Getting Botox from a dentist? Absolutely!
Parkcrest Dental Group now offers Botox at our office, led by Dr. Allie and her team of experts. We can improve your smile with your teeth and go one step further with the soft tissue surrounding your lips.
Read on to learn more in our complete guide to Botox in Springfield, Missouri.
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What exactly is Botox?
Botox is an FDA-approved treatment initially designed to improve moderate to severe frown lines. Known as a dermal filler, the agency strongly recommends anyone who gets a Botox treatment do so under the care of a licensed medical professional.
How do I know if I’m a good candidate for Botox?
Botox is ideal for patients 18 and older who want to improve their smile and avoid signs of aging (wrinkles) around their lips, nose, and forehead.
At your initial consultation, our staff will discuss with you everything you need to know about Botox and ask you questions about what results you want to see. The overall goal is to prepare you as much as possible for your initial appointment.
We will need to know about the following aspects of your medical history and current medical condition before your first Botox appointment:
- Medications and supplements you are taking, including any prescriptions, over-the-counter remedies, and nutritional supplements.
- Medical conditions, especially those related to muscles, nerves, swallowing, breathing, and blood circulation.
- Surgical history, such as reconstructive surgery, plastic surgery, brow lifts, or facelifts. We particularly need to know about surgeries on the face and jaw.
- Pregnancy, because Botox is generally not recommended for women who are pregnant or plan to get pregnant. Although no studies indicate that Botox causes a risk to pregnant women, your doctor wants to be safe and protect your baby as much as possible.
How long does a Botox appointment last?
Most appointments take less than 30 minutes to complete. We can have a Botox appointment alongside your dental appointment.
How many Botox appointments will I need?
It depends on what results you want and how long you want them to last. Botox injections are typically effective for three to four months at a time. Our team can repeat the process with retreatments at the site. Dr. Allie at our office will work with you to develop a treatment plan over time.
How should I prepare for my Botox appointment?
You want the best results for your Botox treatment. You also want to minimize any potential bruising and swelling. Make sure you tell your Botox team any medications you may be taking, especially blood thinners, that may affect your treatment.
We recommend taking these steps to prepare for your appointment:
- Don’t drink alcohol for at least two days. It can increase your chances of bruising because it increases your blood pressure and can dry out your skin. You want your skin in great shape before getting Botox!
- Avoid using anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) for a week before your appointment. If these medications are medically necessary, please talk to our doctor and your primary care physician if you want Botox.
- Avoid natural supplements that may act as blood thinners for a week because these can cause increased bruising and swelling. Fish oil, garlic, ginseng, omega-3 fatty acids, ginkgo biloba, and St. John’s wort all can thin your blood.
- Find an alternative to caffeine for 24 hours. Caffeine can dry out your skin, reducing the efficacy of your treatment.
- Drink plenty of water. Water helps your skin stay naturally plump and aids in healing following your Botox appointment.
- Cut down on salty foods for 24 hours. Salt naturally dehydrates your skin, so try to spice up your food with something other than salt.
Will I feel any pain with my Botox treatment?
We will use a topical anesthetic on your skin to eliminate any pain you may feel. Botox uses tiny needles, but you still might feel a slight stinging sensation at the injection site. You might use a topical ice pack after your appointment to soothe any mild discomfort.
How should I care for my face following a Botox treatment?
Your Botox care team at Parkcrest Dental may recommend a few things to remember for aftercare following your appointment:
- You might see slight bruising and swelling near the injection site. These will diminish within 48 hours after treatment. We recommend ice or a cold compress following treatment to reduce swelling and pain.
- Around an hour after a Botox injection, exercise your facial muscles by frowning, squinting, raising your eyebrows, and smiling for 30 seconds at a time. Repeat these exercises several times per day. These exercises help move the Botox medication throughout your muscles, which can expedite the effects of your treatment.
- Avoid cosmetics for a bit. When you come to our office for your Botox appointment, make sure your face is clear and has no makeup on it. Don’t put any cosmetics on until the next day to make sure nothing gets into the injection sites to cause further irritation. The idea is to avoid stimulating the skin, which may cause faster blood flow, which could move Botox away from where you want it. Wait a little bit until the medication takes hold.
- Don’t lie down or lean forward significantly for at least four hours. Lying down or leaning forward at odd angles may cause the medication to disperse away from the injection sites, thereby reducing its effectiveness.
- Try to sleep on your back as much as you can the night after your Botox appointment. This will minimize the pressure on your facial muscles. If you are a side sleeper, this can affect Botox treatments for crow’s feet. Place pillows on either side of your body to prevent turning over in your sleep.
- Delay working out for a few days. Strenuous activity leads to blood flowing through your body faster. Taking a walk is fine, but try to avoid a full workout on your elliptical or treadmill for at least 24 hours. Again, this might spread Botox to other areas of your body before it settles into your facial muscles.
- Stay out of the heat for at least 24 hours. That means no sun, so wear a wide-brimmed hat for the next 48 hours. Avoid saunas, tanning beds, hot tubs, and overly hot showers for the next day.
- If you have any skin treatment appointments, such as a facial, microdermabrasion, or laser skin therapy, wait at least 48 hours before having any of these facial treatments done after getting Botox.
- Avoid alcohol for 48 hours because alcohol increases blood pressure by dilating blood vessels. You might experience worse bruising or swelling at the injection site if you drink alcohol too soon after your Botox appointment.
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Who can help me with Botox in Springfield, Missouri?
Botox from a dentist? Yes, Parkcrest Dental Group can help you get the smile you deserve. Our team can discuss options with you.
Feel free to reach out to us anytime during office hours by calling (417) 887-1120. We’re happy to assist!
