Many people expect their oral healthcare provider to be able to assist with various dental concerns, such as having a problematic tooth extracted or providing customized, lifelike restorations to close the spaces in their smile.
However, did you know that many dentists also offer cosmetic services that can help you look younger, such as BOTOX® injections? If you’re interested in smoothing facial wrinkles or preventing them from developing but are unsure when to start these cosmetic treatments, continue reading to learn more about it!
What is BOTOX®?
BOTOX® is the brand name of a purified neurotoxin derived from Clostridium botulinum bacteria. It’s administered in small, safe dosages that are injected into specific areas to prevent the muscles from contracting. Once they’ve relaxed, the layers of skin sitting on top of them start to smooth out.
Many dentists are licensed to use this product to help improve their patient’s appearance and boost their confidence. It’s often used to address facial wrinkles, including (but not limited to) crow’s feet, forehead lines, glabellar or frown lines, chin dimpling, and to lift the down-turned corners of your mouth.
When is the Best Time to Start BOTOX® Treatments?
Many people naturally associate facial wrinkles with aging and assume that BOTOX® treatments are reserved for those who have already developed facial wrinkles they want to reverse. But these injections can also be used as a preventive measure to delay the formation of fine lines to begin with.
For example, some cosmetic dentists recommend starting this service during your 20s to preserve your naturally youthful visage for as long as possible. Others recommend beginning BOTOX® when you start to notice lines forming, which often occurs in your 30s.
However, there are no real age requirements or restrictions regarding this medication, except that it’s not usually approved for minors unless it’s deemed medically necessary to address a more serious health condition.
How Can I Help Maintain My BOTOX® Results?
BOTOX® is only a temporary measure because your body eventually metabolizes the protein that makes it effective. Most patients can expect the results to last between 3 and 4 months, though it can depend on your individual circumstances.
You can help preserve your recent cosmetic enhancements by scheduling routine follow-ups to ‘train’ your muscles to remain relaxed over time. You might also want to avoid direct sunlight, which breaks down collagen and can reverse the benefits of these injections. You can also avoid high-intensity exercises and stressful activities that increase cortisol and elevate your heart rate, which accelerates aging.
If you’re unsure whether BOTOX® can help you achieve a younger-looking smile, you can learn more by consulting your provider directly!
About the Practice
Patients at Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial, & Implant Surgery benefit from a team of experts eager to help them enhance their lives by improving their dental condition. Our experts collaborate to provide a variety of complex, cosmetic, and surgical procedures, including BOTOX®, to address even the most severe concerns. Their caring approach is combined with advanced technology and modern amenities to help you feel comfortable while they deliver accurate results meant to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call one of their conveniently located offices near you!