Botox Dermal Filler

BOTOX® / Dermal Fillers

At Smiles 4 A Lifetime, we are so excited to offer BOTOX® and Dermal Fillers to our patients to give them that fresh, rejuvenated feeling when they smile. When you smile, the muscles in your face contract and often the result is unsightly wrinkles, folds or creases. At your consultation we can take before photos and discuss your specific needs for a beautiful smile.

What are BOTOX® and Dermal Fillers and what do they do?

Botox® is a neurotoxin that quite simply decreases the muscle’s ability to respond to the normal message that the body sends to it, namely to contract. This is more commonly known as a wrinkle or bunching up of the skin as the muscles squeeze together when you smile, frown or even scowl. BOTOX® freezes this response so the skin appears smooth, wrinkle free and relaxed.

Dermal Fillers actually take up space between deep folds or wrinkles to fill out spaces that result from sagging or aged skin. As we age, our skin loses its elasticity. Also, from osteoporosis and other bone loss conditions, you may be left with a lack of facial fullness which looks like sagging skin or deep creases. Dermal Fillers that we commonly use in the face are of two groups, hyaluronic acid derivatives and calcium hydroxylapatite.

Dermal Fillers such as Restylane®, Perlane® and Juvéderm® all act to mimic the hyaluronic acid gel-like substance, a substance which is found in our own bodies. They have been around for decades and are quite safe when used properly. There is research to support the claim that these products stimulate your own collagen production which is quite desirable, especially as we age and this function decreases. Radiesse®, another filler, mimics calcium hydroxylapatite which is also found in our bodies. All of these fillers can be safely used interchangeably for specific situations that we can discuss with you during your consultation.

Why have it done by a dentist?

Dentists are very comfortable and well trained giving injections in the facial area. They are trained to work with the specific muscle groups that are triggered during chewing, smiling and making various facial expressions. Dentists are also trained to recognize facial asymmetries as well as overall facial form and structure as it relates to beauty.

How long do the products last?

Typically, BOTOX® lasts for 3-5 months, which varies from patient to patient and usually takes several days to reach full effect.

Dermal Fillers maintain 50-80% of their effectiveness at six months and can last for over a year in some cases and take effect immediately.

Are they safe and do they have side effects?

All of these products are safe and effective when used properly and have been approved by the FDA for administration by trained practitioners. There have been some rare allergic reactions reported but since these products are not proteins, this risk is extremely low. The materials completely dissolve over time and after their effects are gone, nothing remains from the original substance.

Some swelling and bruising may be expected at the injection sites for a few days. There is some minimal discomfort during the procedures and often we can numb the area if necessary. Additionally, the products themselves have an anesthetic mixed into them for maximum patient comfort.