Botox Injections in Gainesville

What is Botox?

Botox is a cosmetic treatment that involves the injection of Botulinum Toxin-Type A into specific muscles in the face. This toxin blocks the nerve signals that cause muscle contractions, which can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and in many cases reduce or manage facial pain, including TMJ disorders.

A Little History

Botox is the most well know Botulin Toxin- Type A and has the strongest brand recognition. It is the number one prescribed in the US and has a 97% patient satisfaction rate.

First isolated in the 1920’s, it was first tested in humans in 1978, with the first FDA approval coming in 1989. This is a very safe product that has been around for a long time.

Why use BoNT-A?

Simple treatment. Fast onset. Lasting results.

The length of time results last can vary from person to person, but generally speaking you can expect results to last at least 3-4 months. * Some people may ask – why would I want to put a toxin in my body? This of course is a personal choice for each individual. But realistically speaking, people make choices to put toxins in their body every day in the form of alcohol, smoking, vaping, weed, sodas, chemicals and preservatives. So whether you are looking at this as a therapeutic option (relief from pain), or for cosmetic reasons, each person will have to evaluate if the decision is right for them and their particular situation.

*Please note specific results not guaranteed, as outcome varies from person to person. Additionally, it is not recommended for anyone who has an egg allergy, or a benzyl alcohol allergy. Additionally, please note the effects could be diminished with the use of antibiotics.

How Does It Work?

For those of you who like to dig a little deeper the science of it, here’s a little more information for you. To make a muscle contract, a nerve sends a signal to the muscle. Where they meet is called the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). When the nerve signal reaches the NMJ, a chemical called acetylcholine is released from the nerve side and binds to the muscle side, which causes the muscle to contract. Botox works by blocking acetylcholine receptors on the muscle side of the junction. Without this connection being made, the muscle can’t contract. The nerve will regrow a new path in about 90 days. This is why Botox is good for about three to four months.

Areas of Treatment

Areas that we frequently treat in our office:

Glabellar complex, which is the area between and just above your eyebrows, that gives you your angry face. This was the first non-surgical aesthetic treatment approved by the FDA back in 2002. This area treats not only cosmetically, but frequently gives some relief in minimizing frequent headaches.

Crow’s feet which is the smile lines by your eyes.

Masseter muscle, which is a large facial muscle running along each side of your face, and plays a major role in the chewing of solid foods. We treat this muscle to help reduce facial pain and headaches from the effects of Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMJ), and many have had tremendous results. Botox can help diagnose true joint disorder by eliminating the muscle influence. If troubles are sorely muscular, this can provide tremendous pain relief. A lovely side effect is a more aesthetic appearance to the jawline, as in many cases of chronic TMJ, the patient develops an angular jawline line from constantly clenched muscles. Another great by product is less stress and wear on your teeth as you reduce the intensity of bruxism.

Things To Remember:

*Botox is a protein that when injected, causes the muscle to relax, thereby causing headache or facial pain to go away, or be minimized, as well as fine lines and wrinkles to be minimized or eliminated.

*Botox treatments are quick and easy with no downtime.

*Botox takes 14 days for full correction effects. However, you will begin to notice a difference in approximately 3-5 days, with results improving daily.

*Do not lie down, massage or touch areas where Botox was injected for approximately 4 hours after treatment. You can cause it to move, which could produce results in unwanted areas.

*Botox is not permanent and generally will last 3-4 months.

*Botox is not recommended for the following people: pregnant or nursing, currently on IVF, presence of infections where the injections would be occurring, allergy to eggs, benzyl alcohol allergy, anyone scheduled for surgery within the next 10 days, anyone who has had a stroke.

Call Us Today!

If you are interested in exploring the benefits of Botox and if it may be right for you, please call us to schedule a free consultation. We are committed to helping our patients achieve optimal oral health and overall wellbeing and believe Botox can play an important role in helping you to feel and look your very best. Call today or ask us about it at your next dental visit.