Our dental team at Ainslie Street Dental Centre offers Botox treatments to our patients in Cambridge.
What is Botox?
The widely recognized brand of neuromodulating agents called Botox contains Botulinum Toxin, a purified protein with both cosmetic and therapeutic applications.
The Botox process involves injections containing purified bacteria into the areas of concern to freeze the muscle at the point of injection. Botox can be injected into the facial muscles, where it releases neurotoxins to prevent the muscles from contracting and to help them relax.
At Ainslie Street Dental Centre, Dr. Sukhraaj Shinger is trained in both upper and lower face Botox treatments.
Botox Treatment: What To Expect
Before Treatment
If you have any questions or concerns you may have will be addressed before treatment to ensure your desired results are understood.
Some people descirbe the injections as a mild pinch, similar to a bug bite. The injection will be directed into the muscle under the skin. This needle is very fine in order to help prevent any pain, bruising or swelling.
After Treatment
After your treatment, it is important to avoid certain activities for the first several hours. You must not lay down, or bend your head for a sustained period of time.
Do not touch or rub the treatment area to avoid moving the Botox and affecting other muscles. In rare cases, some people report getting headaches after a Botox injection.
Botox FAQs
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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. A fine needle is used to inject Botox into certain muscles. Topical anesthesia (numbing cream) may be used as well.
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Is Botox safe?
Our authorized prescribers understand the relevant anatomy. They will use measures associated with the safe, effective use of BOTOX. This includes proper storage, selection of the correct dose and appropriate administration techniques. Our clinicians will provide patient-specific care. For your safety, we may inquire about any alterations to the anatomy such as prior surgical procedures.
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How long does a Botox treatment last?
Generally, Botox treatments last 3 to 5 months, depending on how the individual person metabolizes it.
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What is included with the first consultation?
During your first consultation, your dentist will conduct a comprehensive facial and/or dental assessment and recommend the optimal treatments to achieve your goals. If they conclude that Botox is right for you, your treatment appointment will be booked.
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Is there anything I should do to prepare for treatment?
Yes - patients should avoid alcohol starting about one week before the procedure. We also recommend that you stop taking anti-inflammatory medications and aspirin two weeks before treatment to reduce bruising.
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What are the risks associated with Botox?
Side effects from Botox are rare, and if they do occur, are typically mild and transient. They can include:
• Pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site
• Headache or flu-like symptoms
• Droopy eyelid or eyebrows
• Crooked smile or drooling
• Eye dryness or excessive tearing
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?
Botox treatment should be avoided by:
• 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 muscles.
• Children under the age of 18 years.
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. -
What are the recommendations for aftercare?
• 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.
• Avoid vigorous exercise and alcohol-based products on the area treated for 48 hours.