensations from the injections as a mild pinch, like a bug bite. The injection will be directed into the muscle under the skin. The needle is very fine to help prevent any bruising, swelling or pain.
After Treatment
It's important to avoid certain activities for the first several hours following your treatment. You must not lay down or bend your head for a sustained period of time.
Do not rub or otherwise touch the treatment area so you do not inadvertently move the Botox or affect other muscles. In rare cases, some people report experiencing headaches after a Botox injection.
Botox FAQs
- How long does a Botox treatment take, and what is involved?
A Botox treatment usually takes between 15 and 25 minutes and does not require anesthesia. Botox is injected into specific muscles using a fine needle. Topical anesthesia (numbing cream) may also be used.
- Is Botox safe?
Authorized prescribers are familiar with the relevant anatomy and will use measures associated with safe and effective use of BOTOX, including appropriate storage, choosing the correct dose, and administering injections properly using certain techniques. Our clinicians will provide patient-specific care and, for your safety, may ask about any alterations to your anatomy such as previous surgical procedures.
- How long does a Botox treatment last?
Generally, Botox treatments last 3 to 5 months, depending on how it's metabolized by the individual person.
- What is included with the first consultation?
Your dentist will conduct a comprehensive facial and/or dental assessment and recommend optimal treatments to help achieve your goals during your first consultation. If they conclude that Botox is right for you, your treatment appointment will be scheduled.
- Is there anything I should do to prepare for treatment?
Yes. You should avoid alcohol starting about one week before your procedure. We also recommend that people receiving Botox injections stop taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications two weeks before treatment to reduce bruising.
- What are the risks associated with Botox?
While side effects of Botox are rare, if they do occur they are typically mild and transient. These side effects may include:
- Crooked smile or drooling
- Pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site
- Headache or flu-like symptoms
- Eye dryness or excessive tearing
- Droopy eyelid or eyebrows
If you do experience more than mild side effects that last hours to weeks after receiving Botox, call us immediately.
- Who should avoid Botox treatment?
Those who should not have Botox include:
- People with infection at the proposed injection site
- People who have previously had an allergic reaction to Botulinum toxin type A injections
- People with muscle problems or chronic diseases affecting the muscle
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Children under the age of 18 years
- People with muscle problems or chronic diseases affecting the muscles
- What are the recommendations for aftercare?
- Avoid vigorous exercise and alcohol-based products on the area treated for 48 hours.
- Try to contract the treated muscle areas periodically for up to four hours after treatment, by frowning and lifting eyebrows to allow the toxin to reach all of the treated muscle.
- Avoid rubbing or touching the injected areas and avoid having facials and massages for 48 hours to ensure that the treatment remains at the site of injection.