At Wimmer Dental in Centennial, we want to share all about Botox and dermal fillers. Wrinkle treatment options are on the rise and are more widely available now more than ever before. You can get treatments over-the-counter and now many healthcare providers, like our own Wimmer Dental, offer treatments for those who want longer-lasting options. Botox and dermal fillers are two of these longer-lasting options.
Both Botox and dermal fillers are used to treat facial wrinkles. Both also are administered via injections, often in multiple locations. Though they are similar, they are not the same and they are not used in the same ways. So let’s talk all about Botox and dermal fillers.
Botox
Botox is a kind of muscle relaxer that is made from bacteria, called botulinum toxin type A. It has been available for over twenty years. It has been used as a treatment for neurological disorders that result in muscle weakness as well as for migraines. Botox is also used to treat other medical issues.
When Botox is used for treating wrinkles and it is usually used on dynamic wrinkles. These are the wrinkles that occur as a result of using your facial muscles to form expressions. Such wrinkles are usually located around your eyes and mouth. They are also found between your eyebrows. As people age, these dynamic wrinkles become more pronounced and can result in people feeling like they look tired or grumpy all the time. Botox relaxes the dynamic muscles so they don’t move and this reduces the dynamic wrinkles in your face.
Botox is not used for wrinkles caused by the breakdown of collagen. Here at Wimmer Dental serving the Centennial and Littleton areas, we inject Botox into the muscles that are responsible for those dynamic wrinkles you would like treated. The whole process is very quick and within two weeks you will see a noticeable difference.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are primarily used for smile lines, but can also be used to plump up areas of the face and lips. Sometimes they can be used to reduce the appearance of scarring. Dermal fillers are not approved for use on other parts of the body. Some of the dermal fillers available include:
- Calcium hydroxylapatite
- Collagen
- Hyaluronic acid
- Poly-L-lactic acid
- Polymethylmethacrylate beads
Botox Effectiveness
Botox injections are very effective and the side effects are minimal. The most common side effects, such as bruising, disappear after a short period of time, sometimes only a couple days. Results are clear within a week or sometimes a little bit longer. There are a few medications that interfere with the effectiveness of Botox. You should consult with your provider for information on side effects, contraindications, as well as any questions you have.
Botox treatments last for approximately 3 to 4 months. To maintain the improvements of the treatments, you will need to have repeated sessions.
Dermal Filler Effectiveness
Dermal fillers are also highly effective and severe side effects are rare. Each dermal filler lasts for a different length of time and is made of different materials.
- Calcium hydroxylapatite can last up to approximately 18 months and is composed of a temporary gel substance
- Collagen can last four months.
- Hyaluronic acid can last as long as 12 months, though some patients need maintenance after six months.
- Poly-L-lactic acid is a man-made material that lasts for approximately two years though there are some reports of longer periods.
- Polymethylmethacrylate beads is a permanent dermal filler.
With some dermal fillers, an allergy test may be recommended to ensure that the treatment will be safe for you. Your provider will have recommendations to minimize any common side effects. Be sure to discuss which treatment may be best for your situation and be sure to ask questions.
Side Effects
Both Botox and dermal fillers have side effects. The most common side effects are swelling and bruising. For each product, there are different potential side effects that you should discuss with your provider.
Costs
The costs for Botox and dermal fillers vary. Insurance companies generally will not cover these sorts of treatments. Some providers will work with you on a payment plan or financing. You should discuss the possibility of these options with your provider if you need them.
Time
These procedures do not take very long, most of them only last a few minutes. You may need to have a consultation appointment first and possibly a follow-up appointment to ensure you are pleased with the results. Some offices may not require multiple appointments, so this may vary by provider. Overall, Botox and dermal fillers do not take much time and can have great results.
Results
The overwhelming majority of patients are pleased with the results of the Botox and dermal filler treatments. Many patients enjoy feeling younger and more youthful as a result of their treatments. Given the minimal side effects and how pleased patients are with the outcome, this explains why these procedures have been in use for so many years.
Questions to Consider
When discussing potential Botox or dermal filler injections, here are some questions you may want to explore with your provider:
- How satisfied have your previous patients been?
- What qualifications do you have?
- Do you have any examples and pictures of before and after to show me?
- What after-care will I need?
- What products do you use and recommend and why?
- What are the potential side effects?
- Are there any conditions that would preclude me from using your available products?
It is important to be sure that you and your provider have a clear understanding of your treatment plan and that any concerns you may have are fully addressed ahead of your chosen treatment.
If you are interested in Botox or dermal fillers, contact us at Wimmer Dental serving the Littleton and Centennial areas. We know all about Botox and dermal fillers. We can discuss your needs and expectations to determine the best options for you.